The Unknown Brilliance of the Wii U Gamepad

On 05/29/2013 at 12:07 AM by Casey Curran

So I finally got my Wii U in the mail (took you long enough UPS). Spent some time with New Super Mario Bros U and a little with Super Metroid (I mean, 30 cents. Can't go wrong with that). I noticed something really interesting during this: I prefer to play Mario on the TV while I prefer Metroid on the Gamepad's screen. Could not help but wonder why that was.

The answer, I soon realized after was because Mario was in HD while Metroid is not. Mario looks a lot nicer on the television screen because of this while Metroid looks a lot nicer on the Gamepad because it does not expose the weaknesses that an HDTV does. This is true of the PS3 and PSP as well. I prefer everything except PS1 games on my PS3 while I enjoy those on my PSP because they look like crap on my HDTV.

This is where the Wii U's brilliance truly shines through. It is a system that is able to provide both a modern and retro experience. And that is pretty fucking awesome.

asrealasitgets

05/29/2013 at 12:42 AM

I was pleasantly surprised with the WiiUs capablities when I set it all up. I like MarioU and the Miiverse picto-chat component, but I also enjoy the way the gamepad makes old games look fresh, because it's compressed onto a smaller screen I suppose. Super Metroid looks kind of HD on the gamepad, but retro pixel style on an HD tv. Best of both worlds in my opinion. I also like the way Monster Hunter clears the clutter off the main screen and onto the gamepad and how zombiU uses the gamepad creatively. Scanning stuff on walls and all. It's a good little system. I am anticipating new game reveals at this E3 for sure.

Captain N

05/29/2013 at 12:47 AM

Glad you're enjoying it, and yep what you say it's true. Metroid looks much more better on the Gamepad vs. Mario looks nice on the tv, and I did play a bit of Mario on the GP so it looks good too. What's also cool is playing a big game on the Gamepad when you want to watch something on tv like netflix. The only problem is that you'll have to use another console for that. GBA games will look good on the GP, the only thing I wish was that they were for the 3DS.

Raised_on_Nintendo

05/29/2013 at 12:53 AM

The only gripe I have with the Gamepad is how it disconnects so easily. There are times I'm literally 3 feet away from the console and the Gamepad disconnects. Granted, the console is in a bit of an alcove shelf area, and will perform better once I move it to a more open area, but I would like to have seen a stronger signal between the console and gamepad.

BrokenH

05/29/2013 at 01:03 AM

I have to agree. Some games are more beautiful at a lower resolution. It's nice the Wii U controller has a screen that can preserve the fidelity of classic games.

Super Step Contributing Writer

05/29/2013 at 05:26 AM

I/we've never even owned an HDTV. Retro experience err' day.

Aboboisdaman

05/29/2013 at 09:40 AM

Super Metroid for 30 cents?!?!?!?!! That's awesome! I noticed that PS2 games also look like crap on a HD tv. I read that there's a way to hook it up where it looks okay though.

Joaquim Mira Media Manager

05/29/2013 at 10:43 AM

Playing Super Metroid while taking a dump? Brilliant indeed. The off-TV mode is just that.

Chunopo

05/30/2013 at 01:21 PM

My handhelds have been in many many toilets for those.... ahem..... longer sessions.

transmet2033

05/29/2013 at 11:29 AM

All I have ever wanted was a semi-portable copy of super metroid. I guess that I am going to have to buy a wii u. Darn.

KnightDriver

05/29/2013 at 03:44 PM

Wow that sounds cool! I've just started thinking about getting a Wii-U since Pikmin 3 is coming in August.

NSonic79

05/29/2013 at 09:27 PM

it never occured to my to even considered using the gamepad for that kind of use. Looks like I need to reconsider a Wii U sooner than I thought.

TripOpt55

05/30/2013 at 03:53 AM

Good point. Some games just look awful these days on the big screen.

Chris Yarger Community Manager

05/30/2013 at 06:48 AM

I'm just waiting for a Fatal Frame game to utilize the controller.. I think it would be brilliant!

05/30/2013 at 01:23 PM

With Nintendo behind the helm I see the use of their new 'pad' becoming greater, it's a great idea to allow play off the big screen, very handy in most households I imagine.

PixlBit