E3 2012: Closer Look At Wii U's GamePad Controller

Thanks to Nintendo's pre-E3 livestream Nintendo Direct, we got a few more details regarding the Wii U and its unique tablet controller hybrid today. Officially called the Wii U GamePad, it's sporting a few changes and tweaks since the original unveiling of the prototype. The first most notable and perhaps important change, which will undoubtedly have gamers sighing in relief is that the circle pads, which were akin to the Nintendo 3DS' thumbstick have now been replaced. The final version of the GamePad is sporting two compressible analogue sticks. Beneath the clickable gaming sticks we have the rest of the buttons laid out. You will notice from the above picture that the directional pad along with the face buttons on the right hand side are no longer directly under the joysticks. Far from being a simple aesthetic change, Iwata explained that the new postions lended themselves to providing greater comfort, especially during long play sessions. Under the D-pad you'll also notice a square symbol. This is the NFC (near field communication) technology that the Wii U is sporting. It allows the scanning of real world objects into games. Remember that kinect video a few years back of a boy scanning his skateboard into a game? Think of it like that, except the feature might actually get used on Nintendo's platform. The TV button allows the GamePad to be turned into an infra red television controller and you'll be able to transfer pictures and videos you're browsing on the GamePad's screen straight to your television. How is Nintendo's tablet controller looking to you guys? Is it enough to make you reach for your wallets?