As expected, Nintendo unveiled their next-gen console, called the “Wii U” at the E3 show in LA. First off, yes, the rumors were true: while they missed the part about the name, they did upgrade the graphics to support HD to bring it up to speed. Also true: the new controller comes with its own touchscreen. It’s a bit more complex than simply adding a touchscreen to a Wiimote though; this new controller looks more like a handheld console than a console’s controller, featuring dual analog sticks (they’re called “Circle Pads”), two bumper buttons, a front camera, microphone, gyro sensors, stylus, and rumble support to go along with the usual D-pad, ABXY, select, start and home buttons. So what do you do with such a controller? A lot. Or at least, enough new ideas to make it as revolutionary as the first Wii console several years ago.
In its most basic gaming functions, the new controller can act like a DS: where the screen mirrors whatever’s showing on the main TV screen. The beauty of it is the ability to play your Wii U games on just the controller while everyone else is watching TV.
The smaller screen can also be used as a secondary display, where other on-screen functions like maps or the inventory can be shown without cluttering the action on the main screen. That second function should also prove to be handy for playing games where you don’t necessarily want the other players to see what you’re cooking up, like football plays. Finally, it’s fully compatible with the Wii’s more traditional Wii Remote controllers and existing accessories like the Nunchuk and Balance Board – it has the same set of game buttons after all.
The controller also works well with the console’s non-gaming functions, like allow you to browse websites or zoom in on whatever’s displayed on the TV, tablet-style.
The Wii U console itself will still feature an optical drive that’ll be able to run the original Wii’s games, and will support 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i video resolutions through HDMI, component, S-video and composite cables. The console also adds internal flash storage, while keeping SD card slots and four USB ports for expansion.
No word on pricing and release dates just yet, but the Wii U is expected to arrive in 2012.
Tags: Consoles, Nintendo, Nintendo Wii U
