Gaming Splatoon

[duffmmann]

I dont think you get it. Gamepads cost too damn much to justify purchasing another one. Nobody wants to pay 150 - 200 for a controller. Also, a second pad would need to allow the Wii U to do more, like run two pieces of software at the same time

- 2 low end eShop games
- a full retail game and the web browser
- netflix and a game

these three options would be worth a second gamepad.

Well there must be a reason that Nintendo made a point to say, hey the Wii U can do this. It seems likely that in the future they'll have some plans that utilize the option to play games with 3 screens (obviously with 2 to 3 people or more). And like I said, I bet a second gamepad would only run $100 at retail, not 150 to 200 dollars, I mean do you think that the Wii U console itself is only worth $50 to $100? I mean all the Gamepad is is a Wii U pro controller with a touch screen and a cheap mic, given that a Wii U Pro controller runs about $50 retail, I really find it hard to believe that a touch screen in this day and age would hike up the price $100 to $150 more, I could see it running up the price an extra $50 to $70 though. So I'd expect a retail gamepad would cost between $100 to $120, and for the right games/content, that's not so bad at all.

In time I expect we'll see them on sale at retail at the prices I mentioned, I just don't know if Splatoon will be a part of the games that support it, but I could certainly see it being a possibility in a future update as I mentioned. Another great thing they could do would be to allow a game like say Mario Kart 8 to get an update to allow up to 6 player local multiplayer, 4 player split screen on the tv, and 2 players getting their own gamepads.

 

[LightyKD]

Well there must be a reason that Nintendo made a point to say, hey the Wii U can do this. It seems likely that in the future they'll have some plans that utilize the option to play games with 3 screens (obviously with 2 to 3 people or more). And like I said, I bet a second gamepad would only run $100 at retail, not 150 to 200 dollars, I mean do you think that the Wii U console itself is only worth $50 to $100? I mean all the Gamepad is is a Wii U pro controller with a touch screen and a cheap mic, given that a Wii U Pro controller runs about $50 retail, I really find it hard to believe that a touch screen in this day and age would hike up the price $100 to $150 more, I could see it running up the price an extra $50 to $70 though. So I'd expect a retail gamepad would cost between $100 to $120, and for the right games/content, that's not so bad at all.

In time I expect we'll see them on sale at retail at the prices I mentioned, I just don't know if Splatoon will be a part of the games that support it, but I could certainly see it being a possibility in a future update as I mentioned. Another great thing they could do would be to allow a game like say Mario Kart 8 to get an update to allow up to 6 player local multiplayer, 4 player split screen on the tv, and 2 players getting their own gamepads.

I tell you why Nintendo said that stuff about a second gamepad. They wanted to shut people up. It was E3 time and they simply didn't want the bad press of having a console that supported only one of their new "game changing" controllers. If we ever get dual pad support, it will be closer to 2017.

 

[duffmmann]

I tell you why Nintendo said that stuff about a second gamepad. They wanted to shut people up. It was E3 time and they simply didn't want the bad press of having a console that supported only one of their new "game changing" controllers. If we ever get dual pad support, it will be closer to 2017.

Perhaps, but it is a possibility, and if the price were indeed between $100 to $120 for a completely optional controller that could open up fun new modes for multiplayer games, I think thats pretty reasonable. I'd definitely buy another gamepad at that price for the right gaming experiences (or for something like watching Netflix and playing a game like you had mentioned, which if I recall Nintendo has stated that at some point in the future running 2 programs at once may be a possibility).

Obviously I don't know Nintendo's plans, I'm just speculating on possibilities. It very well may be another 2 years before we see 2 gamepad support, and Splatoon may not ever be one of such games that gets an update for such hypothetical support, but if it did, it could definitely benefit from it for its multiplayer experience as I explained with the whole tapping on the map to fly to that section on the fly. Hell, maybe in the future should support for 2 gamepads come out, a lot of games already out might get such updates, Hyrule Warriors for another example could possibly support 3 player mode instead of just 2.

 

[the_randomizer]

I tell you why Nintendo said that stuff about a second gamepad. They wanted to shut people up. It was E3 time and they simply didn't want the bad press of having a console that supported only one of their new "game changing" controllers. If we ever get dual pad support, it will be closer to 2017.

Maybe the reason they said it is to shut people up and stop them from bitching about everything Nintendo does wrong and how the customers are somehow "right"?

 

[duffmmann]

Maybe the reason they said it is to shut people up and stop them from bitching about everything Nintendo does wrong and how the customers are somehow "right"?

I think ultimately its something they've implemented strictly for the occasion(s) that they come out with a truly brilliant idea that could utilize 3 screens. That hasn't yet been something that is neccesary, but there are games out already that could utilize it, its just none of them would truly be revolutionary: like I said, Hyrule Warriors could support up to 3 players, MK8 could support up to 6 players locally, Splatoon could allow for 2 players to go online (due to my belief that since the second player is not able to jump to a spot on the map on the fly with a pro controller is why I believe they haven't allowed 2 players to go online as it stands on the same console), etc. etc. Right now, all the examples I can think of are just about adding more multiplayer options. LightyKD made a good point on possibilities as well, such as watching Netflix on one screen, and playing a game on the other two.

There is plenty of current potential, that I could see coming with updates should the possibility ever be made. But I think Nintendo wants to first come out with a killer experience that would convince the consumer that they need another gamepad, and that IS a hard sell, but if they could come up with some brilliant 3 player asymmetrical gameplay experience (or something like that) that wows everyone (have no idea what that would be), that would be the time to do it and then to soon start chugging out updates to games and modes already available.

 

[shinkodachi]

I don't know what you're all having, but I'd like to remind that the Wii U barely supports two GamePads at once and forces a drop in framerate to 30fps at most. I proved this point earlier in another thread with numbers from Digital Foundry, which are accurate.

Now tell me how is a multiplayer fast-paced shooter game going to be with "brilliant 3 player asymmetrical gameplay experience" that "vows us all" when a second GamePad is guaranteed to cost $100+ and forces a decrease in framerate?

 

[laudern]

Why are people wondering when nintendo will release a wii u game worthy of 3 screens when nintendo have barely released a game worthy of 2 screens??

 

[WiiCube_2013]

Well Duh. they'll only sell them separately once they finally release a game that utilizes two gamepads. It makes no sense at this point to sell separate gamepads. Hence why I said it could be a possible future update. The update would come at a time when they offer separate gamepads for sale. Which is clearly something they've considered doing for the future as otherwise there is next to no reason why they made the console able to communicate with two gamepads to begin with.

I think prices would probably be more like $100 max when they do end up as separate purchases in stores, given that a new Wii U console as a whole with a gamepad and game is $250. Ebay prices aren't based on gamepads being something you can actually buy in stores separately.

If at launch people had an option between a controller that cost $40 and $150 it's easy to tell that they'd go for the cheaper one because customers are always looking for a bargain, and in this case it'd be very few who'd be buying a $150 controller for one game 'cause that's really just too much (even $90-100 is too much too).

Too little too late for Nintendo to even consider making this option now.

Only three years until 2018.

 

[shinkodachi]

If at launch people had an option between a controller that cost $40 and $150 it's easy to tell that they'd go for the cheaper one because customers are always looking for a bargain, and in this case it'd be very few who'd be buying a $150 controller for one game 'cause that's really just too much (even $90-100 is too much too).

This. The conscious consumer will also think "when that controller breaks in a year or two, how much will a new one cost?" As we know, consoles and controllers are not a one-time purchase. All kinds of hardware defects and general wear and tear is possible. I mean, look at this: http://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-gamepad-stick-issue.381421/. Poor guy will probably have to replace the entire Wii U GamePad because of a broken left stick. And people here are yearning for 3 player asymmetrical gameplay? Ugh.

 

[duffmmann]

If at launch people had an option between a controller that cost $40 and $150 it's easy to tell that they'd go for the cheaper one because customers are always looking for a bargain, and in this case it'd be very few who'd be buying a $150 controller for one game 'cause that's really just too much (even $90-100 is too much too).

Too little too late for Nintendo to even consider making this option now.

Only three years until 2018.

Too much for you perhaps, but $100 seems quite reasonable to me. Not too late at all. And it wouldn't be just one game, its like I mentioned above, they could find one or two great new games that make brilliant use of 3 screens for asymmetrical play or whatever, and then go and give a ton of old games updates to support 3 screens: 3 player support for Hyrule Warriors, 6 player local multiplayer for Mario Kart, 2 player online mode for Splatoon, I mean I could go on and on with examples of games that are out already that could get updates for 2 gamepads. Not to mention ideas like LightyKD had such as watching Netflix on one screen, and playing a game on the other two. Lets not act like if a second gamepad became an option for one game in the future, that they can't update any previous software, thats just silly, of course they could, it's like how they've added amiibo support to Mario Kari 8 and Hyrule Warriors long after those games were released.

 

[duffmmann]

This. The conscious consumer will also think "when that controller breaks in a year or two, how much will a new one cost?" As we know, consoles and controllers are not a one-time purchase. All kinds of hardware defects and general wear and tear is possible. I mean, look at this: http://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-gamepad-stick-issue.381421/. Poor guy will probably have to replace the entire Wii U GamePad because of a broken left stick. And people here are yearning for 3 player asymmetrical gameplay? Ugh.

Most people take care of their gamepad as they know it isn't cheap. I mean did you break your gamepad? I still have the original NES controller that came with my NES back in '91 and it still works. Lets not act like breaking a controller (especially a controller with a screen in it) is a normal everyday thing.

A second gamepad for games will never be a necessity, but it is a possibility and it would be totally optional for those that want to experience games that way. It's like Sony's upcoming VR set for the PS4, completely optional, not cheap, yet people that want to experience it will pay for it, simple as that, don't want it, don't get it.

 

[shinkodachi]

Most people take care of their gamepad as they know it isn't cheap. I mean did you break your gamepad?

Most people use their controllers for playing games. I wash my hands every time before I touch anything and the left stick on my Wii U GamePad has come loose thanks to those extensive nights of playing Super Mario 3D World and Bayonetta 2. It's at the point where control is a little imprecise and sooner or later will have to be repaired. I've similarly worn down a Wii U Pro Controller and countless other controllers in my lifetime, from DualShocks to Xbox controllers. I really don't know what you do with your Wii U GamePad, but I play games on mine and I take great care of everything I own. That said, wear and tear is a fact of life and it's really not surprising an analog stick starts coming loose or breaks down due to heavy use.

 

[duffmmann]

Most people use their controllers for playing games. I wash my hands every time before I touch anything and the left stick on my Wii U GamePad has come loose thanks to those extensive nights of playing Super Mario 3D World and Bayonetta 2. It's at the point where control is a little imprecise and sooner or later will have to be repaired. I've similarly worn down a Wii U Pro Controller and countless other controllers in my lifetime, from DualShocks to Xbox controllers. I really don't know what you do with your Wii U GamePad, but I play games on mine and I take great care of everything I own. That said, wear and tear is a fact of life and it's really not surprising an analog stick starts coming loose or breaks down due to heavy use.

Yeah... and most people take good care of their controllers. Some people do break them, but thats not a normal thing. And when you have a controller like the Gamepad with a touch screen and mic built into it, you make sure not to just leave it anywhere, not to throw, not to let little kids or pets mess with it. If you treat it properly it will last a long time. None of my N64, PS1 Dual Shock, or Gamecube analog sticks have worn out at all over the years despite the extensive play I've given all of them. Its like I said about my NES controllers they all still work fantastically over 25 years later. If I get half of that kind of lifespan out a great controller like the Gamepad (which I see no reason why I wouldn't), then I have no issue with that. Nintendo made it a possibility to have two gamepads used on the same console, they did, thats a fact. So this whole argument of controllers break so they shouldn't even allow that to be an option for any game is just foolish. You don't want to take the chance of paying $100 on a new controller, then don't do it, it will never be a requirement, but simply an option. Should they not release VR sets because they could break and they are costly and they are completely optional? Of course not, buyer beware, simple as that.

 

[shinkodachi]

You've obviously not played any arcade games in your life. If you're trying to say Nintendo products are immune to wear and tear, I don't want to continue this dicussion.

 

[WiiCube_2013]

I'm very careful with all my controllers and even then my 360 had one of its buttons go off as it was mushy than clicky, so I had to open reattach (just slightly move it) and then close it, so it's not always the customer's fault that the products go faulty for some reason.

If it were some other guy he'd just have bought another one or so.

 

[duffmmann]

You've obviously not played any arcade games in your life. If you're trying to say Nintendo products are immune to wear and tear, I don't want to continue this dicussion.

I just take good care of my controllers and know that I don't need to slam on the buttons or analog sticks. I play plenty of arcade games. If you're breaking a lot of controllers, then you're probably not taking good care of them, but no, I'm not saying that Nintendo products are immune to wear and tear at all. Even still, if your point is valid, then that's all the more reason for Nintendo to offer Gamepads at retail anyway. Cuz your argument is that eventually gamepads will break so people will have to replace them and if they can buy them at retail it would be way cheaper than the price people put them up for on ebay, and if they're available at retail at that point anyway, they might as well have them available for those that want to play with two gamepads should Nintendo actually ever allow that for a future game and update past games.

 

[shinkodachi]

I just take good care of my controllers and know that I don't need to slam on the buttons or analog sticks. I play plenty of arcade games. If you're breaking a lot of controllers, then you're probably not taking good care of them, but no, I'm not saying that Nintendo products are immune to wear and tear at all. Even still, if your point is valid, then that's all the more reason for Nintendo to offer Gamepads at retail anyway. Cuz your argument is that eventually gamepads will break so people will have to replace them and if they can buy them at retail it would be way cheaper than the price people put them up for on ebay, and if they're available at retail at that point anyway, they might as well have them available for those that want to play with two gamepads should Nintendo actually ever allow that for a future game and update past games.

I seriously don't think you understand the cost behind the Wii U GamePad. There's no official bill of materials (BOM) disclosed, but it should be obvious from the parts used that it's an expensive piece on its own, estimated to make up 1/3rd of the total cost of a Wii U set. Obviously prices would be better than eBay currently, but considering the RRP for the Wii U Pro Controller is $49, how much do you think a Wii U GamePad will cost? Definitely in the $100 range.

And no matter how good care you take of your items, I know that I take excellent care of everything I own, it's still very possible to wear down a controller and that's a fact of life. Maybe you don't play as much as I do, but I can assure you after an 8 hour marathon of Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 it's impossible for me to use the same controller again without feeling the left stick almost falling out of the controller. I don't know whether the intensity I play at is too much for the controller to bear, but that's beside the point since a controller is made to be used for playing games and what better way to do that than being excited about a game while playing it? If you've never worn down a controller in your life you're probably not playing a lot of games. I still have perfectly working NES controllers, though that doesn't mean I haven't destroyed at least three others. Screw Ninja Gaiden for that.

 

[duffmmann]

I seriously don't think you understand the cost behind the Wii U GamePad. There's no official bill of materials (BOM) disclosed, but it should be obvious from the parts used that it's an expensive piece on its own, estimated to make up 1/3rd of the total cost of a Wii U set. Obviously prices would be better than eBay currently, but considering the RRP for the Wii U Pro Controller is $49, how much do you think a Wii U GamePad will cost? Definitely in the $100 range.

And no matter how good care you take of your items, I know that I take excellent care of everything I own, it's still very possible to wear down a controller and that's a fact of life. Maybe you don't play as much as I do, but I can assure you after an 8 hour marathon of Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 it's impossible for me to use the same controller again without feeling the left stick almost falling out of the controller. I don't know whether the intensity I play at is too much for the controller to bear, but that's beside the point since a controller is made to be used for playing games and what better way to do that than being excited about a game while playing it? If you've never worn down a controller in your life you're probably not playing a lot of games. I still have perfectly working NES controllers, though that doesn't mean I haven't destroyed at least three others. Screw Ninja Gaiden for that.

That's exactly the price I've been quoting, read my posts from earlier, or right here if you're not inclined to read everything I've said about this, I really hate reiterating points though because people can't be bothered to read:

And like I said, I bet a second gamepad would only run $100 at retail, not 150 to 200 dollars, I mean do you think that the Wii U console itself is only worth $50 to $100? I mean all the Gamepad is is a Wii U pro controller with a touch screen and a cheap mic, given that a Wii U Pro controller runs about $50 retail, I really find it hard to believe that a touch screen in this day and age would hike up the price $100 to $150 more, I could see it running up the price an extra $50 to $70 though. So I'd expect a retail gamepad would cost between $100 to $120, and for the right games/content, that's not so bad at all.

And for me $100 for a gamepad isn't a bad deal at all, I'd definitely buy a second gamepad at that price for the right experience. I beat both Bayonettas in a matter of days with one of my Wii U Pro controllers and my controller is just fine, no wear or tear as far as I can tell. But that doesn't matter anyway. You're really disregarding my whole point. Anyway, like you said, gamepads will eventually break down, if you play them like some people do I guess, which as I said is just all the more reason to make them available at retail at a price around $100-$120, which is very reasonable to me. And if they do get to that point, might as well start implementing the option for two gamepads for certain games.

 

[shinkodachi]

That's exactly the price I've been quoting, read my posts from earlier, or right here if you're not inclined to read everything I've said about this, I really hate reiterating points though because people can't be bothered to read:

I read your posts, you implied the cost isn't as big as it is. $100 for a controller is a lot of money. I say that as someone who has put more than $400 on an arcade stick.

Anyway, like you said, gamepads will eventually break down

I'm glad we're in agreement.

might as well start implementing the option for two gamepads for certain games.

So you can play 60fps games in 30fps?

 

[duffmmann]

I read your posts, you implied the cost isn't as big as it is. $100 for a controller is a lot of money. I say that as someone who has put more than $400 on an arcade stick.

Not a lot of money to me honestly, like I said it'd be completely optional, the retail reason would be two-fold, available to those that need to replace their gamepad, and available to those that want to experience new ways to play games, I don't get why this is a bad thing. I'd be more than willing to plop $100 down on a second gamepad. And should one ever break sometime in the future, then yeah, I'd have no problem paying another $100 at that point, though I'd suspect that would be years in the future if they keep holding up the way they have been for me.

I'm glad we're in agreement.

Me Too

So you can play 60fps games in 30fps?

For the right experience, yes. 30fps has never bothered me.