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The Nintendo WiiU hardware has arrived! After years of disappointing marketing and software support, the core gaming community is finally ready to welcome Nintendo's first HD hardware into their warm bosoms. Our experiences with the WiiU at E3 were enough to tickle our fancy but without the proper support from third party developers and a different approach to things like user interface and online functionality, the system won't make it far out of the gates. Luckily, Nintendo has started some promising relationships with Platinum Games to bring us Bayonetta 2 and The Wonderful 101 as well other third party developers to ensure that all current gen games will have WiiU counterparts going forward. It might be a little late but Nintendo has finally entered the realm of current generation software and the hardware is in the process of being setup and configured in our "offices" (READ: Living Rooms).
The Package
The WiiU is now available at retail outlets in two different bundles. Taking a page out of the Microsoft launch manual, Nintendo has created a core console ($299.99) with 8GB of internal memory and "Deluxe" console ($349.99) that comes in black and sports 32 GB of internal flash memory. While both packages include the new tablet controller, neither package provides a Wii Remore or Nunchuk; devices that are both integral to the new hardware experience. On the other hand, Nintendo has included an HDMI cable to make thir HD capability that much easier to access; a welcomed addition since they are about 6 years late to the HD party anyways. (MORE PICTURES IN GALLERY BELOW)
My first observation upon opening the box was that the hardware unit itself feels way more substantial than its predecessor. The system has a weight to it that makes it feel more like a powerful piece of technology and worth the price they are asking for it. While im not a huge fan of the glossy finish, i'm sure Nintendo will get around to launching a matted finish sometime in 2013 for those of you who are planning to wait.
The power brick has also grown in size unfortunately and the sensor bar still has that obnoxiously long wire which I think goes a long way in making the system look dated. Of course, it is the other components and actual performance that will make the unit relevant. The tablet controller feels comfortable but seems to be made of a slightly cheaper material than the unit itself. The screen is great quality and it makes text input much easier (especially with the included stylus). With that said, I am still not a fan of the placement of the analog sticks or face buttons wich seem counter intuitive and the exact opposite of the Xbox 360 controller.
The Launch Games
Of course, what is a system launch without games? Launch games are notorious for disappearing into the ether very quickly since they are often rushed and quickly overshadowed by better tech. Nintendo has a fairly strong lineup with a new 2D Mario game available at launch along with Ubisoft's new surival horror game, ZombieU. If anyone out there is a Nintendo faithful and has been holding out on playing some of the great games of this generation, Nintendo has also provided a number of high profile releases such as Mass Effect 3, Batman Arkham City, Assassin's Creed 3, and even Call of Duty Black Ops 2. Of course, most people have already played these titles and I would never take a chance on a game like Black Ops 2 until we get a clearer picture of how Nintendo is handling online play this time around.
I ended up taking the safe route by picking up New Super Mario Bros U since it wouldn't quite feel like a Nintendo system without a core nintendo IP at launch. ZombieU is currently getting mixed reviews from critics as well but you can rest assured that we will be playing that in the coming weeks so look for impressions on upcoming podcasts.
The Coming Months
The success of the system won't be determined for awhile but it is already promising to see Nintendo making some relevant announcements in regards to software. I am excited to play Bayonetta 2 next year and i'm sure it will be fun to see Nintendo classics like Pikmin, Zelda, and Metroid played out in glorious HD. If Nintendo can maintain this momentum with continuous support from 3rd Party developers and maybe a few new and unexpected exclusive IP's, I will use my Nintendo again without feeling ashamed.
KILL IT WITH FIRE
Comments
12 years ago
I'm not sure if 32 GB is big enough for a hard drive on a modern console. Right now I have a 250GB Xbox 360, and with a moderate amount of games and DLC installed on it I've already taken up over half of the hard drive space with game data alone. Not to mention the advertised hard drive space is always a blatant fucking lie since they keep some of those gigabytes unavailable for firmware and other stuff. I learned this the hard way when I bought my first 20GB Xbox Pro console back in '08 and saw that only like 15GB were available even when I cleared the entire HDD.
I definitely want a Wii U, I'm hopeful for the console but I'm gonna be waiting for some more games and bundle with a bigger hard drive before I give Nintendo all my money.
Also, Nick's Mii will haunt my nightmares until the day I die. Thanks, bro.
12 years ago
Nice Mii-stache.
12 years ago
Are we still going forward under the assumption that if the WiiU flops, there's a big chance that Nintendo may back out of the console market?
In that light, do you think the WiiU will save or change Nintendo's fortunes? Obviously, we'll have to wait until after Black Friday/Christmas to get a better idea of how well it sold, but if those numbers aren't up to snuff, do you think the WiiU has enough of a draw to sell a substantial amount of units during the "off season"?
12 years ago
WiiU will sell and probably even sell well for as long as it is the newest console on the market. I didn't even know it came out today. The most uneventful new console release yet.