Category: nintendo

Amazon List Wii U Release

As of right now we know that Nintendo has confirmed the Wii U will release worldwide this holiday season, which leaves us to this question. When will the console go on sale? According to Amazon Germany, the new system will arrive on December 21, priced at €399, or about $500.

The original Wii launched in North America during November 2006 at $250 and arrived in Europe a month later for €250.

Earlier this month, Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter said the Wii U must retail for under $300 at launch.

The Wii U is Nintendo’s first high-definition console and has gigantic shoes to fill if it wants to replicate the success of its predecessor. The original Wii launched in 2006 and is presently the top-seller in the current generation, topping the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Crytek: CryEngine 3 on Wii U

There are concerns over Wii U’s power that have led many industry observers to question whether Nintendo’s new system is even as powerful as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.  In an interview with CVG, Yerli said Wii U is “minimum on par with the current generation.”

The executive went on to comment that the CryEngine 3 does  more than function on Wii U. “It actually runs beautifully,” said Yerli. He went on and said that while Crytek didn’t have a business plan that justified development on Wii U, there is “a game in development from a respected developer that we will be announcing. I’ve seen the game running and it looks really great.”

Got any thoughts about this? Do you really think that the CryEngine runs “Beautifully” on the Wii U? Leave your comments below.

Nintendo Working on Future handheld

The above photo is someones concept of Nintendo’s next Gen handheld.

For 2 decades Nintendo has set the precedent  in handheld gaming. From a recent article on IGN.com Shigeru Miyamoto states that Nintendo is more focused on the 3DS’s successor than anything else.

The Nintendo executive noted that his company is always thinking about what’s next. “What we’re thinking about right now is probably going to be for a future generation of handheld.” Miyamoto did emphasize that he feels there is plenty more that can be done with the current 3DS hardware.

With Nintendo hard at work creating their next generation handheld, more incremental revisions to the current 3DS are also in the process of being made. Stay tuned to our site for more info on Nintendo’s work.

Wii U Update

Nintendo has released new information on its next generation home console. Despite revisions from the game pad the hardware specs are the same from last year.

Take a look. 


Size

  • Approximately 1.8 inches high, 10.5 inches deep and 6.8 inches long.

Appearance

  • The new console features a compact design that will make it a natural addition to any home entertainment setup.

Weight

  • Approximately 3.41 pounds (1.5 kg).

CPU

  • IBM PowerⓇ-based multi-core processor.

GPU

  • 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

  • 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 Compatibility

  • Nearly all Wii software and accessories can be used with Wii U.

Audio Output
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 6.2-inch, 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 1.1 pounds (500 g).

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, and Wii accessories such as the Nunchuk, Classic Controller and Wii Balance Board.

Video Output

  • Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.

Wii U Features

  • In addition to introducing new ways to play, Wii U also offers users a variety of non-gaming features to enhance the overall experience.

Miiverse
Near Field Communication (NFC)
Video Entertainment
Video Chat
Internet Browser

Uses six-channel PCM linear output via HDMI connector, or analog output via the AV Multi Out connector.
Miiverse is a brand-new network communication system that lets gamers from around the world share experiences, discuss games and discover new content. Using their personalized Mii character, 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.
TV Remote: The Wii U GamePad controller may also function as an infrared TV remote, whether users are watching TV or playing a game.
The Wii U GamePad has the ability to communicate wirelessly with objects that are held above it. This allows for a variety of interesting new possibilities for games and activities.
Nintendo eShop: The digital storefront for Wii U will be available at launch and offer a variety of content for people to download and enjoy. Consumers will also be able to purchase and download select games that are also available at retail stores.
Nintendo 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. Additional details will be released at a later time.
Using the built-in camera of the Wii U GamePad, people can communicate with other Wii U owners in real time.
Wii U comes with a browser that lets people with a wireless Internet connection surf the Internet from the comfort of their couches.