Nintendo Wii U Controllers

The Nintendo Wii U is a very unique console when it comes to controller options, with its blend of Wii U Gamepad functionality combined with Wiimote controller compatibility. For this reason the Nintendo Wii U has one of the broadest range of compatible controller styles of any console in recent memory. Take a look at the diverse selection of Nintendo Wii U controllers available for your gaming preference.

Nintendo Wii U Gamepad

The Nintendo Gamepad is both an intricate part of the console itself, as well as the primary controller for the Nintendo Wii U. The Wii U Gamepad can not only be used to control nearly every game on the console, but it also has to be powered on for the console to function at all. Many Nintendo Wii U games can even be played directly on the gamepad without a television. Other times the Gamepad screen is used as a second-screen experience.

That said, using the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad as a controller is not implicitly required. The system can be booted up and played without even touching the gamepad, however a Gamepad connection is still required for the console to work. Still, any number of additional controllers are compatible with the Nintendo Wii U.

Nintendo Wiimotes and other Wii controllers

The Wii U supports the traditional Wiimote controller, and as anyone who has ever played the wide variety or party game-style software designed with the Wiimote in mind, you can never have too many Wiimotes on hand when it comes to multiplayer fun. In fact, the Nintendo Wii U is capable of connecting to ten separate controllers at one time. Of course the number of controllers that are usable at the same time is dependent on the software being played, but it does make the Nintendo Wii U a perfect console for huge Nintendo franchises like Mario Party, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros.

Since the Nintendo Wii U supports Wiimotes, it also supports many additional types of controllers that were also designed for the Nintendo Wii to work in conjunction with the Wiimote. This includes controller accessories such as the Wii Nunchuk, as well as controllers meant to imitate the style of early Nintendo controllers, such as the Wii “Classic” controller.

The Nintendo Wii U Gamecube controller adapter

Taking things a step further, the Nintendo Wii U even has an adapter that makes it compatible with original Nintendo Gamecube controllers. The Nintendo Wii U Gamecube controller adapter allows players to use their original Nintendo Gamecube controllers with the Wii U when playing Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Don’t fret if you don’t have any original Gamecube controllers though—newer versions that do not require the adapter are also available for the Nintendo Wii U in the original Gamecube design.

The Nintendo Wii U Pro Controller

The Wii U also has its own version of the standard modern controller that most multi-platform gamers are familiar with, known as the Wii U Pro Controller. This one connects to the Wii U wirelessly, eliminating the need for additional cables. While Nintendo tends to carve its own unique path with controllers and design, the Nintendo Wii U Pro Controller is an alternative option for those who prefer an industry-standard style of gamepad. The Pro Controller is especially handy when playing cross-platform games on Wii U that were designed with a more standard controller in mind, such as Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag or Batman: Arkham City.