Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Saros review
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • Delta Force giveaway
Don't miss these
Two players using the Steam Controller with a white steam deck
Gaming Controllers A Steam Controller unboxing video has emerged that could point to Valve's new gamepad launching soon
Fire Emblem Engage
Games Nintendo kept finished games in a "vault" while it waited for a "gap" to release them, says former marketing lead
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2026: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
Tomodachi Living The Dream
Simulation Games I love Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, but having no Switch 2 version is a mistake
Close up on swappable buttons on EasySMX M20 face buttons
Gaming Controllers This mobile controller has fixed a 24 year gripe in one simple solution
Official Hori marketing image of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Quilted Medium Pouch for Nintendo Switch 2 - Celeste and the Starry Night.
Accessories Hori has unveiled a new batch of Animal Crossing Switch 2 accessories that are so cute, I feel starry-eyed
Yoshi stands near some flowers in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Platforming Games New Yoshi game follows Tomodachi Life, gives fans the sort of creative control Nintendo will probably regret
Someone using the Steam controller to play Hollow Knight
Gaming Controllers A leaked Steam Controller review claims Valve will charge you $99 for it - is that too much?
An inkling with orange hair in Splatoon on Wii U using a splat gun to cover the stage with orange paint
Games The 25 best Wii U games of all time
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2026
Image of the Nintendo Switch OLED on a table with a headset and gaming earbuds siting around it, taken by writer Rosalie Newcombe.
Nintendo Switch The best Nintendo Switch accessories 2026: all the top gadgets for your consoles
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Simulation Games As Tomodachi Life's lack of filter goes viral, former marketing lead says Nintendo may be "rethinking" its approach
Official CRKD promo image showing a pile of different Atom+ controllers.
Gaming Controllers CRKD's adorably tiny Switch 2 controllers are on sale, but you're better off waiting for the new Atom+ instead
Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda "Nintendo is absolutely furious" about Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake leaks, former marketing lead assures
Star Fox
Action Games Rumored new Star Fox game will be announced this month, leaker claims, so keep an eye on the Nintendo Today app
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games

Revised Wii U controller image leaks to Twitter - actual analog sticks, other minor changes shown

News
By Hollander Cooper published 19 May 2012

Minor refinements might make the difference

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Meet the new Wii U controller?

Meet the new Wii U controller?

The new Wii U controller looks similar to the old one, but it has several major differences. Check them all out here...

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
It has Wii U branding

It has Wii U branding

Rumors have been circulating for some time about an upcoming Wii U name change, but if this image is legit, it would appear said rumors are not. It has the Wii U branding right on the faceplate, and we've a feeling Nintendo wouldn't still be using a name it's planning on changing.

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
It has analog sticks instead of 3DS nubs

It has analog sticks instead of 3DS nubs

The largest change might be the switch from 3DS slider-pad analog nubs to legitimate analog sticks. This has been requested since the system was first shown off, and we're happy to see Nintendo make the swap.

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Start and Select have been moved

Start and Select have been moved

Start and Select have been taken from the bottom of the controller to the side. We're sure there's a reason for this swap, but we sure don't know it.

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
There's a weird square here

There's a weird square here

See it? Right on the bottom in between the battery light and the Power button there's a square. It might by to sync up the controller, or to change which screen the game is being displayed on, but we don't know just yet. Also...

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
There's another square on the left

There's another square on the left

Two squares? This could be something specifically for debug consoles for all we know, but it's certainly interesting to see.

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
The bottom looks different

The bottom looks different

This one might just be the lighting or the angle, but the bottom sure looks different in the picture. Instead of having one long rectangular spot with two squares around it, it looks like the rectangle has one shape to the side, which sort of looks like a mini USB spot.

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Is this the charger?

Is this the charger?

And if you want to read about more next-gen rumors, check out our Xbox 720 rumor roundup, PS4 rumor roundup, and, of course, our Wii U rumor roundup.

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
Hollander Cooper
Hollander Cooper
Social Links Navigation
Former Features Editor at GamesRadar+

Hollander Cooper was the Lead Features Editor of GamesRadar+ between 2011 and 2014. After that lengthy stint managing GR's editorial calendar he moved behind the curtain and into the video game industry itself, working as social media manager for EA and as a communications lead at Riot Games. Hollander is currently stationed at Apple as an organic social lead for the App Store and Apple Arcade.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

A QA tester at Traveller's Tales Games (makers of the LEGO

series) going by the Twitter handle @MATTYBOOSH has posted a picture to Twitter of what appears to a revised version of the Wii U controller. This correlates with rumors we'd heard earlier this year of the Wii U tablet seeing some redesigns before being shown off again at E3 next month. The image has since been deleted, but we've grabbed it and posted it below.

First, for reference here's the old Wii U controller:

Article continues below
You may like
  • Twilight Princess GameCube screenshot of Link facing an enemy with sword and shield drawn Don't get too excited over Nintendo's mysterious "Nintendo Switch 2: Wii Remote" page – it's probably just a glitch
  • Character art from F-Zero GX Nintendo has finally fixed the Switch 2 GameCube emulator's terrible analog stick mapping
  • Luigi fighting Snake in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Nintendo casually releases Switch 2 update that makes almost every OG Switch game run better

And now, here's the new one:

Notice any differences? Because we sure do.

First, note the new analog sticks. It appears that Nintendo has decided to include actual sticks, instead of the nubs found on the original tablet and the 3DS. This change might bump up the price, but it'll make a big difference in the long term. Next, notice the movement of the Start and Select buttons, which have found a new home on the right side of the controller. There's also a little square on the left side and on the bottom and, maybe most importantly, actual Wii U branding. With other rumors floating around speculating a name change, this is pseudo-confirmation that the Wii U moniker might be here to stay - if this is legit, that is.

We've posed a full comparison breakdown in the gallery above, pointing out each and every difference.

It's possible that some of these differences will be specific to the dev unit, though they usually end up mirroring the final version quite closely. We'll keep digging on this and attempt to find more information, but be sure to let us know if there's anything else you notice in the comments below.

Hankering after more of the stories, news and possible truths that might shape this year's E3? Then head over to our E3 rumours compendium page. It's being updated constantly between now and the show.

Read more
Twilight Princess GameCube screenshot of Link facing an enemy with sword and shield drawn
Hardware Don't get too excited over Nintendo's mysterious "Nintendo Switch 2: Wii Remote" page – it's probably just a glitch
 
 
Character art from F-Zero GX
Games Nintendo has finally fixed the Switch 2 GameCube emulator's terrible analog stick mapping
 
 
Luigi fighting Snake in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo casually releases Switch 2 update that makes almost every OG Switch game run better
 
 
Image of the Rosalina Turtle Beach Rematch controller with a matching blue-green background.
Gaming Controllers My excitement for Rosalina's big screen debut has reached galactic proportions thanks to her new Switch 2 controller
 
 
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2026: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
 
 
An inkling with orange hair in Splatoon on Wii U using a splat gun to cover the stage with orange paint
Games The 25 best Wii U games of all time
 
 
Latest in Games
Slay the Spire 2 Defect robot standing in front of other classes
Roguelike Games Slay the Spire 2 devs initially wanted to keep updating the original instead of making a sequel
 
 
Monoco readies for battle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 actor was "nervous" for Metacritic score after appearing in Gollum game
 
 
Screenshot from Windrose, showing a pirate aiming down the sights of her rifle while standing in front of tropical trees.
Open World Games Windrose players are getting destroyed by alpha wolves, but they've come up with a plan
 
 
Blood of Dawnwalker screenshot showing Unreal Engine 5 open world
RPGs Five reasons why The Blood of Dawnwalker is becoming my most anticipated RPG of 2026
 
 
The Blood of Dawnwalker screenshot
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker release date has been set for September 2026
 
 
Warhammer Quest: Darkwater box on a wooden table
Board Games If you want to play Warhammer without needing to buy armies, scenery, and extra models, this board game is for you
 
 
Latest in News
Gabe Newell talking to the angel on his shoulder
Hardware Valve's Gabe Newell saw today's consoles coming: "The consoles are using PC graphics hardware now"
 
 
Slay the Spire 2 Defect robot standing in front of other classes
Roguelike Games Slay the Spire 2 devs initially wanted to keep updating the original instead of making a sequel
 
 
Monoco readies for battle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 actor was "nervous" for Metacritic score after appearing in Gollum game
 
 
Screenshot from Windrose, showing a pirate aiming down the sights of her rifle while standing in front of tropical trees.
Open World Games Windrose players are getting destroyed by alpha wolves, but they've come up with a plan
 
 
The Blood of Dawnwalker screenshot
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker release date has been set for September 2026
 
 
Horror Movies Director of A24's Texas Chainsaw Massacre says the franchise "went the opposite direction it should have gone"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Slay the Spire 2 Defect robot standing in front of other classes
    1
    Slay the Spire 2 devs wanted to keep updating the original instead of making a sequel, but then their publisher shut down: "I guess we were a little naive"
  2. 2
    Windrose players are getting destroyed by alpha wolves, so like all survival game experts, they've come up with a plan: "Walking on the ground is for suckers"
  3. 3
    With The Blood of Dawnwalker release date locked in for September, the countdown is officially on for the new vampire RPG from The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 veterans
  4. 4
    After seeing new Blood of Dawnwalker gameplay, here's 5 ways that it's becoming my most anticipated RPGs of 2026
  5. 5
    PlayStation triggers game preservation alarm bells as users find new PS5 and PS4 digital purchases have a 30-day lockout timer: "This can screw customers now AND in the future"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...