When Nintendo initially announced the Wii U, it stated that the machine was dedicated to video game players of all kinds. According to the company, the platform would be good for families, core gamers, and casual folks. With the GamePad’s ability to mirror the functions of traditional controllers, it’s definitely possible for developers to create games that are on par with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as far as mainstream functionality is concerned.

Sadly, the GamePad’s capabilities to provide normal controls isn’t exactly enough for developer Gearbox Software to attempt porting Borderlands 2 on the Wii U. “We get asked if there is going to be a Wii U version of Borderlands, and the reason why there’s not is because we couldn’t think of a natural, obvious, ‘OMG, I want that for what the Wii U brings to the table’ feature,” CEO Randy Pitchford told GamesMaster.

It’s obvious that a few developers share this mindset, and it’s a bit of a shame, actually. The Wii U is able to do things its current competitors aren’t, but thanks to the GamePad and the Pro Controller, it can still offer fans experiences on par with what those systems are doing. If you’re a diehard Nintendo fan who only owns a Wii U, you may be left in the dark in regards to a few key franchises.

Still, Gearbox is totally backing the platform as far as Aliens: Colonial Marines is concerned. “But with Aliens, the first thing we thought was ‘Holy sh*t, I can have a motion controller in my hands!’ When it’s there in my lap it feels like I’m part of the movie,” explained Pitchford.

Is this a bad approach for devs to take with the Wii U? Should Nintendo’s newest platform be completely devoid of traditional, non-GamePad-centric experiences?

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