June 10th, 2012

A closer look at the Wii U Pro Controller (and a hands-on preview)

49 Comments

Engadget went hands-on with the Wii U Pro Controller at E3 2012, and also shared a couple of high-quality photos (one of which is shown above). As for what they thought of the controller itself, this snippet explains their impressions the best:

…the controller seems to be slightly wider and a bit shorter than the 360′s. The unit’s ergonomic shape and button layout proved very comfortable during our session, not least of which included its fairly sturdy feeling build quality and light weight.

But if you want more depth, you can click here to read their full preview.

  • suportedcofe

    I think it was very smart of Nintendo to copy the shape of the 360 controller.

    • Enzo

      There’s not much “copying” going on considering the overall shape and ergonomics of a standard controller is roughly the same.

    • TechTris

      The SNES controller set the standard for all controllers nowadays (PS3 dualshock, 360 controller, Classic controllers, etc.)

    • SleepyGuyy

      The 360 controler was the first, very well shaped design. Considering where the sides get thickest to fit human hands. So I’d say Nintendo copied yes, but its a good thing. Let Nintendo copy something once in a while, all other game companies release rip off after rip off.

    • Co-Wink-Key-Dink inc

      most people would say playstation dualshock controller 1 (Xbox 360, Classic controlller pro, and even onlive’s are silmar

    • MadCrain

      TechTris and everyone actually, believe it or not, Nintendo created D-pads and Analog sticks, But that doesn’t matter, Nintendo still “copied” the 360 Controller, And while you may say that the 360 Controller copied the Gamecube, it’s water under the bridge, I for one love the new Controller, but I’ll be using the gamepad most of the time.

    • weirdo

      NO ATARI MADE THE FIRST ANALOGUE STICK BITCHES STOP TALKING OUTA YOUR ASS AND GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT oh yeah and I can’t wait for pikmin 3 because I’ve been waiting for it since I was 16 back in 04′ when I completed pikmin 2 ^_^

    • TheLordVoldemort

      Oh, shut up. This is one thing Nintendo basically copies from another competitor.
      Otherwise, include the fact that Sony/Microsoft stole a D-Pad, analog stick, buttons and motion controls from Nintendo.

      Back on topic, this controller looks good. The raised buttons (ABXY) looks like it gives it some depth and mass; something the PS3 controller lacks.
      Also, the 360 controller is too ‘bulky’ with the buttons and the way they get pushed in. This doesn’t seem that way.

    • Deuce

      The solid truth will only spawn more ridiculous rationale demanding the opposite of truth. It was inspired by the 360 controller. They also did that to draw in 360 users. There.

    • the psvita is better

      c’mon guys just admit it, saying that the wii u pro controller is all original and doesnt copy the 360 controller design, is like saying that the playstation move doesnt copy the wii mote

    • Mike R.

      Sorry to say this, but you can’t really copy a controller, their have been so many different kinds of controller ov the years, the 360 adopted a previous controller design, and that’s exactly what the Wii U did, their was no copying here.

    • ZombiU looks amazing

      You can’t even make an original reg controller anymore shit has been done far too long unless you start your ideas with N64 in mind for your controller…….

      + i love the fact that they even made this controller looks exaclty like the 360 which i like but its buttons could be better and this one looks to fix that prob.

      + 1 to microsoft fanboys i guess

    • miiworld2

      Look picture above.

      Look picture here.
      http://pective.com/m/xbox-360-controller-2

      (shrugs) you call this a copycat buddy?

  • mrman

    There was a video with it too…

  • Zack

    Am I the only one that thinks the controller looks all fat and ugly? :P Not to complain, but for a “Wii U Pro” controller, I would have preferred something more like the gamecube controller. Nothing has ever compared to it, it’s just so damn comfortable.. and sexy. T_T

    • Rick

      Yes, you are…

    • led

      That’s cause your used to it, and wii wasn’ terribly confortable for extended gameplay

    • Double

      my only worry is playing smash bros without a gamecube controller. just the thought of it scares me ;-;

    • http://www.gamesradar.com GameManiac

      @Double.

      My thoughts exactly, although I can already imagine how I’d play Super Smash Bros. Wii U with this controller.

      I can adapt.

    • Odeon X

      Yep, you’re the only one.

    • Odeon X

      LOLZ! Attracted to video game controller? You are a gay FREAK!

    • Milun

      Nintendo fans, why are you so horrible? (In response to the guy above me). And yes, the GC DID have the best controller.

    • jdub

      @double
      Dough! Hadn’t of that. After 6 years of the gamecube one this will be different indeed. On the other hand brawl was so terrible I might not get the new smash bros. We’ll see.

    • http://wiiublog.com O.P

      @jdub How can u say brwal was teribble!!!??!! Explain yourself jdum ohhh i mean dub

    • http://www.gamesradar.com GameManiac

      @jdub
      You type blasphemy on this blog.

    • http://gravatar.com/jacknzack27 JacknZack

      i actually never liked the gamecube controller and thought it was uncomfortable

    • Tave

      @Double
      1st thing I thought about when I realized the Wii U didn’t have GC ports.

  • cheetohs

    yoyoyo mah bros

    • MadCrain

      Dah fuq?

    • Ricardo

      Wazz up brah.

  • cheetohs

    yo im back brahs

  • Dmt4030

    it looks kinda like a Sega genesis controller with ps3 button’s and Wii like Thumb stick along with Xbox 360 trigger’s

  • Swankenstein
  • crash

    If it comes included with the system, Nintendo is doing it right.

    • X

      Didn’t Mr. Iwata say that that the controller was seperate in the nintendo direct.

    • try thinking it really helps

      correction if bundled with console nintendo is doing WRONG this is a pro classic pad why focus on obsolete pads when theres a wiiu gamepad and wm+ remotes

      u fail big time dude nintendo needs to package wiiu gamepad and fingers crossed a wm+ remote why would nintendo focus on old obsolete controls

  • http://wiiublog.com Pops_waka waka

    I love the look of the controller and i will prob. us it for fifa and nba 2k and othr sport games.

    And im the only one who notices nintendo i showing way to much black wii u to not put it in stores at launch

  • baka

    If every system comes with one then Nintendo can have my money.

  • Phazer Effect

    Damn I was hoping this had analog triggers!!! Hopefully Nintendo changes that by launch.

  • NAME

    so does this mean the screen isn’t necessary

  • try thinking it really helps

    gota love the xtard fanboys a wiiu gamepad front and a wavebird underside A X360 CONTROLLER IT DOESNT MAKE

  • Joe

    I don’t really like that power button being dead center. I hope you have to double tap it to power off otherwise that could be really annoying. I know other systems turn off by the middle button as well, but that is done via menus. I would have skipped the power button and made it accessible via the home (menu) button like other systems. Love the controller past that. The xbox controller is by far the best controller out there. This is one time where I’m glad they cloned the other guy. Now if only they could clone xbox live and then we’d have a winner. At least till the new systems beat it in a year or two.

    • Divad

      You mean besides the part where you have to pay to play online?

    • Tave

      Its probably like the Wii, where you have to hold it for a while. If it was in the home menu, you couldn’t turn it on with it.

  • rtrtnh

    The xbox controller was inspired by the gamecube controller.

    • Divad

      If you hold them face to face the buttons, analog sicks, and the dpad are all in the same place.