即使Wii U主機沒有搭配原本的GamePad控制器，在多數情況下仍然可以正常遊玩遊戲，只是可使用的功能與遊戲範圍會受到一定程度限制。仍可透過Wii遙控器（Wiimote）、Pro控制器，甚至在部分情況下透過改機系統來操作主機並執行Wii U或Wii遊戲，但若涉及觸控操作或雙螢幕設計的內容，就可能無法完整運作。此外，如果主機尚未完成初始設定，沒有GamePad也可能導致早期操作流程受到阻礙。

在向下相容方面，Wii U本身完整支援Wii平台遊戲。只要搭配Wii遙控器與感應條，即可直接在電視畫面上遊玩所有Wii遊戲，其操作方式與原本的Wii幾乎相同，因此即使缺少GamePad，仍能把主機當作一台功能完整的Wii使用。

至於Wii U專用遊戲，實際情況則依作品設計而定。許多遊戲支援使用 Pro 控制器或單獨的Wii遙控器進行操作，因此不一定需要觸控螢幕即可遊玩。然而，一部分以雙螢幕互動或觸控功能為核心的作品，則會受到限制，例如Nintendo Land便高度依賴GamePad的畫面與觸控操作，缺少面板時將無法正常進行遊戲。

另一個常被忽略的問題是初期設定流程。如果主機為全新購入或曾經初始化，系統首次開機時的部分設定畫面必須透過GamePad觸控操作完成，因此在沒有 GamePad的情況下，可能無法順利完成初始設定並進入主選單。部分玩家會透過改機或安裝特定軟體來繞過這些限制，但這屬於非官方方式，存在一定風險。

整體而言，只要擁有Wii遙控器（含感應條）或Pro控制器，即使沒有GamePad，Wii U仍可作為一般Wii主機使用，並遊玩相當比例的Wii U遊戲。不過，考量系統設定、維護操作以及部分遊戲的必要功能，仍建議至少保留一台GamePad，以確保主機功能能完整發揮並避免後續操作上的不便。

Even without the GamePad controller, the Wii U console can still be used to play games in most situations, although certain functions and compatible titles will be limited. Players can operate the system using a Wii Remote (Wiimote), a Pro Controller, or in some cases a modified system setup to run both Wii U and Wii games. However, games that rely on touchscreen input or dual-screen functionality may not function properly. In addition, if the console has not completed its initial setup, operating the system without a GamePad may present difficulties during early configuration.

In terms of backward compatibility, the Wii U fully supports Wii games. By using a Wii Remote together with the sensor bar, players can play all Wii titles directly on a television screen, with controls that function almost identically to those on the original Wii console. As a result, even without a GamePad, the system can effectively be used as a standard Wii.

For Wii U–exclusive games, compatibility depends on each title’s design. Many games support gameplay using a Pro Controller or standalone Wii Remote, meaning a touchscreen is not always required. However, titles built around dual-screen interaction or touchscreen mechanics will face limitations. For example, Nintendo Land heavily relies on the GamePad’s display and touch controls and therefore cannot be properly played without it.

Another commonly overlooked issue involves the initial system setup. If the console is newly purchased or has been reset to factory settings, certain first-time configuration screens require touchscreen input via the GamePad. Without it, users may be unable to complete setup and access the main system menu. Some users bypass these restrictions through system modification or specialized software, but such methods are unofficial and may carry risks.

Overall, as long as a Wii Remote (with sensor bar) or a Pro Controller is available, a Wii U without a GamePad can still function as a regular Wii and can play a considerable portion of the Wii U library. Nevertheless, keeping at least one GamePad is strongly recommended to ensure full system functionality and to avoid inconvenience during system maintenance or specific gameplay situations.