What is Wii U?
Wii U is the most recent game console by video games company Nintendo. The system will incorporate the previous Wii’s precision motion control system as well as include full high definition graphics. Unlike the Wii, the Wii U will lay horizontally rather than vertically. The hardware of the main console is streamlined — there is a power button, an eject button, a sync button, a disk slot, and slots for memory devices.
What are the differences with the “old” Wii?
The most revolutionary change between the consoles is the new Wii U controller. The controller is shaped like a tablet and is about three times larger than the Wii’s remote. It also includes a touch screen, toggle controls, all of the buttons from the previous remote, and a camera and microphone. While the new console does include stronger graphic abilities and the same specs that made the Wii such an interesting device, the real power of the Wii U will rely on the reception of the controller. It will be the first combination of console games with a handheld device games.
Nintendo Wii U specs
The Wii U console itself isn’t that big — 6.8 by 10.5 by 1.8 inches exactly — but it is bulkier than the Wii. It will be able to incorporate up to four controllers and it is backwards compatible for any Wii remote device (including Wii Remotes, the Nunchuk, and Wii Classic Controllers among others) so consumers won’t necessarily need to buy four of the brand new controllers to experience gameplay.
The device can now support 1080p, the first console by Nintendo to ever do so which means that graphics will be able to match the power of the Xbox 360 and the PS3. It will have the ability to play both HD and regular optimal disks. Consumers will be able to play any Wii game on the Wii U. The console also includes internal flash memory, though there are four USB connector slots and an SD memory card slot for external drives as needed. The entire system, both the console and the controller, are powered by IBM and a multi-core processor.
The revolutionary new Wii U WiiPad controller
The controller is especially large compared to controllers for other systems. A little smaller than the Apple iPad in size (with a much smaller touch screen), this controller will be weightier than controllers for other current systems by competitors. In fact, the controller looks like a brand new handheld gaming device. The second screen will act as a supplement to television gameplay — text, actions, maps, items, and other visual screens can be directed to the controller so that the television will be purely for gameplay.
This will enhance the graphic animation on the television screen. The controller can also function without need for the television at all, and some gameplay can be done from the controller. So if someone else wants to change the television channel, the video game can be continued without interruption. A player can also play simple multiplayer games on the controller without need of a game disk or the television. But this controller won’t compete with other handhelds, including Nintendo’s own 3DS because the controller can only be turned on by the console. Therefore the controller will not be portable. It can interface with other devices including Wii Remotes and the Wii Balance Board, go on the internet, and video conference. It can also do everything ever other Nintendo controller has ever been able to do including rumble, motion control, and toggle with traditional buttons. It now has a stylus similar to that of the DS systems for an easy touch screen experience.
Games for Wii U
So far the only first-party game known for Wii U is Super Mario Brothers Mii. This game plays much like a regular side-scrolling Super Mario Brothers game with the interesting twist that you can now insert Mii avatars as characters in the game giving the unique perspective of being able to put yourself into the game. At the E3 conference where the Wii U system was launched it was suggested that games for the Wii U will be more dark and violent than games released by Nintendo previously.
Third-party games shown at the conference for the system included Batman Arkham City, Assassins Creed, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. This will hopefully help the Wii U attract hardcore gamers who spend their time on competitors’ Xbox 360 and PS3 systems. The Wii U experience also allows for a more social gaming experience.
Wii U release dates and price
The release date of the Wii U is set to be in 2012, though a more specific day has not yet been given. The actual price also hasn’t been released yet but it is estimated to be over $250.00 based on previous console launches.