E3 2012: Wii U to get ‘Pro Controller’ gamepad

Nintendo will introduce a core games controller for its new console, called the Wii U Pro Controller. And you might think it looks a bit familiar.

While much of the message during a web broadcast from Nintendo was about the Wii U GamePad, the firm said it would be supporting other controllers.

One of these is the ‘Pro Controller’, presumably a replacement for the Wii’s Classic Controller, which features all the standard buttons found on the likes of PS3 and 360 controllers.

But, aesthetically, it looks a lot like the 360 controller – and the connection is not lost on Nintendo.

Nintendo is hoping to attract many core games developers and third-party publishers to add Wii U to their SKU plans for new games – presumably as third-party support for both Wii and 3DS has been uneven due to the devices’ unique interfaces. Indeed, the firm is already there with ports of games like Batman Arkham City on the way. So this pad is a great way to reassure them the games will be playable. And that the ports can be done as easily as possible.