X

Want to see what the first GamePad looked like?

Nintendo has released an image of what its first GamePad looked like. And surprisingly, it required a couple of Wii Remotes.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
A look at the first GamePad.
A look at the first GamePad. Nintendo

Nintendo today released an image of what was its first GamePad prototype.

In the latest Iwata Asks feature, in which Nintendo President Satoru Iwata holds discussions with employees on a host of topics, the company shared what was the first prototype for the Wii U's GamePad.

The first "GamePad" was made up of two Wii Remotes that were connected to an LCD display with double-sided tape. Two control knobs on the sides of the display connected to the Wii Remote.

According to Iwata, the GamePad prototype was used to develop "a lot of prototype software." He went on to say that the mockup helped lead the company to develop Nintendo Land, the title bundled with the Wii U Deluxe Set.

Nintendo launched its Wii U last month. The device is designed to work with the GamePad, which offers a 6.2-inch LCD and full motion control. The GamePad is designed to let users play games on dual displays, and to continue playing a title when they're away from their televisions.