So, Wii U is a full console and that's according to Nintendo itself via its US marketing representative in a press release you can read right here.
Here's how the official statement from Nintendo's US representatives as Golin Harris states it:
"At the E3 Expo, Nintendo introduced a new paradigm for video games and home entertainment: Wii U™, a new console that includes a controller with a 6.2-inch screen. Adding a second screen to the living room creates a multitude of new video game experiences while offering families a variety of options to customize their entertainment."
You can't be more plain that that. So, why then was it stressed at the E3 Press Event that the device is a 'new platform' or even 'a new controller'.
Is the message confused because the device is rushed? Does Nintendo not want to disrupt and confuse its Wii audience or 3DS marketing? Some of this will become clear when pricing is made available - next year we assume.
For now, here is some more detail from the horse's mouth. Or at least from Golin Harris.
"Previously, video games played on a home console have been confined to the TV and offered identical viewpoints to each player in a multiplayer environment. Furthermore, watching TV and playing console games have been completely separate experiences. The new controller removes these boundaries, creating a more dynamic and fluid gaming and entertainment experience. Visitors to the E3 Expo will see firsthand the type of gaming experiences made possible by Wii U and the new controller such as:
"• In single-player games:
"The new controller can display information on its screen that does not appear on the TV.
"The information and viewpoint can also change in the new controller based on the orientation of its gyroscope.
"• In multiplayer games:
- The player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV. This will offer a wide variety of competitive and cooperative opportunities.
"In addition to the 6.2-inch screen, the new controller also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers. Adding these features to the Classic Controller button scheme:
– two analog Circle Pads, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons
– will enable a breadth of game-play experiences while appealing to both casual and dedicated video game players.
"Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote™ or Wii Remote Plus controllers.
"The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. The Wii console has sold more than 86 million units globally and greatly expanded the overall audience for video games. Wii U aims to expand that audience even further. Developers worldwide are already working on new games and experiences for the console."
Here's how the official statement from Nintendo's US representatives as Golin Harris states it:
"At the E3 Expo, Nintendo introduced a new paradigm for video games and home entertainment: Wii U™, a new console that includes a controller with a 6.2-inch screen. Adding a second screen to the living room creates a multitude of new video game experiences while offering families a variety of options to customize their entertainment."
You can't be more plain that that. So, why then was it stressed at the E3 Press Event that the device is a 'new platform' or even 'a new controller'.
Is the message confused because the device is rushed? Does Nintendo not want to disrupt and confuse its Wii audience or 3DS marketing? Some of this will become clear when pricing is made available - next year we assume.
For now, here is some more detail from the horse's mouth. Or at least from Golin Harris.
"Previously, video games played on a home console have been confined to the TV and offered identical viewpoints to each player in a multiplayer environment. Furthermore, watching TV and playing console games have been completely separate experiences. The new controller removes these boundaries, creating a more dynamic and fluid gaming and entertainment experience. Visitors to the E3 Expo will see firsthand the type of gaming experiences made possible by Wii U and the new controller such as:
"• In single-player games:
"The new controller can display information on its screen that does not appear on the TV.
"The information and viewpoint can also change in the new controller based on the orientation of its gyroscope.
"• In multiplayer games:
- The player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV. This will offer a wide variety of competitive and cooperative opportunities.
"In addition to the 6.2-inch screen, the new controller also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers. Adding these features to the Classic Controller button scheme:
– two analog Circle Pads, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons
– will enable a breadth of game-play experiences while appealing to both casual and dedicated video game players.
"Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote™ or Wii Remote Plus controllers.
"The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. The Wii console has sold more than 86 million units globally and greatly expanded the overall audience for video games. Wii U aims to expand that audience even further. Developers worldwide are already working on new games and experiences for the console."
Companies:
Nintendo
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Comments
deleted 7 Jun 2011 22:59
1/6
This just smells like Nintendo was out of ideas, serious its just a big DS! dual screen by adding your own TV, i am really disappointed! i thought they would actually bring out a hardcore device, something that could run along side the Wii and maybe even give a refreshed Wii design and HD upgrade. but this just seems all too stupid, there is no way I want use that controller! but aside from the Wii U WTF did Nintendo have to offer us??
Oh and reggies "we get it" speech, you guys get f**k all!, "you want things to stay the same but the excitement of new" WTF does that mean, what i wanted was a HD Unreal Engine Zelda with Wii BC but that was too easy instead, they launch the fisher price Wii!
Oh and reggies "we get it" speech, you guys get f**k all!, "you want things to stay the same but the excitement of new" WTF does that mean, what i wanted was a HD Unreal Engine Zelda with Wii BC but that was too easy instead, they launch the fisher price Wii!
soanso 8 Jun 2011 00:27
2/6
Shigeru Miyamoto was interviewed years ago, possibly between the N64 and the Gamecube launches and he talked about wanting to make a games console that wasn't tied to the tv.
OK he's waited almost 10 years but this is it, pretty much.
My first impression was "it's a bit ho-humm" but after seeing the video it looks like it could be fun with the right software.
I'm less chuffed by another Mario Kart and another Zelda.
Get this Reggie, make some new stuff that we've never seen before.
OK he's waited almost 10 years but this is it, pretty much.
My first impression was "it's a bit ho-humm" but after seeing the video it looks like it could be fun with the right software.
I'm less chuffed by another Mario Kart and another Zelda.
Get this Reggie, make some new stuff that we've never seen before.
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James 8 Jun 2011 04:42
3/6
Yea, really. A DS with the touch screen on your hand, and the big screen as the top screen.
But on the other hand, the Wii stunk, and I'd rather see Backwards Compatibility with Gamecube software, since that Software is so far more better.
If it's that bad, mind as well stick out the Gamecube again. But on the other hand, Maybe Nintendo may be going back to it's roots...somewhat with this one. But, I would love to start seeing games that actually are great AND use the Wiimote. But if this is just another round of shovelware, I'm done with Nintendo.
But on the other hand, the Wii stunk, and I'd rather see Backwards Compatibility with Gamecube software, since that Software is so far more better.
If it's that bad, mind as well stick out the Gamecube again. But on the other hand, Maybe Nintendo may be going back to it's roots...somewhat with this one. But, I would love to start seeing games that actually are great AND use the Wiimote. But if this is just another round of shovelware, I'm done with Nintendo.
Cfan 8 Jun 2011 07:36
4/6
Not getting burnt again by a Ninty home console, My Wii has collected dust for over a year now. As long as they don't bring out a Castlevania title exclusive to the Wii U I'll be fine. (I bought a PSP just for Dracula X >.< )
Long live the SNES.
Long live the SNES.
Tone 8 Jun 2011 14:02
5/6
it looks as though it only appeals to kids, i mean the size and chunkyness of it is just horrible. Its an interesting idea but i think if they made it look better (make it thinner and out of aluminium [aka the apple way :P]) and stuck in better hardware it would appeal to the hard core gamer. the current software range doesnt appeal to me, most of it i can get on my N64 (best console of its time imo) and the rest is just one trick pony stuff that only last for 5 minutes till you're bored.
oj 8 Jun 2011 18:27
6/6
maybe I watched a different conference than everyone else, but I think Nintendo are on to another winner with this. Yeah the controller looks silly but look at the button layout. Its perfect for hardcore games, the system is compatible with wii controllers so the casuals are covered and the system has something that stands out from the 360 and ps3. To me that's win win. Also the machine is now in line with 360 and ps3 in term of power, just look at the third party games trailer and you'll realize Nintendo are seeking big third party support.