We’ve all seen it, Nintendo’s answer to all of our problems with the tablet controller, the Wii U Pro Controller. It looks eerily similar to the Xbox 360 controller only with a few key differences – the button layout is Nintendo’s own configuration and the right joystick sits above the letter buttons. The intent in Nintendo‘s unveiling of the controller was to prove to the hardcore gamers out there still skeptical of the Wii U’s intended fan base that they were making something for them as well.
Those differences we mentioned, though, are actually a huge turn-off to any gamer that has been using the Xbox 360 as their main console. Moving one’s fingers down from a joystick is something that hasn’t been done in at least 10 years, and trying to find the ‘B’ button is a lot more challenging, at first, then you might think.
It’s a problem that can easily be changed with practice, but jumping between consoles could lead to some series confusion. Needless to say, a solution needed to be found, and fast.
Enter Mad Catz, purveyor of a wide variety of game peripherals and accessories, including the ultra slick Warhead 7.1 headset for the Xbox 360, who have designed something that fits some, not all, of gamers’ needs. They have, in fact, developed a controller for the Wii U, dubbed the FPS Pro, that mimics the Xbox 360 controller even better than Nintendo’s Pro Controller – by placing the right joystick below the letter buttons.
The layout of the letter buttons is still Nintendo’s traditional configuration – one that any classic controller user is accustomed to – but the placement of the second joystick could make this controller a must-have. Unfortunately, Mad Catz was in development of the device before they new Nintendo was working on their Pro controller.
At E3 2012, Mad Catz’s PR and Communications Manager Alex Verrey wanted us to see the controller, but prefaced the unveiling by saying it might never see the light of day. If they were smart, Mad Catz would continue to fine-tune the controller, which includes button programming (but not the kind that allows for re-mapping the letter buttons), and launch it right alongside the Wii U.
Not many gamers, myself included, realize how awkward it is to jump back into the Nintendo four-button scheme until a Wii U tablet controller is plopped in their hands. It’s been so long since a Nintendo game has required that type of controller scheme, or since anyone has even touched a Nintendo console title for that matter.
This Mad Catz controller would be the perfect way for gamers to ease themselves into hardcore gaming on the Wii U, and, if Mad Catz implements a total button re-mapping feature, it could make this controller the perfect multiplatform owners’ controller. We’ll just have to wait and see if the company ever gets the greenlight to manufacture it.
Would you be interested in a Wii U controller that has the offset joysticks like an Xbox 360 controller? Does having to learn a new controller scheme feel like a barrier to entry to you?
Images: Kotaku
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Now that there’s an Xbox 360-type controller for Wii U, Mad Catz or somebody else should make a PS3-type controller for Wii U.
LOOK GUYS MADCATZ GAVE A NAME TO A 3RD PARTY WIIU PAD WITH A X360 STYLE ANALOG LAY OUT ITS JUST A NAME
but theres people posting above about FPS CONTROL there right its called fps controller pro but in REALITY it isnt twin sticks is NOT fps pro controls that’s what there saying and its 100% true
those taking offense are clearly hiding there own sony ms fanboyism and need to accept a fact as a fact
I am a huge FPS player and the Wii U pro controller is good but not for FPS’s so if this came out I would have a couple in a heart beat so please make this remote but make sure its good! I hope you make!
This is exactly what I’m looking for, I’m getting the wii u but I’m not to happy about the placement of the thumbstick, it sucks on the 3DS so… I would def buy this. I think a gamecube style controller would be epic too.
I never had an XBOX, but the 360 controller is easily my favorite controller ever. Bought a 3rd party one to use with my Mac and have been wishing for one for the Wii and PS3 ever since. PS1/2/3 is the worst controller ever made. It’s for someone with baby hands,
when does this Controller will be release I already have money to spare, or is it even being release. I was always a xbox 360 console player until my xbox was overheating many times, i got tired of it but i kept the controllers and had some devices to connect to the PC and Ps3. i cant really use no other controller but i always feel better with the xbox controllers. and this is awesome i own a wii u, with this controller well def be my choice.