When Nintendo announced the Wii U back in June last year, the company remained tight-lipped about many of the finer details about the final spec and look of the hardware. The console unit that sits under your TV has always been subject to change, but now a leaked developer unit shows a pretty major overhaul to the controller. Is Nintendo seeing the error of its ways?
The ‘My first iPad’ look of the Wii U controller tends to divide opinion, but the one demoed at E3 2011 was comfy enough to hold and solid enough to play with. Except, of course, for a problem with the one area of hardware design that Nintendo’s had the most trouble with recently: thumbsticks.
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Thing is, while the launch units all sported a couple of nubbin-like analogue thumbsticks (the same as the one that can be found on the Nintendo 3DS), the new Wii U controller has apparently evolved.
You’ll notice in the picture above that the thumbsticks have been replaced with two proper analogue joysticks, for better control. This is potentially game-changing news. Elsewhere, the controller seems to have a wider, more rounded shape, and some of the buttons have changed position.
The larger shape even has some suggesting that Ninty’s extended the wireless range on the Wii U controller, meaning you could be on the other side of the house from the console and still be able to play using its 6.3-inch touchscreen.
All in all, it looks like Nintendo’s on a mission to get the Wii U right for every type of gamer. If that means tinkering with the controller right up until its Christmas launch, then so be it. Only question is: what will the console unit actually look like?
Via GamesRadar
