Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
UK EditionUK US EditionUS CA EditionCanada AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Black Friday
    • Gaming
      • Black Friday PS5 Deals
      • Black Friday Switch Deals
      • Black Friday Xbox Deals
      • Black Friday Retro Deals
    • PC
      • Black Friday Gaming Laptop Deals
      • Black Friday Gaming Monitor Deals
      • Black Friday Graphics Card Deals
      • Black Friday Alienware Deals
    • Tabletop & Merch
      • Black Friday Lego Deals
      • Black Friday Board Game Deals
      • Black Friday Pokémon Card Deals
      • Black Friday Warhammer Deals
      • Gift Guides
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • 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
    • Quizzes
    • Newsletters
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Total Film
  • home
  • Black Friday
    • View Black Friday
      • Black Friday PS5 Deals
      • Black Friday Switch Deals
      • Black Friday Xbox Deals
      • Black Friday Retro Deals
      • Black Friday Gaming Laptop Deals
      • Black Friday Gaming Monitor Deals
      • Black Friday Graphics Card Deals
      • Black Friday Alienware Deals
      • Black Friday Lego Deals
      • Black Friday Board Game Deals
      • Black Friday Pokémon Card Deals
      • Black Friday Warhammer Deals
      • Gift Guides
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • 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
    • Quizzes
    • Newsletters
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
Subscribe now
Don't miss these
Best PC controller buying guide hero image showing the Victrix Pro BFG controller and its suite of components
Gaming Controllers The best PC controller for gaming 2025
8Bitdo N64 controller in grey sitting on woodgrain desk next to buttons.
Retro 8Bitdo has a grey N64 controller on the way with authentically colorful buttons, and I need it after failing to make my own
8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller for Analogue 3D in black leaning against original Nintendo 64 on woodgrain desk with plant and monitor in backdrop.
Retro The Analogue 3D might be delayed, but I can confirm its 8Bitdo N64 controller is worth the hype
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
Gaming Controllers The best Xbox Series X controller in 2025
Backbone One PlayStation Edition on a desk mat with RGB border lighting
Gaming Controllers The best mobile controller for gaming 2025
Pikmin 4 screenshot showing a red pikmin in costume
Strategy Games Nintendo randomly reveals a big update for Pikmin 4, adding new difficulties and special Pikmin, but bizarrely no Switch 2 enhancements
Nintendo Switch 2 homescreen showing on the console on a wooden desk
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch 2 review: "We're in for an excellent generation"
Someone using the Steam controller to play Hollow Knight
Gaming Controllers The new Steam controller refuses to look normal, but it's hiding some innovation even Sony's DualSense doesn't have
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2025: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
Nintendo Switch 2 homescreen showing on the console on a wooden desk
Nintendo Switch 2 Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2
Pikmin
Nintendo Super Mario and Legend of Zelda veteran says "implementing and playtesting is precisely what matters" at Nintendo, where devs don't just "make decisions based on what they see on paper"
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con on a wooden desk
Gaming Controllers I've been begging for the upgrades in the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con, but they come at a multiplayer cost | Review
Hand holding 8Bitdo N64 controller next to original console with Blueretro Bluetooth receiver connected.
Retro 8Bitdo's N64 controller keeps getting better, and I just found one for a damn good price
Wii U
Wii U Gearbox's Randy Pitchford says everyone expects Nintendo to do something "really interesting," and sometimes you get "brilliant" things like the Wii and Switch 2, and other times you get the Wii U, which "didn't work as well"
Animal Crossing: New Horizons screenshot showing the player character taking a selfie with Brewster in his cafe
Games After a huge Animal Crossing: New Horizons patch was announced out of nowhere, Nintendo says it's "constantly considering" the balance of new Switch 2 games and big updates
Trending
  • Black Friday gaming deals
  • Fallout Season 2
  • New Games for 2025
  • Gift Guides
  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

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. 

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:

You may like
  • Pikmin 4 screenshot showing a red pikmin in costume Nintendo randomly reveals a big update for Pikmin 4, adding new difficulties and special Pikmin, but bizarrely no Switch 2 enhancements
  • Nintendo Switch 2 homescreen showing on the console on a wooden desk Nintendo Switch 2 review: "We're in for an excellent generation"
  • Someone using the Steam controller to play Hollow Knight The new Steam controller refuses to look normal, but it's hiding some innovation even Sony's DualSense doesn't have

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
Pikmin 4 screenshot showing a red pikmin in costume
Nintendo randomly reveals a big update for Pikmin 4, adding new difficulties and special Pikmin, but bizarrely no Switch 2 enhancements
 
 
Nintendo Switch 2 homescreen showing on the console on a wooden desk
Nintendo Switch 2 review: "We're in for an excellent generation"
 
 
Someone using the Steam controller to play Hollow Knight
The new Steam controller refuses to look normal, but it's hiding some innovation even Sony's DualSense doesn't have
 
 
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2025: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
 
 
Nintendo Switch 2 homescreen showing on the console on a wooden desk
Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2
 
 
Pikmin
Super Mario and Legend of Zelda veteran says "implementing and playtesting is precisely what matters" at Nintendo, where devs don't just "make decisions based on what they see on paper"
 
 
Latest in Games
The Big Preview art of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era showing a vampire holding a glowing skull
The Big Preview for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era – Exclusive dev access and hands-on with the strategy RPG revival
 
 
A black dragon roaring with a manor house behind it and lighting in the sky during Skyrim.
Skyrim fan works his 9-5 job from within the RPG, battling bandits while tackling emails and facing dragons during PowerPoints: "Work from home became work from Whiterun"
 
 
Kiryu opens up a briefcase full of money in Yakuza 0 as he buys more property
Sega is delisting Yakuza 0 in favor of its divisive Director's Cut, risking locking PS4 and Xbox One users out of the RPG entirely
 
 
Arc Raiders trailer screenshot of a man's face in red lighting
Embark's "very hot fix" for Arc Raiders' door exploit problem lives up to its name as players who dare try it combust into literal flames: "THIS is the way you deal with issues you can't fast-fix"
 
 
Paralives
After telling fans not to "expect hundreds of hours of gameplay" and delaying their indie life sim, Paralives devs unveil new footage that leaves the community worried: "Oh boy"
 
 
Horses
Valve's "final decision" is that surreal horror game Horses will not be sold on Steam, despite the acclaimed studio behind it "likely closing" after sinking 2 years and $100,000 into it
 
 
Latest in News
John Stewart
James Gunn debunks supposed new look at DC show Lanterns: "Nope. That's AI"
 
 
Avatar Fire and Ash
Avatar: Fire and Ash is tracking for a massive domestic opening, but below Way of Water
 
 
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in Stranger Things season 5
Millie Bobby Brown has ranked the Stranger Things seasons, and it might prove controversial
 
 
inZOI Character Studio trailer screenshot showing a young woman with ginger-y hair and a light baseball cap smiling to the side
inZOI tells The Sims 4 wait, I've got this – actual schools are coming to the life sim for free, in a move fans of EA's own game have waited 11 years for: "We aim to create a real school – not a rabbit hole"
 
 
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Maelle actor Jennifer English chooses her favorite ending for the "delulu fantasy" JRPG, and I forgive her for siding with her own character
 
 
The Wolf of Wall Street
Quentin Tarantino begins his best movies of the 21st Century list with a nuclear hot take: "I don't think Scorsese has made a film this exciting [this century]"
 
 
  1. Escape from Tarkov review
    1
    Escape from Tarkov review: "An extraction shooter that will make you truly miserable if you let it, but can offer dizzying highs you won't find elsewhere"
  2. 2
    Fans think this is the best strategy board game ever made, and I have to admit that they've got a point
  3. 3
    Constance review: "If Hollow Knight: Silksong seems too daunting, this wonderful paint powered adventure should do nicely"
  4. 4
    This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving
  5. 5
    Kirby Air Riders review: "This racer is also equal parts fighting game, minigame collection, and roguelike – and I'm shocked at how well that works"
  1. Josh O'Connor and Daniel Craig in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
    1
    Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
  2. 2
    Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
  3. 3
    The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
  4. 4
    Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
  5. 5
    Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"
  1. Noah Schnapp as Will Byers and Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna in Stranger Things season 5
    1
    Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
  2. 2
    Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
  3. 3
    The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
  4. 4
    IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
  5. 5
    Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"

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
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

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

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...