Wii U Pro Controller
A Black Wii U Pro Controller
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeGamepad
GenerationEighth
Release dateNovember 18, 2012
Input
  • 2 × analog sticks
  • Digital D-pad
  • 10 × digital face buttons (two buttons found under analog sticks; controller features additional button for syncing purposes)
  • 2 × digital shoulder buttons
  • 2 × digital triggers
ConnectivityBluetooth
Power1300 mAh, Mini USB B connector (recharge)
PredecessorWii Remote (Plus) and Classic Controller (Pro)
SuccessorNintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Wii U Pro Controller (Wii U PRO コントローラー) is a video game controller produced by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is available in Black and White. It is the successor to the Wii Classic Controller and has the same buttons but with the added features of a power button, and pressable analog sticks. In 2013, a year since the Wii U's release, a hacking website Hackaday found a way to use a Wii U Pro Controller and Wii U GamePad on PC.[1]

In 2017, the Wii U and the Wii U Pro Controller was discontinued, however, some 3rd party outlets still sold them until 2019.[citation needed]

History

Nintendo unveiled the Wii U Pro Controller at E3 2012.[2] Many video game journalists have noted the similarity between the controller and Microsoft's Xbox 360 Controller.[3][4] In 2016, a 3rd party controller was released by Hori as a "Pokken Tournament Gamepad" However, it is only available in Japan.[5]

Features

The controller functions as a secondary controller released for the console, available separately. The Wii U system can be connected to up to four Wii U Pro Controllers at one time, however Super Smash Bros. for Wii U allows the usage of more than 4.[6] It features standard analog sticks (that can now be pressed in) and face buttons. Like the Wii U GamePad and Classic Controller Pro and unlike other eighth generation controllers (i.e., the DualShock 4 and the Xbox One Controller), the triggers are digital (i.e., not analog).

The Wii U Pro Controller uses the same 1300 mAh CTR-003 battery found in the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS,[7][8] which can last up to 80 hours before needing to be recharged.[9] The charging cable could be plugged into any USB port 5V ~1A.

Nintendo states that the design of the Pro Controller is an "enhanced version" of the Wii's Classic Controller and "offers a richer experience".[10] Certain games with flexible control schemes, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Trine 2: Director's Cut, are also compatible with the Classic Controller. The Wii U Pro Controller is not compatible with previous-generation Wii games.[11]

References

  1. ^ By (2013-12-30). "Using The Wii U Controller With Everything". Hackaday. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  2. ^ Franich, Darren (June 3, 2012). "The Wii U Pro Controller looks very familiar..." EW.com. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  3. ^ Kain, Erik (June 5, 2012). "Nintendo's Smart Decision With Its Wii U Pro Controller". Forbes. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  4. ^ Grubb, Jeffrey (June 3, 2012). "Nintendo's Wii U Pro Controller may make Microsoft blush". VentureBeat. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  5. ^ "This New Pikachu Wii U Controller Was Made Just for Pokken Tournament". Twinfinite. 2016-05-03. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  6. ^ How to Sync a Wii Remote with a Wii U Console
  7. ^ "Wii U Pro Controller and 3DS share the same battery". gonintendo.com. November 9, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  8. ^ "We Opened Up The Nintendo 2DS And Found A 1300mAh Battery Inside". nintendolife.com. October 3, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  9. ^ "Wii U Pro Controller Boasts 80-Hour Battery Life - IGN". Uk.ign.com. October 16, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  10. ^ Liebl, Matt (June 12, 2012). "Nintendo defends Wii U Pro Controller design". GameZone. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  11. ^ "Wii U Pro Controller Not Compatible With Wii Games". Tomshardware.com. 18 October 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
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