iFixit

A simple ZIF connector stands between us and the bottom button board.

The bottom button board is home to the TV control and power buttons.

Despite the board housing two of the most important buttons, there are no conspicuous ICs on the bottom button board.

This button casing is wrapped in blue ribbon cables and switches for the ABXY button pad.

With the button casing out of the way, we get to the first of the dual analog joysticks.

One part, two part, red part, blue part...big part, small part, let's tear this thing apart.

We are a bit disappointed that Nintendo didn't use the extra real estate in the Wii U for some crazy speakers.

Button, button, who's got the button? The U doesn't...well, not anymore.

The rubber backed ABXY, D-pad, start/select, Power, TV, and Home buttons coming flying out of the Wii U.

• Separate button groups are good news for the button mashers among us, as each unit will be relatively quick and inexpensive to replace.

The Wii U loses its ability to communicate with near fields as we remove the NFC module and antenna.

What awesome functionality did this bring to the console?

• Well, as of launch day…none.
• In the future, we might see loading saved games or importing characters from cards or action figures, like in this demo.

There are two prominent ICs on the NFC communications board:

• Broadcom BCM20792 KMLG NFC controller
• T130 MsEU crystal oscillator

Pulling out this (third) dual-antenna wireless module is starting to feel pretty routine.

The board is powered by a Broadcom BCM4319XKUBG.

This module is likely part of a new system Nintendo and Broadcom co-designed to wirelessly stream video and data between the Wii U console and GamePad controller.

The GamePad's motherboard is easily displaced from the front panel case.

Front side of the GamePad's motherboard:

• STMicroelectronics UIC-WUP MCE GH226
• STMicroelectronics MSA3D 01F
• Texas Instruments TSC 2046I Low Voltage I/O Touch Screen Controller