Tried this for the first time just now. I thought it was pretty cool! I had high hopes for it being an improvement over the Wii Wheel, which I never really got into, because the size of the Gamepad makes it feel more like a steering wheel and allow for more natural control. I only played 50cc so the fact that I managed to come in first and get 3 stars doesn't mean much. I do worry that I won't be able to have the precision necessary to pull off some of the tighter maneuvers like some of the secret path jumps. Maybe I'll have to stick to the analog stick for time trials and real competition, but I'm gonna try to make the full switch.

I understand this control option might not be for everyone, but it kind of puzzles me why so many people say that game doesn't make sufficient use of the Gamepad. That's a pretty big use and it doesn't distract from the game which I suspect any real touch controls would. Is it just because it's so similar to the Wii Wheel that it doesn't get any credit?

Am I the only interested in using this control full time? Have people tried it? Do you like it?

I like it. Will probably switch over once I'm very comfortable with the track design.

Hmm. Never even crossed my mind to try it until now... I will report back when I do.

I've tried it out and I have to agree that its fun. I do believe they've improved it from MKWii. I used to solely use the Wii Wheel but got super frustrated with it incorrectly detecting my tilt when hopping into a slide. This time around its doing a close to perfect job tracking my movements.

I haven't tried it yet, maybe I should give it a shot. Though, the GamePad cord might get in the way of things.

Now, I haven't put much time into this game yet, but it's all I've played. I like it.

I use the gamepad while playing, but not the motion control aspect. I'll have to check it out. I do prefer using the pro controller, but I don't mind using the gamepad to play games. The pro controller is just a tad more comfortable.

I've used it a bit with friends. It's ok. I think I prefer the wheel or analog controls for precision, but it works in tilt mode.

I used it just once, very briefly, and it seemed okay, but I've stuck with the analog stick so far. With Mario Kart Wii I always used the Wii Wheel, but this time around I wanted to use the GamePad so that I could look down at the map on the touch screen. And the GamePad seems a little too big and heavy to hold up in the air for long periods of time.

I didn't even think about the fact that you COULD do that. To me the Gamepad is "a controller" not a motion controller.

Considering it's just rehashing what was done in 7 and wii it can't be considered 'sufficient use' of the gamepad.

I dunno, I thought it felt similar to the wheel. It's nice to have but kind of expected given that the Gamepad has the motion sensor in it. It's a shame that they don't let you play multiplayer off screen though. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

I'm using tilt controls!

Not really. But it's really cool that it's there.

Oh hey speaking of, does anyone know if the Wii Wheel in this game takes advantage of the Wiimote Plus for more accurate steering controls, or just regular Wiimote functions?

Never, ever tried. But now I will.

@Mop it up
Good question! I would guess NO.

@Mop it up

I'm not sure if its that they changed the steering mechanics within the code or they're now using M+. Either way its different than MKWii and I'm a fan.