[quote][url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/29/5359500/nintendo-working-to-make-gamepad-crucial-to-wii-u-experience]Nintendo isn't giving up on the touchscreen-equipped GamePad controller that's included with every Wii U, president Satoru Iwata said at an investor and analyst briefing in Tokyo today. Acknowledging that GamePad recognition is low and confusion about the controller being an accessory for the original Wii is an issue for Wii U — not to mention being an obstacle to a system price cut — Iwata said Nintendo isn't giving up on the unique controller. Instead, he said, Nintendo is working to develop software that makes the most of the GamePad's capabilities, according to the Wall Street Journal's liveblog of the meeting. Nintendo also plans to take advantage of the GamePad's near field communications technology, and expects to reveal titles that use NFC features at E3 2014.[/url][/quote] Nintendo clearly feels like the controller is integral to the success of the Wii U, especially since it is a unique feature. The other consoles do have some integration with existing tablets though, and it is possible that they can just add a peripheral if the GamePad proves to be a huge success. The controller also adds to the cost of what should otherwise be a relatively cheap console: Nintendo says it needs to sell a couple games just to make back the losses from the Wii U. At an estimated $80 to manufacture the controller, it seems possible that Nintendo could cut the price to $250 by unbundling the GamePad. On the other hand, giving everyone a GamePad allows you to develop unique software, and many say that it's that software that Nintendo is lacking. Is Nintendo better off with or without the controller?