Smash Wii U Buy used Wii U without Gamepad - still play Sm4sh?

[Tronny]

Hi,

I am a huge SSB fan and considering to buy a Wii U just for the purpose of playing SSB4
(as many do i guess). I saw some used consoles without any other equipment, that means
no cables and especially no gamepad, that are considerably cheaper than buying a new pack
with an extra game I don´t need.

I´ve googled wether one can use the Wii U without the gamepad, but I didn´t find clear
answers to this. I´d appretiate any input further input:

• Can I start and play SSB4 just with a gamecube controller and the adapter? If not,can I start it with a Wii Remote and then play with the GC-controller?
• Can i perform updates without a gamepad? I´ve read somewhere this might not be possible.

Thanks!

 

[GunGunW]

I think you can play Smash without it, but overall you will need a gamepad to really do anything else.

 

[Teshie U]

Navigating the Wii U menus and updates only requires wiimote/pro controller.

When the Wii U launched, you couldn't use the Eshop without the gamepad, but you can use wiimotes on it now.

Things that won't work for you are internet browser, stage builder and other gamepad heavy or exclusive things.


You might regret not having the gamepad down the line though. They are EXPENSIVE separately, so unless you find a Wii U for 100$, you are missing out.

Wii U with gamepad can be easily gotten for about 200 used or new.

 

[GunGunW]

Navigating the Wii U menus and updates only requires wiimote/pro controller.

When the Wii U launched, you couldn't use the Eshop without the gamepad, but you can use wiimotes on it now.

Things that won't work for you are internet browser, stage builder and other gamepad heavy or exclusive things.


You might regret not having the gamepad down the line though. They are EXPENSIVE separately, so unless you find a Wii U for 100$, you are missing out.

Wii U with gamepad can be easily gotten for about 200 used or new.

Yeah, this about sums it up perfectly.

 

[Newt Floss]

You cannot access the Wii U settings without the GamePad. That makes it essential.

 

[Teshie U]

^Yikes, didn't even think about initial setup.

Theoretically, all you need is a friend with a Wii U gamepad to help you set up your internet and output settings once and you should be fine to play Smash.

 

[KEWB]

Honestly, no matter how cheap it is, you're going to want a gamepad. If it's cheap enough that buying a gamepad separate will still be a good deal, then okay, go for it. But GET A GAMEPAD. It's pretty much essential. Even in the recent updates that allow for more use of the pro controller and wiimotes, you'll need a gamepad to pair them. So if one of them ever needs paired again for any reason or you get a new controller, you'll need to track a gamepad down to borrow, sync the gamepad to your system, and then sync your other controller. If you don't get one I imagine you'll just end up wishing you did. I can't imagine owning a Wii U without a gamepad being anything other than a maddeningly frustrating and exhausting experience.

 

[Star Printer]

i was thinking the same thing, still considering a gamepad though

 

[Pippin (Peregrin Took)]

After I sold my gamepad, I can confirm that you can sync pro controllers to the system without it and navigate the home menu.

The main thing is connecting online because that's in the options menu. Also no amiibos if you're into that sort of thing.

 

[Dr.Megaman]

You would be missing out on a lot. But an easy fix would be to go to a tournament and ask the TO to set up your Wii U there so it could update and ect.

 

[Skwrl]

Definitely get the Gamepad. Wii U can be used for more than Smash. If you ever want to watch Amazon video or Netflix you will be SOL.