Wii U GamePad

The Wii U GamePad.

The Wii U GamePad is a controller for use with the Wii U console. In addition to standard controller capabilities, the GamePad includes a 6-inch touchscreen in the center. The Wii U GamePad is one of the many controllers that can be used to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The GamePad's near field communication functionality is also required in order to use amiibo figurines with the game.

In addition to its standard usage as a controller, the GamePad's touchscreen is used for other functions in the game. As with many Wii U games, the GamePad can be used for Off-TV Play, where the second screen is used in conjunction with or in place of the TV for displaying the game. This means the entirety of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U can be played on the GamePad if the player desires. the GamePad screen can also be set to display the damage meters during a match instead of simply showing the same image as the TV screen. In Stage Builder, stages can be built by drawing the platforms using the touchscreen. The GamePad can also be used to draw on saved snapshots taken during matches, using a basic built-in painting tool.

The Wii U GamePad has latency comparable to a WaveBird GameCube controller, experiencing lows of 71.2ms (4.1 frames) and highs of 84.53ms (5.1 frames). It is more consistent by comparison, as the WaveBird often experiences higher latency in worse situations, being as high as 92.86ms (5.5 frames).

Standard Controls (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)

(left)	Move
	Standard attacks
	Special moves
(right)	Stick-smash
	Jump
	Grab
	Shield
	Taunt
	Pause
	Home Menu
	Nothing

In competitive play

The Wii U GamePad is technically seen at all Super Smash Bros. for Wii U tournaments due to the GamePad needing to be within a certain radius for the console to function properly. that being said, it being used during gameplay is a rarity. The most common complaint is that the GamePad is too big and bulky to be used comfortably, which is a probably for games as fast-paced and reactionary as the Smash series. However, the GamePad is sometimes used during games with many players in the same game, as a player can watch the screen on the GamePad and not have to cludder around the big screen.