Report suggests Wii U GamePad can be used to play Wii games without a TV

Video interview after the break

The touchscreen on the Wii U GamePad can be used to play games without a TV, and Nintendo loves showing off this unique feature every chance they get. According to a new rumor, the GamePad can also be used in the same way to play Wii games on the controller. Pepe Arcas, Nintendo's Spanish Division Brand Manager, told Game Reactor that while he couldn't officially confirm that this is true, he noted "it makes sense" that Wii games could be played using the GamePad alone. We've known for a while now that the controller has a built-in IR sensor strip to support Wii Remote pointer functionality, and given the location of said sensor strip, I believe this report must be true. Why? Well, Nintendo recently filed an interesting patent. Take a look at the illustration that appeared with it:

Note the sensor strip above the touchscreen, and the one on top of the TV.

As you can see, the controller is shown being used as a screen for the Wii Remote, allowing for some unique interactions between the touchscreen and an actual TV. Obviously, you would have to place the GamePad in some sort of holder or stand to support it while you are playing. And voila! Here is yet another patent image:

You can tell what that is. That is an official docking station filed by Nintendo for none other the Wii U GamePad a while back. Seeing as how the IR Sensor Strip is conveniently located just above the touchscreen, playing games that require pointer functionality on the controller itself would feel perfectly natural. Awesome job Nintendo.

Here's Game Reactor's interview with Pepe Arcas of Nintendo's Spanish Division. Very interesting.