Nintendo has announced the Wii U, its next generation games console. It will be the follow-up to the hugely popular Wii so here’s everything we know about what it is, when it will go on sale and how much it will cost.
The Wii U will go up against the Sony Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Below is everything we know about the release date which is somewhat up in the air. The price is also an area where there are a lot of conflicting figures.
We’ve also rounded up all the games that will be on the Wii U and the entire specification list so you can get an idea of what the console will offer and how good it will be.
Nintendo Wii U release date
To add to the confusion Blockbuster has the console available for pre-order with October listed as the release date.
Update
Nintendo has announced that the European release date for the Wii U is 30 November. The US will be getting it on 18 November and Japan on 8 December.
Nintendo Wii U price
Shopto.net has the Wii U available for pre-order at £279.85 quoting the RRP as £279.99. Conversely, the site has a note saying that all the information on the page, including the price, is subject to change. It also says its usual pre-order price promise does not apply.
Update
There is also a ZombieU Pack which, according to Game.co.uk will cost £349.
Nintendo Wii U models
Nintendo Wii U Basic Pack – White
The Basic Pack for the Wii U comes with a white console with 8GB of internal storage and a Wii U GamePad.
Nintendo Wii U Premium Pack – Black
The Premium Pack for the Wii U comes with a black console with 32GB of internal storage, a Wii U GamePad, NintendoLand game and 3 months subscription to Nintendo Network Premium.
Nintendo Wii U ZombieU Pack
The ZombieU Pack is effectively the same as the Premium Pack but you get an additional Black Pro Controller and a copy of ZombieU.
Nintendo Wii U games
The following games have been confirmed for the Wii U:
Nintendo Land, New Super Mario Bros U, Pikmin 3, Wii Fit U, Wii U Panorama View, SiNG, LEGO City: Undercover, Project P-100, Game & Wario, Aliens: Colonial Marines, NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge, Darksiders II, Assassin’s Creed III, Batman Arkham City Armored Edition, Mass Effect 3, Rayman Legends, Scribblenauts Unlimited, TANK! TANK! TANK! , Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and ZombiU.
Nintendo Wii U specs
Size
Approximately 1.8in high, 10.5in deep and 6.8in long.
Weight
Approximately 1.5 kg.
Processor
IBM Power-based multi-core processor.
Graphics
AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU.
Storage
Wii U uses an internal flash memory. It also supports SD memory cards and external USB storage.
Media
Wii U and Wii optical discs.
Networking
The Wii U can access the Internet via wireless (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) connection. The console features four USB 2.0 connectors – two in the front and two in the rear – that support Wii LAN Adapters.
Wii U GamePad
The Wii U GamePad controller removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world. It incorporates a 6.2in, 16:9 aspect ratio LCD touch screen, as well as traditional button controls and two analog sticks. Inputs include a +Control Pad, L/R sticks, L/R stick buttons, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, Power button, Home button, -/Select button, +/Start button, and TV Control button.
The GamePad also includes motion control (powered by an accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor), a front-facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, a sensor bar, an included stylus and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and weighs approximately 500g.
Other Controllers
The Wii U console is capable of supporting two Wii U GamePad controllers, up to four Wii Remote (or Wii Remote Plus) controllers or Wii U Pro Controllers. It will also support Wii accessories such as the Nunchuk, Classic Controller and Wii Balance Board.
Video Output
The Wii U supports up to 1080p video output with 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i options. Compatible cables include HDMI, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.
Wii Compatibility
Nintendo has said that nearly all Wii software and accessories can be used with Wii U.
Audio Output
The Wii U uses six-channel PCM linear output via HDMI connector, or analog output via the AV Multi Out connector.
Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
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