Minecraft Wii U Edition Doesn T Use Gamepad For Inventory Management

While Minecraft: Wii U Edition has finally been announced, unfortunately, the GamePad is not being used for inventory management. This was confirmed by Owen Hill of Mojang on Twitter when a fan asked about the possibility of such a feature making its way into the game.

While it’s disappointing that the GamePad is not being used for inventory management purposes, Hill’s language suggests that such a feature could be added in the future. Minecraft is known for receiving a multitude of updates after launch, and the Wii U version of the game should be no different.

That being said, Owen’s comment makes it somewhat unclear just how extensive GamePad functionality will be in Minecraft: Wii U Edition. We know that Minecraft: Wii U Edition can be played entirely on the GamePad screen if someone else is using the TV, but it would be wise for Mojang to use this feature for co-op as well. For example, one player could use the television screen while another could play with them using the GamePad screen, which would eliminate the need for split-screen, as other Wii U multiplayer games have done in the past.

In the meantime, Nintendo fans can look forward to some exclusive content in regards to Minecraft: Wii U Edition, even though the game isn’t using the GamePad to its full potential. This will come in the form of Nintendo-themed DLC, which will only be available on the Wii U version of the game. The Wii U-exclusive Minecraft DLC comes as somewhat of a surprise considering Microsoft’s purchase of Mojang, but it should be appreciated by Wii U gamers nevertheless.

It may be disappointing to some that the Wii U version of Minecraft won’t be utilizing the GamePad in any special way, but at least the long-rumored game is finally making its way to the system at all. Nintendo faithful that have yet to experience Minecraft will still be able to see what all of the fuss is about when the game releases next week, even if it doesn’t necessarily take full advantage of the Wii U’s unique features.

Minecraft: Wii U Edition will be available on December 17th. Minecraft is also available for various mobile devices, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Source: GameSpot