Community - Retro - Hardware - Prototype Wii U Gamepad I recently procured.

It's actually very different from the released version Aside from circle pads vs analog sticks. Start and select on the bottom, no TV button, different looking buttons, different port etc

News - July, 2017

Wii U Prototype Gamepad vs Released Gamepad - Imgur

I've compared the prototype E3 gamepad against the retail version. Nintendo did make some changes after the E3 in 2011 when they exhibited the console. : r/wiiu

Satoru Iwata - Wikipedia

The Wii U GamePad started life as this - CNET

Wii controller prototypes included star-shaped design, was met with opposition

GPD Are Back With Something A Little Different, The GPD WIN // UPDATE: Target Smashed!

Wii U Prototype Gamepad vs Released Gamepad - Imgur

Nintendo Wii U Prototype Gamepad - Consolevariations

Worklog - Wiiu gamepad wii first projet BitBuilt - Giving Life to Old Consoles

Retro Gamer No. 244 (Digital)

What game console/handheld prototype looks better than the final product?

Nintendo Wii U Prototype Gamepad - Consolevariations