ArtisticallyChill

I didn’t get a chance to see the Nintendo Press Conference today. But when I heard about the announcement at work, I was a bit confused about the overall functionality of the console after hearing from word of mouth about just what the ‘Wii U’ can do. So here’s brief run down on Nintendo’s newest console.

The Nintendo Wii U
• Launches: 2012
• Size: Approximately 1.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide and 10.5 inches long.
• New Controller: The new controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analog Circle Pads. This combination removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world. The rechargeable controller includes a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. It includes a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble feature, camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip and a stylus.
• Other Controls: Up to four Wii Remote™ (or Wii Remote Plus) controllers can be connected at once. The new console supports all Wii™ controllers and input devices, including the Nunchuk™ controller, Classic Controller™, Classic Controller Pro™ and Wii Balance Board™.
• Media: A single self-loading media bay will play 12-centimeter proprietary high-density optical discs for the new console, as well as 12-centimeter Wii optical discs.
• Video Output: Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI, component, S-video and composite.
• Audio Output: Uses AV Multi Out connector. Six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI.
• Storage: The console will have internal flash memory, as well as the option to expand its memory using either an SD memory card or an external USB hard disk drive.
• CPU: IBM Power®-based multi-core microprocessor.
• Other: Four USB 2.0 connector slots are included. The new console is backward compatible with Wii games and Wii accessories.
• Games announced: Smash Brothers, Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Assassin’s Creed, Ghost Recon Online, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Light, Tekken, Ninja Gaiden 3, FIFA 12, Madden 12, Driver, Lego City Stories
• The price point of the system will be competitive to the current prices of the PS3, 360 in terms of value.
• The games shown for Wii U at the show were actually PS3 and 360 versions but the Wii U will look the same or better.
• No BluRay Support.
• Controller’s screen is single-touch.
• Backwards compatible with the Wii’s Games, but NO upscaling is done.
• Nintendo Online system to be announced by the end of the week. Hopefully it will be better than using FRIEND CODES.

Also, Reggie announced in a GTTV interview that the third party preview videos were NOT from the Wii U as the games have not been made yet. Those videos were all 360, PS3 and PC game footage.

As I look at my Wii that I bought on launch day, sitting there quietly collecting dust, I think that I will pass on the Wii U for now. Nintendo does know how to re-invent their console and handheld, it definitely seems to scream innovative much like its predecessor did when it was first announced. However, I’ve learned my lesson and will not pick up the Wii U on launch day. Nintendo will have to do just a bit more i.e. improved online play, and greater 3rd party support, if they ever want me to even consider buying from them again.

~ LoneWolf