Wii U Pro Controller Won’t Be Backwards Compatible, Will Last 80 Hours on a Single Charge

While one of the Wii U's cornerstones is its GamePad, not everyone wants to lug a giant screen when playing their games. With that in mind, Nintendo is releasing a "normal" input method for the Wii U called the "Pro Controller," too.

According to retailers Amazon and GameStop, the Pro Controller will have a battery life of 80 hours in a single charge. If this is indeed correct, it's more than double the duration compared to Xbox 360 and PS3's controllers. However, that good news is offset by the fact the Pro Controller won't work with Wii games. 

Here's the Pro Controller's description from the retailers:

Your games, your way. However you think of your gaming style – hardcore, old school, or purely nostalgic – the Wii U Pro Controller puts you in the game. Designed for accessibility and extended gameplay comfort, the Wii U Pro Controller features the dual analog sticks and ergonomic button layout that you've come to expect, as well as a rechargeable battery that can last up to 80 hours on a single charge. The Wii U Pro Controller can be used for playing a variety of games – from packaged games at retail to downloadable games from the Nintendo eShop. Look on the back of Wii U game packaging to see which games use the Wii U Pro Controller. Not compatible with the Wii system or games.

Keep in mind that this info hasn't been released by Nintendo but from Amazon and GameStop's pages. Although both sites are posting the same info word-for-word, so chances are it came from Nintendo themselves.

So there you have it. You'll be able to use the Pro Controller for up to 80 hours on a single charge. But for those who want to play their classic Wii games on the Wii U, better have that Wii Classic Controller nearby. 

Will you be getting a Pro Controller or should the GamePad suffice?

Thanks, NintendoLife