The Wii U gamepad has a big touch screen that could be used in a variety of ways. Sadly, Minecraft Wii U Edition won’t be utilizing the peripheral to its full potential.
Director of creative communications at Mojang, Owen Hill, answered a fan on Twitter if the Wii U gamepad will be used as a second screen for crafting or inventory.
Hill replied with: “Not at the moment, sorry. It’s just used as an alternate screen if someone is using the TV. Would be cool though. :)”
This is a missed opportunity. The Wii U gamepad was made specifically to standout from all of the other games. The gamepad was meant to be used differently from traditional controllers.
The PS Vita’s touchscreen is somewhat used to select inventory. This is different from the PS3 version where you had to traditionally have to use the directional buttons to choose the materials you want.
It would have been cool if Minecraft Wii U had the inventory on the gamepad so that players can quickly pick materials and gear they need. Alas, all it’s going to be used for is a second screen if someone else is using the TV.
If the Wii U version of the game proves to the popular, hopefully Mojang considers implementing it in a future update patch.
