Update: I originally featured a photo I mistakenly thought was a prototype of the new PDP Fight Pad. What do you make of this new era Gamecube controller? An interesting evolution or misshapen lump? You probably won't actually know until you hold one for yourself. I hope we're far enough into the launch now where people will have at least figured out the Wii U is a new console, but the fact that there are now four distinct controller options may still be confusing in its own right.

Nintendo has always had trouble explaining both what the Wii U is, and how to use it, as at launch many were confused by the fact that last-gen Wiimotes were being used to play what was supposed to be a next-gen system. I'm not sure whether this is an advantage or disadvantage, but Nintendo certainly has the PS4 and Xbox One beat in 'number of ways to play.' The Wii U now can use the Gamepad, the Wiimote, the Pro Controller and now this 'Fight Pad.' While it's good that players have so many options based on their playstyle, it can make for a confusing purchase in-store for those who don't understand which of the four different controllers they're supposed to actually pick up for household multiplayer. As such, they've announced they're partnering with PDP to bring a Gamecube 'inspired' controller to market in time for the release of the Wii U version of the new Super Smash Bros. Nintendo knows that there's a certain subset of its fansbase that has some treasured memories playing Super Smash Bros.

Weird to look at, but beautifully functional in practice. You could even say the Wii U's gamepad, a honking tablet with buttons and thumbsticks sprouting out of it like acne, falls into that category as well.

The same goes for the jumbled mess of buttons and triggers that was the Gamecube controller, which was surprisingly fantastic to play with.

Despite the fact that the third D-pad leg of the N64 controller was like an extraneous evolutionary appendage that hadn't dropped off yet, it's regarded as one of the best gaming controllers in history. Nintendo has a unique ability to design controllers that look like complete nonsense, yet are beloved all the same.

Gamecube controller for wii u gamepad