Finally, Some Games That Actually Use the Wii U’s GamePad

The Wii U console by Nintendo faced challenges in its initial release year. Between April 2013 and March 2014, global sales were under three million units. Despite surpassing the newer Xbox One in terms of sales, it did not outcompete the PlayStation 4, according to Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America. The Wii U, priced at $300, is a more affordable option than its counterparts by $100.

Nintendo continued to address the Wii U’s main drawback, the value of the integral tablet-controller hybrid, the GamePad. Critics compared the GamePad to the Kinect, which became a separate accessory for the Xbox One, suggesting that the GamePad inflated the console’s price without improving its gaming quality significantly. The cost of the GamePad was incorporated into the console and estimated at $140 for replacement.

The future Wii U games sought to integrate the GamePad more actively and versatility. These games included: Project Giant Robot, which uses the GamePad for designing and controlling robot movements in a sumo wrestling-like setup, and Project Guard, which employs the GamePad as a control panel for security cameras. Other games like Hyrule Warriors, co-operative multiplayer mode, enabled gamers to play together without splitting the screen. Similarly, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse transformed the GamePad’s integrated stylus into a paintbrush for crafting platforms and attacking foes.

Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and an experienced designer at Nintendo, played a crucial role in developing Project Giant Robot and Project Guard. These projects aimed to exploit the GamePad’s potential in innovative ways. These games were scheduled for release in 2015 along with Kirby, whereas Hyrule Warriors launched in late September of the previous year.

While it was uncertain if these games would be well received, Nintendo’s dedication to creating games exclusively for its hardware could potentially determine whether extensive use of the GamePad could substantially impact Wii U sales. Despite this, popular games like Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros., which could drive Wii U sales, did not rely heavily on the GamePad.

If the new game innovations proved successful, they would validate Nintendo’s strategy to limit game development to its hardware. It would also highlight its unique approach compared to competitors. Thus, those who wish for Nintendo to produce games for smartphones and tablets may have to be patient.

Source: Eric Johnson/Recode

Minor enhancements were applied in 2025 for readability.