boxofmoons

That's okay, it was good timing in fact. After discussing this problem a lot more with other people. It does seem to be hardware related, of which, I presume from my earlier post, that it is indeed a faulty bluetooth module, either that or it simply isn't connected properly. It's also definitely the console module. I would say to test the problem with the old Wii remotes while the gamepad is connected, and see if the wii remotes disconnect too. Having a Wii remote in may negate the disconnect. But frankly, it really doesn't matter what the problem is, because it's definitely hardware and we shouldn't have to deal with such problems. Attiq, just hope that if they send you a new unit (like they have been doing for every other hardware repair service) that it is not another faulty one. I mean, the fact that there a quite a few people with the problem suggests that these faulty consoles are out in the wild. I wish you luck. And maybe we'll bump into each other on the Miiverse.

Attiq, Nintendo have just released an update addressing 'stability and minor interface adjustments'. I'm no longer at my house so I can't download it. Get on your Wii U, download it, and update us on whether it fixed your problem, please.

hxxp://images.nintendolife.com/news/2012/11/hardware_review_wii_u/attachment/4/650x.jpg (replace with http) If the above is what you're receiving, it's definitely interference from other devices or objects. The problem i'm experiencing is different. And I believe many other people are experiencing it too, but simply do not realise what is happening, so they brush it of as a simple 'crash' or 'freeze'. Also, to those who are experiencing the same problem as me. Press sync on the console when it happens and the controls should start working again. A message will appear on both screens about synching, just hit 'b' or press the back button and continue playing. Atleast this way you can still play while deciding whether to send it to Nintendo or return it to the place of purchase, or even wait for news on a fix. I want to know if this is more widespread than is currently reflected though. If you think your Wii U has crashed, press the sync button on the console. If it all suddenly starts working again then you're in the same boat as me i'm afraid. I should be receiving another Wii U tomorrow. I'll test in whatever ways I can to get to the bottom of this.

I've done a bit of testing. I think the controls may (not completely sure) register through bluetooth, the streaming through local WiFi, and the internet through the standard WiFi LAN module. So, the controls and the image you see on the gamepad seem to go through different channels if true. It could just be a faulty bluetooth module. I'm not sure of this yet though. Might have to open up the console tonight and diagnose this properly. Maybe it'll help all future cases of this annoying issue.

I'm experiencing the same problem, I was going to start troubleshooting it today which is how I came across this thread. It's interesting, because neither the console nor the gamepad actually crash and become unusable - the (local) WiFi module (or some level of it) just (seemingly) stops responding. When the gamepad is connected to the console, the power button functions as the console's power button; when the gamepad is not connected to the console, the power button is local to the gamepad. This is why when the problem occurs the power button still works, but only shuts off the gamepad; the gamepad seems to have disconnected from the console The TV function on the gamepad still executes because as stated already, the gamepad does not crash (nor the console). It's just that, the image you see of the Wii U on the gamepad is purely a stream, it's like looking at a TV. The only local software on the gamepad is the TV program, and the power button which is hard-coded into the firmware. The issue here is distinguishing which module stops responding. The one in the gamepad or the one in the console, or both. Resetting the gamepad seems to fix the issue, which suggests that the gamepad module is the problem, and works after being rebooted. That is, unless resetting the gamepad module requests for the console module to re-establish the connection, in which case it would be the console. However, in order for the console to receive the request it would have to be responsive to begin with. What's really strange about all this though, is that when this all happens while you're playing a game, the 'unable to communicate with gamepad' message is still streamed, constantly, to the gamepad! How is that even possible if either module has stopped responding? However, when you're not on a game and the 'freeze' occurs, no message appears on the gamepad or on the TV. It appears to continue to stream, but without the controller being registered as connected. It's beyond strange. I doubt it's software, as everybody would be having the same problem otherwise. I've looked at the Wii U teardown on ifixit, and the antennae for the local WiFi route to the back of the Wii U. I'm sure you can guess where... Right behind the port for the Sensor Bar. Try putting the Wii U on its side (with the stand) and face its back toward you. See what happens.