Wii U Virtual Console to support standalone GamePad play

The Wii U Virtual Console will allow users to play classic titles solely on the GamePad if they choose, Nintendo has confirmed.

In a brief status update regarding its Virtual Console plans for the new system, a representative for the company told Kotaku that development of the service is progressing.

"We are moving ahead with development of Virtual Console for Wii U, and we plan to make it so you can play it on the Wii U GamePad alone,” they said.

Unfortunately Nintendo wouldn’t reveal any more details about the service, such as a launch window or which platforms it will support, only noting that it does “not have any specifics to share at this time".

It’s possible to access Wii Virtual Console purchases and save games by transferring them to Wii U, although it’s a somewhat convoluted process and currently they can only be played on a TV using a Wii Remote.