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"Tablet" sounds less douchey than "gamepad" though, and it looks like a tablet. Calling it a tablet works fine.
But it has the capability of just being a tablet controller right?
You know if someone feels the urge to build a game with only the tablet.
You know if someone feels the urge to build a game with only the tablet.
I don't think there are any objective qualifications for the term "tablet" but I don't think multitouch is necessarily a necessity. If anything the size seems to be the biggest decider of whether a touch screen device is a tablet or not. There are terms like mini tablets, and phablets for anything significantly smaller than an ipad, and bigger than the average phone/portable device.
I'd say the biggest case against the Wii U controller not being a tablet is the buttons. I'm sure there will be games that are mostly touch screen controlled eventually, but at least it does have traditional buttons. I just wish that Nintendo makes it mandatory for every single Wii U game to be completely playable with the pro controller, but that's never going to happen, I can dream.
I'd say the biggest case against the Wii U controller not being a tablet is the buttons. I'm sure there will be games that are mostly touch screen controlled eventually, but at least it does have traditional buttons. I just wish that Nintendo makes it mandatory for every single Wii U game to be completely playable with the pro controller, but that's never going to happen, I can dream.
I always considered the label "tablet" to refer to the size and shape of a device that has a touchscreen, regardless of it's multitouch capabilities. But ya anyone expecting an iPad will be sorely dissapointed.
I don't expect the Wii U gamepad's screen to be of high quality and I also don't expect to be able to use it comfortably with just my finger. Using the Wii U for stuff like watching videos, email, and web browsing will likely not be good either because typically Game system hardware is not built with hardware architecture, or decent software in mind for that kind of stuff.
That being said I still really want to play Pikmin on that thing.
I don't expect the Wii U gamepad's screen to be of high quality and I also don't expect to be able to use it comfortably with just my finger. Using the Wii U for stuff like watching videos, email, and web browsing will likely not be good either because typically Game system hardware is not built with hardware architecture, or decent software in mind for that kind of stuff.
That being said I still really want to play Pikmin on that thing.
I don't think multitouch is a requirement for something to be a tablet. Tablet refers to the form factor, not necessarily the features.
I would never call a DS or Vita a tablet because neither of those are shaped like or resemble in any way a tablet. The Wii U Gamepad does.
So, it's a tablet controller.
I would never call a DS or Vita a tablet because neither of those are shaped like or resemble in any way a tablet. The Wii U Gamepad does.
So, it's a tablet controller.
I've always thought a tablet was just a device with a natural gesture based input method that emulates writing, like Wacom tablets don't usually have a screen and use a pen as an input device. I still call that a tablet even though it doesn't have an of the predefined "tablet computer" specs listed above.
Shut up Holmes. It's a connofuckingtation.
Why is there a massive article simply based on how you interpret the word "tablet"?
It's a slab of electronic components, much like a real tablet is a slab of stone. But 'Slab of Electronic Components' doesn't roll off the tongue quite as nicely as 'Tablet Controller'
Why is there a massive article simply based on how you interpret the word "tablet"?
It's a slab of electronic components, much like a real tablet is a slab of stone. But 'Slab of Electronic Components' doesn't roll off the tongue quite as nicely as 'Tablet Controller'
"If you are going to call the Wii U GamePad a "tablet," then you're going to have to call the 3DS, the PS Vita, ATM machines, The Real Touch anus simulator, and everything else on the planet with touch controls a "tablet" as well."
Nope. The Wii U controller is tablet shaped and tablet sized. If the Vita was much bigger I would call it a tablet and there would be nothing wrong with that. The 3DS, ATM Machines, etc are not tablets because they have completely different form factors. Tablets are similar in size and shape to writing tablets. The Wii U controller fits into that mold pretty perfectly.
Multitouch is moot point, sorry. Tablets have existed long before the iPad and they all had resistive touchscreens just like the Wii U. Some of them even had buttons on the side.
Sorry Holmes, it's a tablet controller. Usually I agree with you but this seems like a silly thing to get so worked up about. Calling it a tablet controller lets us know what you're talking about easily. Calling it the "gamepad" is not helpful and leaves the average person wondering if you're talking about the tablet controller, the pro controller, the classic controller, or any of the other nintendo controllers I'm forgetting.
Nope. The Wii U controller is tablet shaped and tablet sized. If the Vita was much bigger I would call it a tablet and there would be nothing wrong with that. The 3DS, ATM Machines, etc are not tablets because they have completely different form factors. Tablets are similar in size and shape to writing tablets. The Wii U controller fits into that mold pretty perfectly.
Multitouch is moot point, sorry. Tablets have existed long before the iPad and they all had resistive touchscreens just like the Wii U. Some of them even had buttons on the side.
Sorry Holmes, it's a tablet controller. Usually I agree with you but this seems like a silly thing to get so worked up about. Calling it a tablet controller lets us know what you're talking about easily. Calling it the "gamepad" is not helpful and leaves the average person wondering if you're talking about the tablet controller, the pro controller, the classic controller, or any of the other nintendo controllers I'm forgetting.
Oh yeah, also Nintendo probably wouldn't mind if people called it a tablet (even though they officially probably won't). I'm guessing they are trying to piggyback off of the ipad's popularity. Gotta lure in those casuals, even if it means actual games suffer as a result of dumb developers making the same mistakes over and over again of not knowing how to actually utilize gimmicky controls
It's the same with the "art game" debate. People will use words even if they aren't the appropriate ones, it's just the way it goes.
Or as language evolves with our cultures, the definitions of some words naturally expand or shift and some words gain wholly new definitions by way of necessity or slang. Most people aren't so hung up on pedantic nitpicking and are fully capable of understanding what other people mean through context and aren't offended at "incorrect" usage of words.
You sound like one of those people that thinks the word marriage can only mean one thing and one thing only because someone somewhere said so.
It's a word. Definitions change or adapt to things. Shits a tablet.
It's a word. Definitions change or adapt to things. Shits a tablet.
And so, the Don Quixote of Nintnedo dust off his tilting helm and saddles his nigh dead stead once again in an effort to rail against what is basically a non issue.
What's next Johnny? A serious debate about the use of the term, "hashtag"? Pissed off that your MySpace friends have cool new Facebook pages? Area codes? Zip Codes?
God love Afro-Norwegian hipster doofus, Johnatan Holmes. When accepted terms are grating to you, well you are officially to old for this sort of thing. The worst part is I have 4 or 5 years on Grandpa Holmes and I'm scared I'm next. To be to old for this shit, that is.
What's next Johnny? A serious debate about the use of the term, "hashtag"? Pissed off that your MySpace friends have cool new Facebook pages? Area codes? Zip Codes?
God love Afro-Norwegian hipster doofus, Johnatan Holmes. When accepted terms are grating to you, well you are officially to old for this sort of thing. The worst part is I have 4 or 5 years on Grandpa Holmes and I'm scared I'm next. To be to old for this shit, that is.
So there is this thing that Apple makes called the iPad...
But wait! Apple also makes these other things they call iPhone and the iPod Touch!
All three are similar in functionality (for the most part). But only one of them is referred to as a tablet - the iPad.
Why? The sole reason: form factor. That's really pretty much the only thing differentiating an iPad from an iPod Touch.
I don't think the type of touch functionality or whether additional buttons are present or not have anything to do with the "tablet" classification, Holmes (you're clearly no Sherlock).
The Wii U GamePad - but not the DS - is considered a tablet because of its size. Same reason why 13" laptops are called notebooks, and 10" ones are referred to as netbooks. Even though they, too, aren't very different in terms of functionality or purpose.
In the first place I find your definition of a tablet as something that "features multi-touch screen controls, and does not rely on multiple buttons and control sticks/pads" rather ludicrous, and grossly misstated.
How ignorant can you possibly be? There are entire Microsoft tablet PCs out there that A) do not feature multi-touch (resistive touchscreens that require a stylus to operate), and B) have an entire keyboard and trackpad that you can use to do all sorts of gaming.
But they're still called tablet PCs.
Can you figure out why, my dear Holmes?
But wait! Apple also makes these other things they call iPhone and the iPod Touch!
All three are similar in functionality (for the most part). But only one of them is referred to as a tablet - the iPad.
Why? The sole reason: form factor. That's really pretty much the only thing differentiating an iPad from an iPod Touch.
I don't think the type of touch functionality or whether additional buttons are present or not have anything to do with the "tablet" classification, Holmes (you're clearly no Sherlock).
The Wii U GamePad - but not the DS - is considered a tablet because of its size. Same reason why 13" laptops are called notebooks, and 10" ones are referred to as netbooks. Even though they, too, aren't very different in terms of functionality or purpose.
In the first place I find your definition of a tablet as something that "features multi-touch screen controls, and does not rely on multiple buttons and control sticks/pads" rather ludicrous, and grossly misstated.
How ignorant can you possibly be? There are entire Microsoft tablet PCs out there that A) do not feature multi-touch (resistive touchscreens that require a stylus to operate), and B) have an entire keyboard and trackpad that you can use to do all sorts of gaming.
But they're still called tablet PCs.
Can you figure out why, my dear Holmes?
The Nintendo Gamepad is a combination of controller and tablet principles. At times it is primarily used as a controller, at time it is primarily used as a tablet. Nintendo's terminology likely hinges on several unrelated issues, like taxes related to a "tablet" vs. taxes related to a video game system peripheral. Probably several marketing studies as well -- people are likely more comfortable purchasing a gaming peripheral, as opposed to investing in a tablet when the family may already have such a device. Or maybe just to avoid the connotation that tablets have of being expensive and high-technology.
Nintendo has intentionally marketed their gamepad as a competitor in the tablet tablet market (games off the TV, internet browsing, etc). While it's more of a baby's first tablet it should still be included in that conversation.
Your "definition" of a tablet is as opposed to what a gamepad is, is rather shortsighted. There's more to this than just what has buttons and whether it's multi-touch or not. The fact you even reference that shows this device deserves stronger comparisons to modern tablets. Frankly, you're kind of a jerk for trying to limit the conversation, people are free to, and should be encouraged to discuss all aspects of this device. Whether that be in a decision to purchase or just enthusiasts comparing consoles. Letting Nintendo's branding define the constraints of that discussion is simply unfair.
Nintendo has intentionally marketed their gamepad as a competitor in the tablet tablet market (games off the TV, internet browsing, etc). While it's more of a baby's first tablet it should still be included in that conversation.
Your "definition" of a tablet is as opposed to what a gamepad is, is rather shortsighted. There's more to this than just what has buttons and whether it's multi-touch or not. The fact you even reference that shows this device deserves stronger comparisons to modern tablets. Frankly, you're kind of a jerk for trying to limit the conversation, people are free to, and should be encouraged to discuss all aspects of this device. Whether that be in a decision to purchase or just enthusiasts comparing consoles. Letting Nintendo's branding define the constraints of that discussion is simply unfair.
I guess people see the big square and the screen and instantly think "OH YEP THAT'S A TABLET!" Heck I'll put my hand I'm pretty sure I was referring to it as such when it was first announced but slowly fell out of it.
In the end though I don't mind too much what people call it, only troublesome if it effected what thy expected when going into it.
In the end though I don't mind too much what people call it, only troublesome if it effected what thy expected when going into it.
" A tablet features multi-touch screen controls, and does not rely on multiple buttons and control sticks/pads"
My Samsung Q1 does not feature multitouch. It does have multiple buttons and an analog nub like PSP. And lots of cheaper tablets don't have multitouch
Your definition is wrong.
My Samsung Q1 does not feature multitouch. It does have multiple buttons and an analog nub like PSP. And lots of cheaper tablets don't have multitouch
Your definition is wrong.
I think these comments need to calm the fuck down. Insults thrown around so far: ignorant, you're a jerk, Afro-Norwegian hipster doofus, etc. Hey guys, you're arguing over a word.
Holmes, I love you, but this whole "this isn't the exact definition" bullshit is getting really old. People call it a tablet because the bulk of the surface area is a giant touch screen and, when describing it to somebody unfamiliar with the controller, it makes the concept instantly make sense.
Devices like the DS, Vita, etc. don't have tablet-sized touch screens, nor is the bulk of the surface area of those devices devoted to said touch screen, so we don't call them tablets.
Feel free to dispute the actual definition of the word all you want, but we live in a society ruled by slang. People understand slang because it works.
Devices like the DS, Vita, etc. don't have tablet-sized touch screens, nor is the bulk of the surface area of those devices devoted to said touch screen, so we don't call them tablets.
Feel free to dispute the actual definition of the word all you want, but we live in a society ruled by slang. People understand slang because it works.
I know this was probably wasn't the intention of the article, but your description of it being the bottom half of a DS, and being used similarly pretty much sinks all interest in it for me.
@burningsoup
yeah, people always seem to be harsher towards holmes for stating his opinions. I'm guessing it's jealousy because he's on Podtoid so he's better than us all
yeah, people always seem to be harsher towards holmes for stating his opinions. I'm guessing it's jealousy because he's on Podtoid so he's better than us all
"Anyone who has used the Wii U GamePad should be able to tell you that it's not a tablet device. A tablet features multi-touch screen controls, and does not rely on multiple buttons and control sticks/pads."
my toshiba tablet says hi. its a tablet, its not multi touch, and the keyboard has buttons.
technically its a tablet gamepad. because it has touch features, which is what a tablet it. a device with a screen you can touch. multitouch is not a requirement for a tablet.
my toshiba tablet says hi. its a tablet, its not multi touch, and the keyboard has buttons.
technically its a tablet gamepad. because it has touch features, which is what a tablet it. a device with a screen you can touch. multitouch is not a requirement for a tablet.
@burningsoup
The only person "arguing" over the meaning of a word is Holmes. He's upset at people for using a word differently than he does. People in comments are pointing out how ridiculous it is to do this.
The only person "arguing" over the meaning of a word is Holmes. He's upset at people for using a word differently than he does. People in comments are pointing out how ridiculous it is to do this.
If Nintendo called it a tablet, then Apple will be forced to steal the design, make a shinier version of it and then claim that Nintendo ripped off their innovation.
This article drips with hostility and passive aggressiveness like it was written to address a specific person in mind -- as if there was some sort of argument, and this was an attempt to get back at them. Either way, there are more important things in the world to get worked up over than the vernacular of people on the internet.
Why do you care all that much? I guess if I wanted to be a pedant I could point out there are tablets that are single touch and I think all tablets have multiple buttons... but, why do you care?
You're sounding like you're throwing a tantrum here over something rather silly, like a drunken 4am Livejournal post or something. Are people saying "tablet" like it's a bad thing? Do you hate tablets that much? Chill out duder.
You're sounding like you're throwing a tantrum here over something rather silly, like a drunken 4am Livejournal post or something. Are people saying "tablet" like it's a bad thing? Do you hate tablets that much? Chill out duder.
Although I see the point you're making, Holmes, language and definitions change all of the time. The definition you make of tablet is valid, but a tablet can also mean a pill, or a stone tablet. Also, as others above me have said, if the general public see the Wii-U controller as a tablet, irregardless of it's non-portability and not working when it's away from the home console, then it's a tablet. The English language is replete with examples of definitions changing due to popular usage.
Sure, people may be lazy in dubbing it a tablet, but Nintendo's marketing and PR department haven't been very clear on how they are advertising the console, with confusion from some major news outlets that the Wii-U controller is just an add on for the Wii that will make it HD and add touch controls. It doesn't help that the name Wii U doesn't differentiate the console from it's predecessor, and that the console (game pad aside) looks just like a Wii with rounded corners.
Sure, people may be lazy in dubbing it a tablet, but Nintendo's marketing and PR department haven't been very clear on how they are advertising the console, with confusion from some major news outlets that the Wii-U controller is just an add on for the Wii that will make it HD and add touch controls. It doesn't help that the name Wii U doesn't differentiate the console from it's predecessor, and that the console (game pad aside) looks just like a Wii with rounded corners.
This is akin to when Jim got mad about people playing Left 4 Dead the wrong way, way back when. I love Destructoid and I always appreciate editors throwing their opinions into the news article, gives the site its color. Posts like this should really stick to the C-blogs though. This isn't a feature, this isn't a news post. I wouldn't say this even has the grounds to stand as an "opinion" piece on a blog that gets as many views as this site does. It's Holmes getting mad about semantics and wasting space on the front page for it.
I apologize for being so forward and asshole-y. Holmes you still make my favorite E3 videos ever. I just don't feel this issue was worth taking to the front page.
I apologize for being so forward and asshole-y. Holmes you still make my favorite E3 videos ever. I just don't feel this issue was worth taking to the front page.
@Holmes
Also, I hope that didn't come across as douchey, as I like your articles and videos, I just don't agree with what you're saying in this one. Much love, man.
Also, I hope that didn't come across as douchey, as I like your articles and videos, I just don't agree with what you're saying in this one. Much love, man.
I love you, Jonathan, but I still think it's a tablet. You can buy button and joystick addons for the iPad, but that doesn't revoke its tablet status.
@Jinx
You haven't explained, after all the times you've said it, why this controller is worthless. If nothing else, it's a traditional controller (which people whined about wanting all through the Wii's lifecycle) with a screen that can be used either as extra, customizable button space, or, you know, a SCREEN. I know of another Nintendo product that had a second screen, and I hear it was pretty successful and worked very well. It also didn't have multitouch, and it came with a stylus.
@Jinx
You haven't explained, after all the times you've said it, why this controller is worthless. If nothing else, it's a traditional controller (which people whined about wanting all through the Wii's lifecycle) with a screen that can be used either as extra, customizable button space, or, you know, a SCREEN. I know of another Nintendo product that had a second screen, and I hear it was pretty successful and worked very well. It also didn't have multitouch, and it came with a stylus.
I agree with this. Some people might say it's pedantic, but I always hate it when people distort the meaning of words (especially "ironic", but that's a rant for another day).
You can't be more wrong, my husband Brandon played the Wii U last week, and he said that the controller was exactly like a tablet controller. If you don't believe me, then check out this video. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OBNUI9mZGfE )
@llort het - The more you babble about "gimmicks" they more inconsistent you become regarding the topic. If you're aware that there is a practical way to use a touch or motion interface that developers aren't using and concede its the fault of the developer for coming up with some halfassed scheme - the tech itself isn't a gimmick then, now is it?
Also, Holmes is right, calling a gamepad a tablet confuses the purpose. It might be tablet-like in shape, but it has sticks and buttons. Its a controller.
Guess what tablets don't have?
But hey, be stupid if you want and don't come crying to me when your teacher starts calling your PS Vita a Game Boy.
Also, Holmes is right, calling a gamepad a tablet confuses the purpose. It might be tablet-like in shape, but it has sticks and buttons. Its a controller.
Guess what tablets don't have?
But hey, be stupid if you want and don't come crying to me when your teacher starts calling your PS Vita a Game Boy.
"Gimmick" is defined by the internet as "something I'm not currently interested in and thus resent the existence of."
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