Wii U games that function without gamepad connectivity

I know there are plenty of games that offer the wii remote and other control settings as alternatives to the gamepad, but what games actually require you to have the gamepad connected to the console to play them?

I know there are some that don't need it like Super Mario 3D world, and some that do absolutely need it like Nintendo Land. And from what I've heard with Pikmin 3, even if you decide to go with the wiimote+nunchuck setting you need the gamepad connected.

What about Mario Kart 8, DK Tropical Freeze, etc? I would appreciate if some Wii U owners would test this out.

I know tropical freeze doesn't need the gamepad to ever be connected at all. It can be played with the Wii U pro controller entirely.

Thanks. Has anyone tested this with Mario Kart 8?

@JonChaoZ: I'm 90% sure Mario Kart 8 can, since my GF can play split/screen with me. I would double check, but I'm saying YES, Mario Kart 8 can be played with Pro Controller only (oh and by the way, it's pretty great.

Do you just not like the Gamepad? I have to admit, for certain games I find it clunky, but I actually like it for a lot of things now that I'm getting used to it more and more

Honestly it's because I'm a cheap bastard. I may have the opportunity to get just the console in the near future. I know some features of the system absolutely need the gamepad, but if I can just have the option to play a few games for now, I'd buy the gamepad later online.

I think the gamepad is pretty cool but should just be optional in the grand scheme of things, just like the wii remote on the wii and how it was mandatory. But atleast the wii remote was much cheaper for Nintendo to make/sell.

I play Mario Kart 8 all the time with just the Wiimote and nunchuk. The only thing is that you only get the mini-map and list of other racers with what items they have when you use the gamepad.

Yup MK8 is fine with alternate controllers.

In fact, most of my library is fine without the game pad. I think the only game I have that requires it would be Nintendo Land.

@JonChaoZ: I have Super Mario 3D World, Donkey Kong, Pikmin 3, Wind Waker HD, Mario Kart 8 and Zombi U. Zombi U is the only one where you need the gamepad to play the campaign.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I'll be getting a Wii U next week. I really want to take advantage of the free game deal with MK8 without spending an arm and a leg, so even if I need to get the gamepad later it works out.

Of course you can play Mario Kart with other controllers but that was not his question.
I'm pretty sure that I tried to start the game with only the pro controller but I still had to connect the gamepad even though I wasn't using it.

I got curious and actually tried it again. I was confused because the gamepad switches on when starting the Wii U anyway and there is no way to completely switch it off. Only the screen. Long story short: I moved the gamepad out of range, startet the Wii U with the pro controller only and you can play Mario Kart just fine.

Tekken Tag 2, Sonic All Stars Racing Transformed, Mario Kart 8, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and many others don't need the Gamepad.

Assuming you don't have a gamepad here is my top 32 list and whether they are playable or not (most nintendo exclusives listed).

This is assuming your wii and games have received the latest updates. (14 of 32 work) most of the mario and zelda games work!

Super Mario 3D World - Playable (except toad levels)

New Super Mario Bros Wii U - Playable

New Super Luigi U - Playable

Mario Kart 8 - Playable

Mario Tennis Ultra Smash - Playable

Super Smash Bros - Playable

Zelda Breath of the Wild - Playable (With newest update)

Zelda Wind Waker - Playable

Zelda Twilight Princess - Playable

Hyrule Warriors - Playable (no multiplayer)

Yoshi's Woolly World - Playable

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze - Playable

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate - Playable

Bayonetta 2 - Playable

Mario Party 10 - Not Playable

Super Mario Maker - Not Playable

Paper Mario Color Splash - Not Playable

Captain Toad Treasure Tracker - Not Playable

Game and Wario - Not Playable

Star Fox Zero - Not Playable

Star Fox Guard - Not Playable

Pikmin 3 - Not Playable

Pokken Tournament - Not Playable

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse - Not Playable

Splatoon - Not Playable

Resident Evil Revelations - Not Playable

NES Remix Pack - Not Playable

Nintendo Land - Not Playable (few mini games may be playable)

Wii Sports Club - (requires wii u remote only)

Bayonetta - Not Playable

Zombiu - Not Playable

Xenoblade Chronicles X - Not Playable (may start up but significant functionality lost)

This thread is over two years old.

its a good thread since my wii u gamepad is failing to connect alot