We’re about a year before Nintendo plans to launch the Wii U console, but here’s something that could tide you over if you don’t already own the original Wii: Nintendo has announced that they’ll be releasing a new Wii console called the Wii Family Edition for European and PAL-using countries.
Who would’ve thought this would happen? See, we never thought Nintendo would be putting out anything for the iOS and Android platforms – basically major threats to their porta-gaming business, thanks to cheap apps on mobile devices that a lot of people already own – but here it is. The gaming giant has announced that they’ll be putting out a Pokemon-themed game for both iOS and Android sometime this summer. And it’s going to be free.
What’s this? Word that the all-new, radically improved next-gen Wii is going to cost more than the original? Well, of course. It’s not like you seriously considered an HD upgrade and the addition of a tablet-like controller to come cheap, right? According to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, the Wii U will cost more to build, which means that it’ll likely translate to a price that’s higher than the original Wii that launched in Japan for a little over $300.
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.
While the details of the next-gen Wii are still very slim, they’re slowly coming in. After the recently leaked info that says the next Wii will pack a highly improved and updated spec that could possibly trump the Xbox 360 and PS3’s hardware, here’s another bit of info that should be as telling, but just as vague. According to a Game Informer source, the new console’s controller will also pack a built-in HD screen.
