The new Zelda looks like it could be the first open world game I will play. Even though Shenmue is my favorite game I never enjoyed games like GTA. But the exploration in the new Zelda looks very interesting, the art style is just outstanding.

So now I am thinking of buying a Wii U with some games. Is the gamepad a requirement for using the console (Netflix, eShop, ...), playing games (Mario Kart, Splatoon, ...)? I am asking because I found a used Wii U with a broken gamepad and I would use a Pro Controller instead.

Recently I read that Nintendo released its first mobile game and a Nintendo ecosystem. I also remember users of Nintendo consoles complained about the lack of a unified ecosystem. Is the Wii U already a part of that ecosystem or will the NX be the first console?

As far as I'm aware you will need the Gamepad for a lot of things... I'm not sure you can navigate the main menus etc. with any other controller (but I've never actually tried so I'm not sure).

Games are a different story as I presume many will at least allow you to use the Pro Controller, but you'd have to check on a game by game basis I think.

It kind of is... not sure exactly how unified it is, but the Wii U and 3DS both connect to a Nintendo Network ID which links all your Nintendo stuff.
There was talk of one of the games announced at E3 having some kind of cross buy feature (where you buy it on one system and get it for both) but I think that's quite rare..

You'll probably want to get a new gamepad for the used console, I'm not even sure the WiiU works properly if a gamepad isn't synced with it.

You can navigate menus with a normal controller and most games support it too, but most of them also work a lot better with a gamepad. I.e. in Splatoon it's required for the minimap and to teleport.

I don't know what you mean with ecosystem, but your account now isn't console locked anymore.

You can get by without a gamepad to some degree, but the system and the games really expect there to be one.

I pretty much got the system for Bayonetta 2. I think it complains a bit, but starts up without a gamepad. Bayonetta 1, on the other hand, complains and won't give up until it sees one. Neither really need it.

My daughter has a WiiU, and while I don't play it, just watching her and her sister using it... I'd say it's pretty much a necessity to have the gamepad.

Wait a minute.. how can your username be gr00t when you registered in 2008 and the movie only came out in 2014?!

As far as I knew you flat out can't use the system without the gamepad. Even if that's not the case though, a lot of games won't support different controller inputs.

If your question is solely about the touchscreen in the controller, than it's not as much of a problem, not that many games make it absolutely necessary, but you'd definitely be missing out for not having it.

I asked GOG Support to change it. ;)

You'd probably have to check the back of the game box or on the game information page on the eshop to see what controllers it supports (since there's the gamepad, pro controller, wii controllers...)

I finally bought a Wii U this weekend (was waiting to see if there'd be a new bundle or price drop at e3, but there wasn't so I just went with a sale that gave you back a 50 dollar in store coupon so it worked out about what I was wanting to pay anyway), and I do think that the gamepad does add a lot to the experience if you're interested in off tv play as it was the main thing they were going for when developing the system. Too bad it came out too late to really catch on combined with the general lack of interest since I think it's great to play while watching reruns or late at night without disturbing other people in the house.

I'm interested in the new Zelda as well, but I wonder if it's worth picking up a Wii U at this point, instead of waiting for their new console. When will Zelda be released anyway?

Personally, I think I'll wait for Nintendo to reveal some more info about their new console first. It will probably be a better choice than the Wii U, and at the very least it should bring down the price of their current "old" console.

Lost opportunity for using "Magic.". =P
That is, if it's even going to be a console. From some of the rumor-mill stuff I've read it may easily just be some odd proprietary tablet thing. Either way, it'll be interesting to see what it actually will be and what silly gimmicks no one asked for Nintendo will come up with next.

March 2017 for the NX as a launch title. The Wii U version might be released a little later instead of concurrently.

Assuming nothing gets delayed, as is often the case.

Hence why I prefer to wait for more official info. If it's primarily some mobile or online device, then I don't think I'll pick one up. I heard it might combine the advantages of the DS and a traditional home console -- a mobile device, with a local docking station, or something like that -- which could be interesting. Either way, for now it seems best to wait, if only for a price drop on the Wii U.
Didn't know that... Seems like an odd choice, unless they primarily want to use it to boost initial system sales for the new console.

I have a recommendation. Don't get it UNLESS there are 5 must-have games on it to justify getting the system. If Zelda is your only must-have, just don't get it (or the NX). But if you see 5 games you really want, then consider getting it.

I've totally avoided this entire generation of PS4/Xbone/Wii-U because there aren't 5 on any system that I want. And I'll say it's probably for the best.