Check Out This Early Wii U GamePad Prototype

In the most recent installment of Iwata Asks, designers of Nintendo's online service Miiverse revealed the early prototype they used to get accustomed to the "feel" of the Wii U GamePad: one made entirely out of cardboard.

The model even had a slot in which to insert pieces of paper, enabling the designers to change the display.

The prototype was built by Kazuyuki Motoyama, a Hatena designer who worked on the Miiverse UI."We wouldn't know how it felt unless we could actually hold it, but since we didn't have one, the only thing to do was make one," Motoyama explained. "In the middle of the night, I cut pieces of cardboard and glued them together."

"It even has the grips in the back," added Hatena director Yoshiomi Kurisu. "Motoyama-san burnt the midnight oil to make this."

For those who can't wait until the launch of the Wii U, perhaps it's time to get out the scissors.

The Wii U will be released in North America on November 18, and Europe and Australia on November 30.

Source : ign[dot]com

Madden 13 Confirmed for Wii U

During its Summer Showcase today, EA announced that Madden NFL 13 is coming to Wii U. Madden will offer GamePad support for play calling and pre-play adjustments. Players can create custom hot routes by drawing paths on the GamePad during offense, or change assignments on the fly during defense.

It isn't a surprise to see EA supporting the platform, as the company said just days ago that it was “keeping a very close eye” on Wii U, hinting that more announcements were on the way. Separately, EA also detailed FIFA 13’s Wii U functionality today.

Nintendo hasn’t announced a release date for Wii U yet, so no release date has been announced for this version of Madden, but the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions are due out on August 28th.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following him on Twitter or IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com