So, heavenly stage man, what is the Wii U?
Wii U is the Nintendo's new home console system to be released later this year. It is designed to be the gamer's console, rather than the family's console like the Wii before it, hence the U. It will of course cater for all audiences, but Nintendo have said that they would like to bring back the "hardcore" crowd.
Anything else?
Wii U, like the original Wii, has it's own unique controller, called the Wii U GamePad. It supports your regular face buttons, with two shoulder buttons on either side. It also has two analogue sticks, which have been upgraded from earlier consoles to allow clicks as extra buttons.
The extra screen can be used for additional inputs, such as an inventory screen, or as a new way to look, providing different views, or to just display the game currently being played while the main TV is being used. Outside of gaming, the controller can be used to search the internet and converse with friends, as well as being an infra red remote to be used with the TV. Other features the controller has are the motion sensor, to pick up when it moves, gyro sensor, to know the angle of the GamePad, and NFC. NFC stands for Near Communication Field, and can add things to the software from figurines, cards and other little objects. There are of course other ways in which the controller can be used, but we will have to wait until the games come out to find out how.
Being part of the Wii brand, Wii U supports all previous controllers such as the Wii Remote, Nunchuck, and Wii Balance Board. However, in addition to this, it also supports the new Wii U Pro Controller. This is a traditional controller to be used with games that are on multiple platforms that do not have any additional features, and games that just don't use the second screen.
During the most recent Nintendo Direct, Nintendo president Iwata announced the Miiverse, which is a "Mii Universe". This can interact with all of your Wii U games, and can also be used with your 3DS, PC and phone. This allows you to see hints, converse with friends, see other people who are playing the same game as you and much more.
What about the games?
Right now, we do not know much about the games coming to the system. There have been a few third party games announced, such as Assassins Creed III and Darksiders, but not much in the way of first party. The only two games so far confirmed from first party are Pikmin 3, and a New Super Mario Bros. title based on the tech demo that was shown at last E3.
So that's it for now, citizens. Ask questions, comment about the system, praise or hate on the system below.
