iFixit

We finally get to the motherboard. Taking up the entire base of the console, the overall size of the device was likely designed around the motherboard.

Examining the underside of the motherboard, we find three separate wireless modules. We quickly get to removing them.

With the wireless modules out, we get right to examining them.

• Broadcom BCM43237KMLG Wireless LAN module
• Broadcom BCM43362KUB6 802.11n Wireless Module—the same one used in the Roku 2 XS
• Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 module

The shields are down! A quick pass with a heat gun and we get our first look at the CPU and GPU, both covered in ample thermal compound.

GPU: AMD Radeon™-based High Definition GPU.

CPU: IBM Power®-based multi-core processor.

We believe Nintendo placed these ICs close to one another to reduce latency and power consumption.

IC U! The notable players on the motherboard:

• Panasonic MN864718 HDMI Controller
• Samsung KLM8G2FE3B eMMC 8 GB NAND Flash/Memory Controller
• Micron 2LEI2 D9PXV [part number MT41K256M16HA-125] 4 Gb DDR3L SDRAM (4 x 4 Gb for a total of 16 Gb or 2 GB RAM)
• DRH-WUP 811309G31
• Fairchild DC4AY
• SMC 1224EE402
• Samsung K9K8G08U1D 4 Gb (512 MB) NAND Flash

Bonus Teardown Time! Break out the champagne and fireworks, it's party time. Why stop the teardown when we have another new piece of hardware at our disposal? Wasting no time, we crack into the Wii U GamePad controller, meant to supplement or replace the original TV slayers.

A readily available Phillips #00 screwdriver grants us access to the Wii-chargeable battery.

The 3.7 V, 1500 mAh rechargeable battery is only good for about 3-5 hours of gameplay, but is easily charged using the included external wall charger.

• Good news for those looking to extend their playtime—there's plenty of room in the battery compartment for an upgraded pack.

Nintendo. You're silly. Trying to hide your screws from us? Though clever, the screws are still hiding in plain sight.

A deca-plethora of hidden and recessed Tri-wing screws are inevitably no match for our trusty tools. Some of the screws are very recessed, forcing us to use the included 4 mm nut driver attachment to extend the length of our 54 Bit Driver. It works perfectly, and we are in!

We make the Wii U GamePad controller spill its guts.

The larger *gasp!* controller on the U is a design choice, comfortably accommodating the screen, buttons, and circuitry with room to spare.

Surprisingly, Nintendo fills the controller with—earmuffs, Cupertino—empty space; apparently size does matter.

Shoulder button!

Ruby red slippers may get Dorothy home, but we prefer the iconic red button.

From the buttons to the frame, plastic pieces abound in the Wii U's GamePad controller, making the Wii U light and *mostly* kid-proof.