Tuesday, June 5th 2012

Nintendo’s Wii U Ushers in New Age of Video Games with Second-Screen Experience

Nintendo revealed a massive lineup of first- and third-party video games for its upcoming Wii U home console today, including new games in the Super Mario Bros., Pikmin, Wii Fit, Batman: Arkham City, Scribblenauts, Assassin's Creed and Just Dance franchises. The Wii U console launches this holiday season and introduces the Wii U GamePad, a controller with a 6.2-inch touch screen that redefines how people interact with their games, their entertainment and one another. Video game publishers from around the world, including Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Electronic Arts, SEGA, THQ and NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. are demonstrating how their biggest franchises are being reimagined for Wii U.
In addition to the wide array of established brands shown during the Nintendo All-Access Presentation @ E3 2012, Nintendo also revealed new games like Nintendo Land, a Wii U game set in a virtual theme park with a dozen attractions inspired by fan-favorite Nintendo franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong. Just as the motion-controlled games in Wii Sports helped players discover the fun of the Wii console, Nintendo Land brings the promise of the GamePad to life with a range of single-player and multiplayer experiences.

Nintendo Land introduces the entirely new dynamic of asymmetric game play, where the images being displayed on the GamePad are entirely different than what is seen on the TV. Giving the player with the GamePad different information, viewpoints, advantages and objectives creates completely new cooperative and competitive opportunities and enables novice and advanced players to enjoy games together and not be forced to play above or below their skill level.
"The GamePad doesn't just introduce a new type of game play, it redefines an entire dynamic. With asymmetric game play, multiple experiences are possible in the same game at the same time. That's transformative," said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. "While games are the focus of this year's E3, the Wii U story also includes the enhanced social connections and integrated entertainment experiences created by the GamePad. We're providing a glimpse of that with the introduction of Miiverse and by revealing partnerships with some of the biggest content providers on the planet."

Mario will leap onto Wii U in New Super Mario Bros. U, a new side-scrolling adventure that introduces new transformations for Mario and the ability for players to play as their Mii characters. The game also introduces the new Boost Mode, which can be used to add blocks, to help players avoid enemies, enable Mario to discover secrets or allow multiple players working together to perform a speed run in record time.

Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of a number of original and popular Nintendo franchises, joined the Nintendo All-Access Presentation @ E3 2012 to introduce Pikmin 3, the first original entry in the Pikmin franchise in nearly eight years. The game includes new challenges, new characters and mysterious new Pikmin types. The Wii U GamePad creates new player experiences for the real-time strategy franchise by reinventing the control scheme and challenging players in exciting new ways. Pikmin 3 also takes advantage of the HD capabilities of Wii U to more elaborately depict the rich nature landscapes, various creatures and the lovable Pikmin.

SiNG (working title) is a new interactive musical performance game for Wii U that gets everyone at the party involved in the music. With dozens of popular songs to choose from, everyone from novice singers and dancers to budding stars can join in on the fun. The main performer holds the GamePad while others in the room sing, dance and clap along with the music.

Wii Fit U is a new installment in the Wii Fit series, a brand that has sold more than 40 million units worldwide. The game combines fun and fitness with new exercises and activities, and incorporates the GamePad in unique ways. It's compatible with the existing Wii Balance Board, and Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus owners can transfer their existing workout data. Nintendo also revealed the Fit Meter, an advanced activity monitor that will be packaged with the game and enables users to track fitness activities throughout the day and upload that data back into Wii Fit U.

In LEGO City: Undercover developed by TT Games and published by Nintendo, players assume the identity of Chase McCain, an undercover detective armed with clever disguises. As players run, drive and even fly through the city, they'll use the Wii U GamePad as a map, communicator and indispensable crime scanner. This is the first time that the LEGO City play sets have come to life on a gaming platform and it's exclusively on the Wii U console.

Also exclusive to the Wii U is a new franchise from Ubisoft called ZombiU, which puts players in the middle of London circa 2012 where an outbreak has infected the population, destroying their humanity and turning them into mindless monsters. Ubisoft will also bring the highly anticipated Assassin's Creed III to Wii U, as well as Just Dance 4, a new installment in the Just Dance series.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is supporting Wii U with Batman: Arkham City: Armored Edition, an enhanced version of Batman: Arkham City, which includes new game play that makes distinct use of the unique features of the GamePad. The publisher will also introduce Scribblenauts Unlimited for Wii U, marking the first appearance of the imaginative Scribblenauts series on a home console.

Other Wii U games revealed during the Nintendo All-Access Presentation @ E3 2012 include Mass Effect 3 from Electronic Arts, Darksiders II from THQ, Aliens: Colonial Marines from SEGA, TANK! TANK! TANK! and TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 (working title) from NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., Trine 2: Director's Cut from Frozenbyte and Rayman Legends, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013, Sports Connection, Rabbids Land and Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth from Ubisoft.

Nintendo also revealed details about Miiverse, a new network communication system that lets gamers from around the world share experiences, discuss games and discover new content. Using their personalized Mii characters, players enter Miiverse and see games, applications or entertainment content that either they have interacted with recently, expressed interest in learning more about or that their friends are using or discussing. From here they can challenge their friends to play together, ask a question about a difficult level or discover new elements of their favorite games they never knew existed. After a notable achievement or other share-worthy moment, players can pause their game or application and seamlessly post messages to the Miiverse community. Eventually Wii U owners will be able to join Miiverse from a Nintendo 3DS, PC or any smartphone or Web-capable mobile device.

Nintendo also revealed details about its broader entertainment strategy and the impact that the GamePad will have on how we find, interact with and watch video content. The company is working with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and YouTube to bring video experiences to Wii U that will take advantage of the integrated second-screen experience.

In addition to the 6.2-inch touch screen and dual analog sticks, the Wii U GamePad also includes traditional buttons for gaming and the ability to function as a TV remote. Users can change channels or adjust the sound, whether they are playing games or just watching TV. The GamePad is tied to the console and TV, providing a perfectly integrated experience, no matter how it's being used. Players can move games from the TV to the GamePad. Different players can enjoy different experiences in the same game, depending on which controller they opt to use.
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24 Comments on Nintendo’s Wii U Ushers in New Age of Video Games with Second-Screen Experience

#1
KainXS
I still would like to know how much that controller costs

I like the idea so far though, but the smaller one looks uncomfortable.
Posted on Reply
#2
sparkyar
the second screen is nothing new
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#3
v12dock
Block Caption of Rainey Street
I can't wait to pay $150 for a controller
Posted on Reply
#4
KainXS
we don't know if it costs 150 dollars but the problem for nintendo seems like xbox smart glass now, if its released this year it will take away from the wii u release sales, and if it is over 150 dollars. I don't know about you all but im not buyin wii u period.
Posted on Reply
#5
Soup
v12dockI can't wait to pay $150 for a controller
Neither can Nintendo...
Posted on Reply
#6
Cold Storm
Battosai
From this read, Wired says $250 for the Wii U...

Engadget says $400
Posted on Reply
#7
nt300
The graphics in games will look clean, crisp, playful and colourful despite the hardware being behind the times. The controllers look neat.
Posted on Reply
#8
Cold Storm
Battosai
After seeing the press conference... If I had a wii and a family or friends that liked to game.. I'd spend money on it.. It's worth it...

But, as for press conferences go... It was a let down this year for them.. IMHO
Posted on Reply
#9
JMccovery
KainXSI still would like to know how much that controller costs

I like the idea so far though, but the smaller one looks uncomfortable.
Some of the previous rumors say that it will be included with the WiiU, and you'll only be able to use one (would love the possibility of using two of those, could help with sports games).

I like the look of the Pro controller that was shown earlier.
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#10
phanbuey
What is the hardware and how far behind the times is it?

Just curious
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#11
Nordic
You can use the wii controllers as very effective remotes for your computer. I wonder how this would do?
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#12
Jacez44
Nintendo Ushers in a New Age in Video Game Gimmicks.
Posted on Reply
#13
cheesy999
phanbueyWhat is the hardware and how far behind the times is it?

Just curious
rumoured to be a quad core 3ghz and a ~6700 series

seeing what Nintendo can do with a wii and 3ds the games will probably end up looking fantastic
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#14
Apocolypse007
I love the last picture in the article. It seems they took all the decorations and furnishings in the house and threw them behind a curtain.
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#15
RoutedScripter
Nintendo has gimmics that actually work.

I hate that word because it's negative, cut the bullcrap.
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#16
ZoneDymo
The WiiU will be a great console
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#17
dj-electric
There's no doubt im gonna get myself one. Waiting to see prices
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#18
Ikaruga
phanbueyWhat is the hardware and how far behind the times is it?

Just curious
The latest info which seems credible is :

CPU: Triple core PowerPC CPU (3MB L2 Cache)
MEM: 1.5GB Memory
GPU: AMD (codename GPU7) 32MB high-bandwidth eDRAM, (720p 4x MSAA or 1080p in a single pass.)
AUDIO: Dedicated 120Mhz DPS (6 channel via HDMI, 2 channel to DRC controller, 1 channel to Remote controller)
NET: 802.11 b/g/n Wifi.
PERIPHERALS: 2 x USB 2.0 host controllers x 2 ports each + 1 SDCard Slot.
STORAGE: 512MB SLC NAND for System + 8GB MLC NAND for Applications.

The used graphics API is the GX2 (GX1 was the one for the GC and for the Wii) which is created with OpenGL and the feature-set of the r7xx series in mind, but most of the older rumors talked about a low-end VLIW5 chip with performance below the 6850.

Again, this is not official, but seems like legit because it's goes well with the other infos we already had from other devs in the past.

edit: So nothing like this:shadedshu
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#19
NC37
phanbueyWhat is the hardware and how far behind the times is it?

Just curious
Not that far. Xbox 360 level CPU with Radeon 48xx level graphics. It can easily 1up the archaic current gens (G70 7800 & X1900/2x00 series GPUs).
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#20
Rowsol
New consoles can't come soon enough. When I was a wee lad we had a new one every couple years. 10 years for a console is too looooooooong.
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#21
Prima.Vera
At least all the games are full HD (are they?). Do they use AA also??
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#23
DannibusX
I wish Nintendo great success. I can't imagine a world without a Nintendo console in it. I skipped the Wii, but have bought every other generation of Nintendo console.

I can't wait to see pricing for the system and controllers. I'm also interested in launch titles. I know Mario and Zelda are pretty much guaranteed for it. I may grab a Wii U, but I'm not sure if I want to buy one at launch or wait for the inevitable price drop.

The screen controller is an interesting concept, hopefully they made it afforable as well as neat. Although it doesn't look like it's too comfortable to use based on the pictures I've seen.
Posted on Reply
#24
Ikaruga
xenocide3-5 hour battery life and 2.5 hour charge time, not too impressive. My PS3 controller can run for a couple days without needing to be plugged in, and most phones can run for several hours of interactive gaming without needing to be charged, so this controller seems to take the worst aspects of both.
More to that, using two will apparently half the fps to 30?:(
DannibusXI wish Nintendo great success. I can't imagine a world without a Nintendo console in it. I skipped the Wii, but have bought every other generation of Nintendo console.
Same here, I only bought the games and played them on the emulator in glorious fullHD uber-sampled to the roof with max AA+AF.
The main problems is that I don't need that limited tablet thing. I understand it may have really cool features and use sometimes, but all I care about is fun and high quality entertainment, so I would like to see AAA Nintendo games (Zelda, Metroid, etc)....... but I did not see any.
I really really hope that I'm wrong, but imo this is a massive fail so far:shadedshu
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