New Wii U details: no multitouch, better friend codes, and Wii U Netflix unveiled

The Gadget Show  Wednesday 13 June 2012

One year on from its unveiling, we’re still learning new things about the Nintendo Wii U. One of the more surprising Wii U facts is that its GamePad tablet controller will not support multitouch. Nintendo’s been explaining why, saying it would feel “unwieldy”, also revealing that the dreaded friend codes for multiplayer are back, but better. Meanwhile the first Wii U Netflix details have surfaced, teasing how Netflix on Wii U could be the best way to use the service. All the details on all of that, this way. 



First to that GamePad controller. The tablet-like controller, when it was unveiled shocked and excited in equal measure. It offers lots of possibilities. Multitouch gameplay won’t be one of them. Taking all of the other controller features into account, it wasn’t needed, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime told Kotaku. 
 “When we went through the building of this and, given some of the functionality, we thought that single-touch was a more appropriate option, especially when you’ve got other button configurations.”

Call of Duty Black Ops 2 heading to Nintendo Wii U

To prove his point, Fils-Aime picked up a controller in his hand, placed it in his lap, and began poking at the screen with two hands. “Is this really the way you want to play a game? I don’t think so” he said, saying it “feels unwieldy.”

Does Fils-Aime have a point? Why use your hands if you’ve got enough buttons to do the job. Let us know your thoughts.

In a dose of news likely to be taken with a sense of trepidation by existing Wii and 3DS owners, Fils-Aime also confirmed that friend codes will be back.

Currently Wii and 3DS owners are required to exchange long numbered codes in order to play each other over multiplayer. Some would describe that process as “unwieldy.”

“There are friend codes, but it’s not the existing friend code system,” Fils-Aime revealed. “The method by which you identify someone as a friend is a lot simpler than what’s happening today with Friend Codes.” Asked by Kotaku if players will be happier with the new system, Fils-Aime said “yes, the will be.”

Meanwhile images of how Netflix on Wii U will look have appeared online. Engadget has obtained a series of prototype shots showing how the on-demand service will work. The GamePad’s screen will work a bit like an app that lets you browse your movie queue, and tinker with the service’s playback controls. It also sounds like the GamePad will be capable of streaming movies onto the pad itself so you can sit in bed and watch whatever you want in extra comfort.

We hope to being you more Wii U info as we hear it. Want to know a little more? Then check out our guide to five more things you should know about the Nintendo Wii U at the link below.

5 things you need to know about the Nintnedo Wii U