The Wii U GamePad stands out as one of the most innovative controllers ever designed by Nintendo. The 6.2” touchscreen built directly into the controller enabled a new “second screen” gameplay experience and allowed many Wii U titles to be played entirely on the GamePad without the need for a TV.
While the Wii U ultimately struggled in the market, the GamePad laid the foundation for gameplay concepts that continued into future systems like the Nintendo Switch. For Wii U owners, unlocking the full potential of off-TV play can open up new ways to enjoy games around the house and on the go. This definitive guide will cover everything you need to know to get the most out of playing on just the Wii U GamePad.
GamePad Hardware and Specifications
Nintendo packed an impressive amount of technology into the Wii U GamePad to power the integrated screen and wireless streaming:
- 6.2 inch LCD touchscreen with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and 488 x 320 native resolution
- 802.11n wireless for low-latency video streaming from console up to 26 feet away
- Infrared transceiver on top edge for communications with sensor bar
- Stereo speakers with surround sound simulation for game audio
- Volume slider, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, microphone, front and rear cameras
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 3 hours of gameplay per charge
For comparison, the GamePad’s screen size falls between a smartphone and tablet, while the resolution is closer to older model tablets and handheld gaming devices like PlayStation Vita. The wireless technology was designed specially for low-latency video streaming to avoid lag.
According to a GamePad teardown by the FCC, the controller contains multiple antennas and proprietary protocol chips developed by Nintendo to achieve the fast, stable connection.
GamePad Battery Life
One common concern with the GamePad is battery life, especially when playing for long periods without charging. Extensive tests by reviewers found the following average battery runtimes based on screen brightness:
| Brightness | Battery Life |
| Max | 2 hours |
| 75% | 2.5 hours |
| 50% | 3 hours |
| 25% | 3.5 hours |
Factors like speaker volume, Wi-Fi interference, and processor-intensive games can impact these times. But keeping brightness around 50% provides a good balance.
Syncing and Connecting the GamePad
Before using the GamePad wirelessly, it must be synced to the Wii U console. Nintendo recommends being within 5-10 feet for the initial sync. This is done by pressing the SYNC button on both the console and GamePad.
Once synced, the maximum wireless range is approximately 26 feet under ideal conditions. The GamePad connects directly to the console using 802.11n Wi-Fi without a router required. Latency is minimized through proprietary compression algorithms that allow fast streaming of audio and video.
According to Nintendo’s senior managing engineer Genyo Takeda, "Getting the GamePad to communicate directly with the console was easier said than done.” This expertise allowed Nintendo to achieve seamless integration between the two devices.
Activating Off-TV Play
For games that support off-TV play, the feature is typically activated from the Options or Settings menu within the game. Look for a “TV Mode” or “Off-TV Play” selection. When enabled, the GamePad screen will display the game while the TV screen shows nothing.
Off-TV play is useful when others want to watch the main TV or you want to play away from the console‘s location. Shigeru Miyamoto said this flexibility was a key goal during development.
Games Compatible with Off-TV Play
The vast majority of first and third-party Wii U titles support off-TV play on the GamePad. Some notable examples include:
- Super Mario 3D World
- Mario Kart 8
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
- New Super Mario Bros. U
- Pikmin 3
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
There are also many great Virtual Console retro games playable on the GamePad. Check the back of Wii U game boxes to confirm Off-TV Play compatibility.
Pro Controller vs. GamePad-Only Experience
For players who prefer a traditional controller, Nintendo also released the Wii U Pro Controller. Shaped like a standard gamepad, it contains all the same buttons and sticks as the GamePad in a compact design.
When playing off-TV on the GamePad, the Pro Controller can be connected wirelessly to control the game. The Pro Controller’s 80 hour battery far exceeds the GamePad, but of course it lacks the integrated screen.
Connecting the GamePad to Other Devices
Beyond pairing with the Wii U console, the GamePad can also connect wirelessly to other devices like smartphones and tablets using Bluetooth 4.0.
According to the Wii U GamePad teardown by AnandTech, the controller contains a Broadcom BCM20715 Bluetooth chip allowing these connections.
To pair with a phone, simply press SYNC on the GamePad and scan/select it within your phone’s Bluetooth settings. This allows the GamePad to act as a game controller or multimedia remote. But high latency over Bluetooth makes it a poor fit for real-time gaming.
GamePad Accessories
To enhance the GamePad experience, accessories were released like charging stands, screen protectors, and battery packs.
The Nyko Power Pak attaches a larger battery back onto the GamePad doubling playtime. The Wii U Helper Box is a specialty controller made for gamers with limited mobility, bundling accessible buttons with a GamePad.
GamePad accessories demonstrate the controller’s versatility and appeal for a wide audience.
Using Wii Remotes and Other Controllers
In addition to the GamePad, many Wii controllers and accessories are compatible with Wii U games:
- Wii Remote
- Wii Remote Plus
- Nunchuk
- Classic Controller
- Wii Balance Board
The Wii U supports up to four of these controllers simultaneously along with the GamePad. The catch is that only the GamePad provides off-TV gameplay.
Limited GameCube Controller Compatibility
For Super Smash Bros. fans, Nintendo released an adapter allowing up to four GameCube controllers to connect. However, this adapter only works with Smash Bros. on Wii U.
For other Wii U titles, third-party adapters like the Mayflash GameCube Controller Adapter add support by emulating a Pro Controller input. With this added connectivity, GameCube controllers can work with Mario Kart 8, Breath of the Wild, and more.
Understanding the Wii U’s Market Failure
Despite the GamePad’s innovations, the Wii U stumbled commercially and was discontinued in 2017 after just 13.5 million units sold. For comparison, the original Wii sold over 100 million.
Industry analysts cite several reasons for the Wii U’s failure:
- Unclear marketing made it seem like just an add-on for Wii
- Technically lagged far behind PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
- Minimal support from third-party game developers
- Slow release of compelling first-party Nintendo games
Many felt the GamePad would have made more sense as a portable console, foreshadowing the later Switch hybrid design. But the GamePad still represents an important chapter in Nintendo‘s experimentation.
Tips for Enhancing GamePad-Only Play
Here are some tips for getting the most enjoyment out of playing Wii U games directly on the GamePad:
- Adjust screen brightness based on ambient lighting
- Use headphones for enhanced audio immersion
- Take regular breaks during long play sessions
- Keep GamePad close to Wii U for optimal wireless performance
- Play in a swivel chair for easy viewing angle adjustment
- Reduce interference by turning off nearby electronics
- Attach a battery pack for extended cord-free playtime
The Pros and Cons of Off-TV Play
Off-TV play on the Wii U GamePad offers some major advantages but also has some limitations to consider:
Pros:
- Play games wirelessly anywhere around the house
- Avoid monopolizing the family television
- Discrete gaming in public or while traveling
- Game audio streams directly from the GamePad
Cons:
- Smaller screen than an HD television
- Limited battery life compared to TV console play
- Not all Wii U games support off-TV play
- Can’t use GameCube controllers
Weighing these factors allows you to decide when enjoying games directly on the GamePad makes the most sense. The flexibility it provides is perfect for certain times, rooms, and situations.
Conclusion
This definitive guide covered everything related to playing off-TV on the innovative Wii U GamePad. From optimizing the wireless connection to enhancing real-world playability, you can now unlock the full potential of the GamePad as a versatile screen built directly into the controller.
While the Wii U had its struggles, the GamePad pioneered gameplay concepts and strongly influenced Nintendo’s future handheld-console hybrids. For owners today, these tips and tricks will allow you to experience your favorite Wii U games in new ways. No TV required!
