NFC skipped by Wii U launch games

Nintendo’s inclusion of NFC technology in the Wii U GamePad has been skipped over by every title in the console’s launch line-up.

Near Field Communication is the same technology used by London’s Oyster Card travel system that allows commuters to tap in” and tap out” of journeys. It is also being introduced as a method of touchless payment with some smartphones.

Nintendo fans became very excited in April when a video of Rayman Legends for Wii U appeared to demonstrate the technology in action.

However, none of the launch games announced for Nintendo’s machine make use of the tech – and that includes both Raymans Legends and, perhaps even more surprisingly, Skylanders: Giants.

"We did entertain the idea," Vicarious Visions producer Nick Ruepp told Polygon. "We didn’t want to cripple the GamePad the entire time just so you could put your Skylander on the GamePad."

The existing Skylanders game uses NFC-like technology that sees players placing figures onto a peripheral game portal.

But Nintendo is certain its decision to include the tech in its already expensive controller was a sound one.

"That is a new tech, particularly with it being available in the US," Nintendo product manager Bill Trinen added. "A lot of the developers are wondering what are the options? How do we leverage it?

As they start to come with their ideas, solutions and great content, we will talk more about it. I don’t anticipate it will be too far out."