Wii U

[D.A.N.]

 

"With a revolutionary new touch screen controller, precision motion controls, and full HD graphics, a whole new world of play styles and gaming possibilities is on the horizon. The time is coming to truly expand your idea about what a game console isâ€"and can be."

 

Launch: Tentatively 2012

 

Price: No confirmed price tag. Nintendo has confirmed that given the tech, it will likely cost over $250.

 

Disc Format: A single self-loading media bay will play 12-centimeter proprietary high-density 25GB ptical discs for the new console, as well as 12-centimeter Wii optical discs.

 

The Console

The actual hardware behind the Wii U is still under wraps. What we do know is that like the Wii it will be able to download and play games, it is capable of 1080p HD visuals and HDMI, and is backwards compatible with Wii games.

 

 

 

The Controller

To put it simply, Nintendo's Wii U controller is large and in charge. The controller measures into a 7x10-inch rectangle, making it, unquestionably, the biggest controller in recent gaming history.

 

 

 

 

Its defining feature, aside from its size, is a beautiful 6.2-inch touch screen. The controller also has plenty of conventional controls. Two circle pads act like analog sticks on either side. On the left, you'll find a D pad; on the right, you'll find four face buttons. Along the top, you'll find two shoulder buttons and two additional triggers on the back. Running along the bottom of the controller are the usual system buttons: start, select, home, and power.

 

 

The controller also features speakers, a volume slider, a headphone out, a camera, stylus, a port for Wii accessories, and motion controls. The controller is capable of playing games even if the TV is being used at the moment for something else, like watching shows. It's portable in a sense, but only within wireless reach of the main console, because all of the controller's visuals are generated by the console and then streamed to the controller. Despite its size, the controller doesn't feel like a brick. It's light enough to hold in one hand quite comfortably. At the same time, the lack of weight doesn't translate to a cheap or flimsy feel. The buttons are enough to play traditional games while the controller's stacked features and console's backwards compatibility opens the door for many possibilities.

 

 

Controller Impressions

Various Gamespot People

 

I'm loving all the control options that the controller has: dual circle pads, four shoulder buttons, a touch screen, and motion controls. Sign me up! Aiming with the controller was dead simple in the shooter demos like Ghost Recon. The screen on the controller is also very crisp. It's way beyond what's offered on the Nintendo 3DS, and it's easily on par with something like the iPhone 4. I'm also really digging the concept of playing without having to look at the TV at all, both in single-player and multiplayer modes. I realize there's nothing but positivity flowing from these words, but the sheer array of solid experiences at E3 2011 lend credence to them.

 

Overall we have to say we were impressed by what we saw. The way the controller works with the system and game experiences was very clever and offered a wide variety of possibilities that were exciting. The new controller is a very smart element that we reckon will be a gamechanger for what Nintendo does on the console. The backwards compatibility with Wii games and peripherals was also a masterstroke, ensuring consumers will get the most out of the raft of peripherals they undoubtedly own.

 

Potential. That's what I can see in Nintendo's new console right now. None of the "experiences" Nintendo had set up for the Wii U at E3 2011 blew me away (well, Chase Mii was fun), but I still see the awesome possibility inherent in that feature-packed controller. And despite what you may think, the controller itself felt quite good to hold. Will it be comfortable for long play sessions on the couch? Absolutely. Will developers over reach and try to do too much with the touchscreen, forcing you to switch your hands often? Probably. You haven't quite sold me on the Wii U yet, Nintendo, but I am interested. Very interested.

 

By the look of it, I was expecting it to feel like something I might not want to hold for 15 or 20 minutes at a stretch, much less several hours of marathon gaming. But in fact, it's exceptionally light, and I found it comfortable to hold as well, with my fingers naturally resting right on the rear triggers.

 

Despite the baffling name and the dearth of actual games, I am very intrigued by the Wii U. The multiplayer mayhem of Chase Mii was a lot of frantic fun, and the controller is pleasantly light, with a vivid screen. Though it was short, the high-definition Legend of Zelda scene flexed Wii U's visual processing power to great effect. The dynamic lighting, impressive detail, and great animation brought the strong Zelda art design to a whole new level, foreshadowing a future adventure that I can't wait to take.

 

IGN

 

In short, Nintendo's gamble works. The controller is the best of both worlds, mixing traditional button inputs with the advantage of having an interface unlike anything we've seen from a home console.

 

Engadget

 

In the hand the controller feels light, and it feels comfortable. It's most similar to the old GameCube controller, really, but much wider and with more buttons. There are four face buttons, a D-pad, dual-analog sliders, start, select, and four more 'round the back: ZL, ZR, L, and R. All fall to hand quite readily, even for gamers with bigger mitts. Looking back at ya is a front-facing camera, and there's a plain plastic stylus tucked in the top, so we're certainly looking at a resistive touch display.

 

Pro Controller

The Wii U Pro Controller will provide an easy method of playing multiplatform games.

 

Graphics

Outside of stating that the console outputs at 1080p, Nintendo was low on details or any official specs. Sources are saying that the console is comparable to and possibly significantly more powerful than the PS3. The tech demos (both confirmed not to be prerendered) certainly suggest that it is possibly true.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arHNcSMXaBk

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shch7LNkVXw

 

The controller's touch screen has excellent viewing angles, a well thought-out feature as it seems to be the primary viewing screen for the player in many of the experiences Nintendo had on display at E3 2011. Looking between the controller and the console, the visuals were more than comparable, if not identical. Impressively, we didn't notice any compression artifacts or lag between what we saw on the TV and what we saw on the controller's screen. Nintendo didn't reveal what resolution the screen runs at, but it's sufficiently high as far as we're concerned. Even at a distance of mere inches, it was very difficult to pick out the pixels.

 

Online

It is no secret that Nintendo's friend code system held back the Wii and DS from achieving any kind of consistency with online gaming. Like many other details, Nintendo seems to be tight-lipped on online because they enjoy releasing all of the goodies at once when it's the last minute. However, Ubisoft was caught saying that friend codes have been done away with in E3 interviews. EA reps were saying that online will be robust now. We do know that there will be internet browsing like the Wii had.

 

Games

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-VqA_PupHs

 

As seen in the video above, Nintendo has garnered something that they have taken for granted in past console generations...third party support. Many developers are on board for the Wii U and impressed by the technology. The following games have been confirmed:

 

Super Smash Bros. 4

Pikmin 3

New Super Mario Bros. U

ZombiU

Rayman Legends

Dragon Quest X

Mass Effect 3

Scribblenauts Unlimited

Trine 2: Director's Cut

LEGO City Stories

Darksiders 2

Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition

Game & Wario

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge

Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Assassin's Creed III

Ghost Recon Online (Possibly free, like it will be on PC)

Project P-100

 

This system is turning a lot of heads the same way the Wii did. The difference is that this is meant to be a system for everyone, with features that will allow casuals to maintain the same kinds of experiences they had on the Wii, but garnering lots of power and traditional controls to allow Nintendo to have everything the other systems have and more for hardcore gamers. It seemed weird at first the same way the Wii did, but I don't think anyone thought five years ago that Microsoft and Sony would eventually hop onto the motion control bandwagon, and the direction those companies are going in right now (Especially Microsoft) is very questionable. I'm not entirely sold on the Wii U but this kind of innovation and possibility does not come around often. Nintendo has revolutionized tons of features in gaming such as analog sticks, the d-pad, shoulder buttons, rumble, and seemingly motion control right now. I will not be surprised if this is truly the future of video games.

[Chips.]

With the new technology nintendo are bringing in and the games coming out for it this is a console I'll buy at launch but if its got a totally wild prise range I won't buy it.

[Ewok_3000]

Looks impressive. And you don't need a TV? I'm nearly sold. But I don't like the name. When it comes out over here, it'll probably be hella expensive.

[Lumpy McRighteous]

Only two words come to mind: Problem, Sony?

 

Really looking forward to this. The only problem I have is that it practically makes my DS moot. Still worth my cash, though.

[Tsel]

Looks impressive. And you don't need a TV? I'm nearly sold. But I don't like the name. When it comes out over here, it'll probably be hella expensive.

This seems to be a huge misconception. You do need a TV. You can just play with the TV off. You can't just buy the console and the games. It's not a portable handheld.

[D.A.N.]

Looks impressive. And you don't need a TV? I'm nearly sold. But I don't like the name. When it comes out over here, it'll probably be hella expensive.

This seems to be a huge misconception. You do need a TV. You can just play with the TV off. You can't just buy the console and the games. It's not a portable handheld.

Indeed. To go into a bit more depth, some games will be playable without a TV, but some will require a TV to fully take advantage of what the controller can do.

[Tsel]

Looks impressive. And you don't need a TV? I'm nearly sold. But I don't like the name. When it comes out over here, it'll probably be hella expensive.

This seems to be a huge misconception. You do need a TV. You can just play with the TV off. You can't just buy the console and the games. It's not a portable handheld.

Indeed. To go into a bit more depth, some games will be playable without a TV, but some will require a TV to fully take advantage of what the controller can do.

I'm sure the minigames, if you will, such as backgammon or others that were shown are accessible without a TV.

[InnerGrudge]

Bout time this new Nintendo console is compatible with HDMI. Really looking forward to this. The console kind of looks big though, but it's still under development.

[3w4te5rgd]

I'm not really interested in buying it, but I still want to try it myself to make sure.

[lightning116]

I'm interested in getting this, especially knowing that it's Wii compatible. Hell I've already plan on giving my siblings my Wii should I buy the Wii-U and the games I'll give them as well.

 

But more information should come to me first before I fully get involved with purchasing the Wii-U.

[T-Virus]

I prefer the TV not the handheld deal. But the console is ugly, looks like a DVD player

[Ewok_3000]

Looks impressive. And you don't need a TV? I'm nearly sold. But I don't like the name. When it comes out over here, it'll probably be hella expensive.

This seems to be a huge misconception. You do need a TV. You can just play with the TV off. You can't just buy the console and the games. It's not a portable handheld.

Really? Damn. Oh well.

[Anti-Sӓint]

Michael Pachter: Wii U 'Two Years Too Late,' Has 'Dumbest Name Ever'

 

He continued, "The most impactful 'reveal' at the show was the Wii U, which, in our opinion, is arriving two years too late. Depending on pricing, the system will be either a phenomenal success or a phenomenal failure, as competitive bundles for Xbox 360 with Kinect and PS3 with Move are likely to be priced below $300 by the time the Wii U launches."

[D.A.N.]

I'm pretty sure everyone knows Pachter is a terrible analyst.

[Anti-Sӓint]

Just reporting the news. I do think the name is pretty terrible though.

[D.A.N.]

Names don't matter and the thing about Pachter is that he likes to get ahead of himself the way a lot of narrow-minded gamers would. It's way too early to think of anything other than the potential that he system has. With that controller, it opens the door for lots of stuff to be done that wouldn't work on other consoles. Lots of stuff designed for the PC that would rely on hotkeys such as RTS, MMOs, or just RPGs in general could work much better on the Wii U than on any other home console. That controller just opens the door for so much.

[Royalty]

I think it looks like crap.

[Anti-Sӓint]

Names don't matter and the thing about Pachter is that he likes to get ahead of himself the way a lot of narrow-minded gamers would. It's way too early to think of anything other than the potential that he system has. With that controller, it opens the door for lots of stuff to be done that wouldn't work on other consoles. Lots of stuff designed for the PC that would rely on hotkeys such as RTS, MMOs, or just RPGs in general could work much better on the Wii U than on any other home console. That controller just opens the door for so much.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm interesting in it and know the potential it has but it's Nintendo I'm worried about. First I read that the online is sounding rather funky at the moment since it's similar to PS2's online which means you would have to have multiple accounts for multiple games. Nintendo seems that they can not grasp the concept of online gaming. They should just copy Microsoft and get done with it. Secondly I haven't seen any proof of the Wii U being more powerful than the 360 or PS3. Sure it's too early and yes that tech demo looked nice but that demo could of been played on both the 360 and PS3. Hardware is looking good its just I'm not convince with the software at the moment. Yes it can play HD games but they should of done that years ago instead of chasing the casual market for an easy buck. Again I'm interesting and hoping to see good things from it so I can finally buy a new Nintendo console after a long long time of ignoring them.

 

Also Dan with the great ideas you mention like RTS's and MMO's that would take advantage of the touchscreen, would they actually be backed by Nintendo themselves for development of those type of games or will they accept other 3rd Party developers ideas for those type of games or will Nintendo completely ignore those ideas for more casual games for an easy buck like Wii sports?

[D.A.N.]

Names don't matter and the thing about Pachter is that he likes to get ahead of himself the way a lot of narrow-minded gamers would. It's way too early to think of anything other than the potential that he system has. With that controller, it opens the door for lots of stuff to be done that wouldn't work on other consoles. Lots of stuff designed for the PC that would rely on hotkeys such as RTS, MMOs, or just RPGs in general could work much better on the Wii U than on any other home console. That controller just opens the door for so much.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm interesting in it and know the potential it has but it's Nintendo I'm worried about. First I read that the online is sounding rather funky at the moment since it's similar to PS2's online which means you would have to have multiple accounts for multiple games. Nintendo seems that they can not grasp the concept of online gaming. They should just copy Microsoft and get done with it. Secondly I haven't seen any proof of the Wii U being more powerful than the 360 or PS3. Sure it's too early and yes that tech demo looked nice but that demo could of been played on both the 360 and PS3. Hardware is looking good its just I'm not convince with the software at the moment. Yes it can play HD games but they should of done that years ago instead of chasing the casual market for an easy buck. Again I'm interesting and hoping to see good things from it so I can finally buy a new Nintendo console after a long long time of ignoring them.

 

Also Dan with the great ideas you mention like RTS's and MMO's that would take advantage of the touchscreen, would they actually be backed by Nintendo themselves for development of those type of games or will they accept other 3rd Party developers ideas for those type of games or will Nintendo completely ignore those ideas for more casual games for an easy buck like Wii sports?

On the latter point, I think time will tell. Nintendo will probably put out some stuff that's a little simple like Wii Sports but using the controller's features to make it interesting for casuals, but I think they will also try to have something big at launch like how the Wii had Twilight Princess, which unquestionably made the Wii at launch an infinitely better buy than a PS3. On the stuff about power, it goes back to there not being enough confirmed details for people to talk about. I do not think that the 360 could run those graphics on the same level though.

 

I feel like this year's E3 being disappointing is telling about the lack of vision that all three console manufacturers have though. You do have to consider that the risk Nintendo took appealing to the casuals with the Wii effectively trapped Microsoft and Sony into trying to do the same thing. So if the Wii U is too late on HD gaming, then Microsoft and Sony are probably too late with motion control gaming. However, it doesn't change the fact that the companies are all trying to do a 180 and appeal to the market they didn't have, and in that scenario, it makes me less comfortable with the future of the Xbox 360 and PS3 and more comfortable with the Wii U. If a Nintendo system has all of the same third-party franchises as everything else and it comes down to first party games, the Nintendo system is going to be the choice console to play games on. Especially with that controller being something of an X-factor that also isn't too complicated to integrate into games the way the original Wii controller was.

[FulGore]

I'm interested to see how well this thing is going to do once Microsoft and Sony have a new console on the market. If it is going to be 2005-2006 all over again or not. Other than that, This thing looks promising. The new Zelda game just looks amazing, Luigi's Mansion is hopefully going to be a great sequel. Can't wait to actually try this thing out in 2012. Just hope its not to expensive.

[CactusClothesline]

Hmmm. I may have to pick one of these up. Wii U does sound like a stupid name though.

[Anti-Sӓint]

Names don't matter and the thing about Pachter is that he likes to get ahead of himself the way a lot of narrow-minded gamers would. It's way too early to think of anything other than the potential that he system has. With that controller, it opens the door for lots of stuff to be done that wouldn't work on other consoles. Lots of stuff designed for the PC that would rely on hotkeys such as RTS, MMOs, or just RPGs in general could work much better on the Wii U than on any other home console. That controller just opens the door for so much.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm interesting in it and know the potential it has but it's Nintendo I'm worried about. First I read that the online is sounding rather funky at the moment since it's similar to PS2's online which means you would have to have multiple accounts for multiple games. Nintendo seems that they can not grasp the concept of online gaming. They should just copy Microsoft and get done with it. Secondly I haven't seen any proof of the Wii U being more powerful than the 360 or PS3. Sure it's too early and yes that tech demo looked nice but that demo could of been played on both the 360 and PS3. Hardware is looking good its just I'm not convince with the software at the moment. Yes it can play HD games but they should of done that years ago instead of chasing the casual market for an easy buck. Again I'm interesting and hoping to see good things from it so I can finally buy a new Nintendo console after a long long time of ignoring them.

 

Also Dan with the great ideas you mention like RTS's and MMO's that would take advantage of the touchscreen, would they actually be backed by Nintendo themselves for development of those type of games or will they accept other 3rd Party developers ideas for those type of games or will Nintendo completely ignore those ideas for more casual games for an easy buck like Wii sports?

On the latter point, I think time will tell. Nintendo will probably put out some stuff that's a little simple like Wii Sports but using the controller's features to make it interesting for casuals, but I think they will also try to have something big at launch like how the Wii had Twilight Princess, which unquestionably made the Wii at launch an infinitely better buy than a PS3. On the stuff about power, it goes back to there not being enough confirmed details for people to talk about. I do not think that the 360 could run those graphics on the same level though.

 

I feel like this year's E3 being disappointing is telling about the lack of vision that all three console manufacturers have though. You do have to consider that the risk Nintendo took appealing to the casuals with the Wii effectively trapped Microsoft and Sony into trying to do the same thing. So if the Wii U is too late on HD gaming, then Microsoft and Sony are probably too late with motion control gaming. However, it doesn't change the fact that the companies are all trying to do a 180 and appeal to the market they didn't have, and in that scenario, it makes me less comfortable with the future of the Xbox 360 and PS3 and more comfortable with the Wii U. If a Nintendo system has all of the same third-party franchises as everything else and it comes down to first party games, the Nintendo system is going to be the choice console to play games on. Especially with that controller being something of an X-factor that also isn't too complicated to integrate into games the way the original Wii controller was.

 

I agree that Microsoft and Sony are too late to the motion control market which Nintendo has dominated ever since the Wii debut which gives me reason why both Sony and Microsoft will fail in the long run. I do think it is too early to truly judge it but I just hope Nintendo can pull off a great console with great 3rd party games that they have been lacking for a while now. The online for the Wii U is just looking scary to me at moment which I hope I'm wrong about.

 

On the discussion of the Wii U controller, is it true that each Wii U console is limited to one Wii U controller at a time and any other player would have to use a Wiimote? If that's true then I would truly be disappointed and can see it hurting Nintendo with people deciding to buy a Wii U with the knowledge that you can only use one of the Wii U controllers per console.

[D.A.N.]

On the discussion of the Wii U controller, is it true that each Wii U console is limited to one Wii U controller at a time and any other player would have to use a Wiimote? If that's true then I would truly be disappointed and can see it hurting Nintendo with people deciding to buy a Wii U with the knowledge that you can only use one of the Wii U controllers per console.

Nothing is 100% confirmed at the moment. I think Nintendo knows that if the console is limited to one controller, then it would significantly limit local multiplayer and hold back games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros, not to mention third-party multiplayer games. There is talk that the Wii U streaming capabilities can only be done for two controllers at a time and that Nintendo may have an alternate controller without the screen planned so that people who simply want to play traditional games can do so, and so that multiplayer games don't get limited by the Wii remote. I wouldn't have a problem with the Wii U controller being limited to one per system as long as there is a traditional controller alternative to maintain the depth in controls that is needed for lots of key franchises to be played properly. Otherwise it could be a huge problem.

[Anti-Sӓint]

Well, here's to wishing that next years Nintendo E3's press conference is less confusing and more informative. Maybe a Zelda HD? I can only wish.

[D.A.N.]

Well, here's to wishing that next years Nintendo E3's press conference is less confusing and more informative. Maybe a Zelda HD? I can only wish.

I think it's Nintendo's preference to keep all of their big announcements for the last minute. They like that against the ropes, comeback surprise factor. It's the reason that they ever win E3 shows. They like to hold off on as many details as possible and take that risk of being criticized by the public and then the next year comes and they throw out Donkey Kong, Kirby, or stuff like this year with Luigi's Mansion 2 and all the 3DS games.

 

Until stuff is 100% confirmed and the system has a release date though, I'm not going to panic. It's confirmed right now that the Wii U can run the Unreal Engine 3 which is one of the things I was personally looking for it to do. Netflix will be coming to the console but that isn't surprising since the Wii can do that right now. Japanese sites are reporting that the console is capable of streaming to four of those controllers, but that Nintendo was simply tight-lipped on this because they don't want to turn people off with what is going to be an expensive price point for the console and it's controllers.

 

And for those of you who don't know what the Unreal Engine 3 is...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSXyztq_0uM