E3: Nintendo's New Console Is: The Wii U

[The.Bard]

That's the Wii U...looks like a snes...me like

What are you smoking, boy? The SNES top loaded, and it was purple and gray. This thing looks like a 360 and GladOS got their groove on.

if glados and a 360 were siblings.

it looks like something from the 90's.

while the xbox and ps3 have a chrome layer that look fantastic. this..... looks like my old phone and an old dvd player went at it. if they were siblings.

Ooooh, good point. Yea, this thing is pretty hideous. The more I look at it, the uglier it gets.

I wonder if that trap door opens and spews vomit at random times while you're playing a game.

But hey, at least we'll have that killer touch screen remote that will probably cost $300 by itself!

Wooooooo! Nintendoooooooooo!

*slaps self in the face*

Ok, I'm better now.

It looks like the first generation 360 and the Wii combined,


Wait a second, you guys are just bitching about Wii U because it has a fucking touch screen aren't you? (and because of its stupid name) Jesus Christ, the controller is going to be big, but it has all the buttons and sticks of a 360 and PS3 with a touch screen on top of that. In other words, it can do EVERYTHING a 360 or PS3 can do and MORE. Touch screens aren't even useless gimmicks like motion controls because they actually have viable functionality and require as much effort as a button press or two. The only worries I have about the Wii U are the cost and online capabilities. The Wii lags like a MOFO. The controllers won't be close to the price of an Ipad either because it's just a touch screen with buttons on it. The Ipad has a bunch of other softwear and hardwear that makes it a device in itself, the Wii U controller requires its console in order to do anything.

Are you accusing me of making fun of Nintendo???? NEVER, good sir. I mean, yea, they're releasing a system "as powerful as a 360" six years late to the party, but that touch screen is truly amazing! I won't have to look at my 85" oled gigawatt tv anymore! I'll have a tiny grease-covered touch screen to look at! Yay!!!! And think of the amazing new game experiences they'll have - Mario, Zelda, Metroid, and oooh, Smash Brothers sounds especially fresh & exciting!

Ok, ok, you got me. I hate Nintendo. I hate their arrogance. I hate how they crap all over 3rd party developers when they're on top of the world and then crawl to them like a beggar when they're down and out. I hate that they do nothing outside of drilling their franchises into the ground. Mostly, I hate that they think we need touch screens on our controllers for presumably a bajillion dollars a pop. No, thank you.

I would hope the cost of a controller doesn't come anywhere close to an ipad, seeing how it won't be anywhere near as functional as one. But I'm a jaded jerk, so what do I know?

 

[NinjaTigerXIII]

So basically, the Wii U is a Wii, with better graphics, and a Playstation Vita for a controller....really? Thats kinda cool but that controller just looks uncomfortable.

 

[Troublesome Lagomorph]

How origi-

Oh, how original!

seriously, this marketing campaign is get far more pretentious than Apple's and that's saying something.

MOTHER F-

 

[Inkidu]

This might just be me, but no matter how much you hype it Nintendo I think you feel you need to play catch-up to this generation. As well as the Wii seemed to sell there is something in the market data that tells you that Microsoft and Sony are doing something probably long term. So I think if you're looking for the next console generation you're not going to get it. This is Nintendo trying to get third-party support... the old fan-bases probably aren't holding up to well. I know by the time my Wii was stolen I had played every gem it had, and what came after that didn't make me miss not having it.

I see you Nintendo, I see what your designs are, time will tell if I have the disposable income to fritter away on you.

 

[KeyMaster45]

What shred of hope I had left for this console not being an unholy amalgamation of everything I have grown to hate about the Nintendo brand is now gone. Like the Wii I will not buy this....ever, I don't care what game comes out for it.

My god Nintendo, wtf happened to you? Just make a normal freaking console for once.

Nintendo's one of the few console companies actually trying to innovate and all people can do is complain?? hahahah

There's trying to innovate then there's making shit needlessly complicated and ridiculous while trying to pass it off as innovation. Nintendo is guilty of the latter. This new console just sounds like more of the same bullshit we saw with the Wii only now it's got an iPad needlessly built into the controller.

 

[funguy2121]

That controller. How am I supposed to hold it...

With your hands! They have pictures if you like.

All the articles I've read by industry types who've gotten to use the controller today had nothing but praise for it, and they also said that it was lightweight and very comfortable. The only variable is that the demo controllers didn't have battery packs, but as one reviewer pointed out, since Nintendo's going proprietary instead of using AA's, they can distribute the added weight evenly.

 

[Arisato-kun]

I'm just gonna say Nintendo won E3. Third party support looks great and I'm pumped for the new Smash Bros.

Also get over the name people. What are you, 4?

so... nintendo won with an ipad rip-off and another mario game.

Nah Nintendo won with an interesting concept and the return of great third party support.

Oh and Kid Icarus: Uprising.

a sequel to a twenty year old game?


And all nintendo has done is introduce concepts which the xbox 360 and ps3 have had for half a decade, they haven't "outdone", they've caught-up. very late.
people should stop treating nintendo as the paralympics of gaming, nintendo has the potential to seriously rival consoles in its generation, not just former generations, its a near-certainty that when the ps4 or xbox 2 (3?)come out, they would overshadow nintendo's product.

Yeah, a twenty year old game I enjoyed. Luckily it's all opinion though. I'll just enjoy Nintendo's new console and you won't.

 

[I forgot]

Yes, there will be a console to go with that controller. [http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/htwfy/new_nintendo_console_wii_u_fact_sheet/]

Also, prices similar to current PS3 and 360 prices, says Reggie.

That did it for me! If this console is gonna be 200-300 dollars at launch, with Super Smash Bros WiiU as a launch title, then you can bet your sweet bippy that I will buy this ASAP!

That would be sick. Now if those controllers are only 40$ I'm totally sold on this. Sony and Microsoft really have to do something to change my mind on the WiiU (and copying it isn't going to cut it).

 

[Aerograt]

I'll have a tiny grease-covered touch screen to look at!

...I'm sure... [http://images.wikia.com/supersmashbrosfanon/images/d/d2/Nintendo_DS_Stylus.png]

 

[riverand]

I'm really surprised by the negative reaction to the WiiU. While the name is... well, it's WiiU, I can see how that can be silly, the rest seems pretty impressive to me.

Here's are the things that I see as positives after watching the E3 release:

~the controller is a whole new experience in console gaming. I give props for thinking outside of the box (AGAIN)

~what validates that the controller is not just new, but that it must also add a new and exciting element to gaming is that Nintendo FINALLY got some 3rd party support. If game designers are excited about this, shouldn't we be?

~this may not be of value to some of you on the forum, but this controller keeps family members IN THE SAME ROOM, rather than isolating everyone off to their own screen with their entertainment of choice connected to it. I think that is a positive outside of the gaming realm, but still a positive to be celebrated for this console. (For some of you who enjoy your solitary game play, this might be a negative, I understand that.)

~This is an interesting look at something that is coming, not something that already IS. I am curious to see how this develops in the space between now and next April.


I am worried about price point. That may sway me when it finally comes down to it.I am grateful as hell that I am not teaching right now because my Video Game Club would be clamoring ALL OVER ME to get it just because they mentioned SMASH BROS in the press conference, and then the school might kill me!

 

[internetzealot1]

That controller. How am I supposed to hold it...

With your hands! They have pictures if you like.

All the articles I've read by industry types who've gotten to use the controller today had nothing but praise for it, and they also said that it was lightweight and very comfortable. The only variable is that the demo controllers didn't have battery packs, but as one reviewer pointed out, since Nintendo's going proprietary instead of using AA's, they can distribute the added weight evenly.

Yeah, I've seen pictures by now, and I'm casually optimistic about everything except paying for it.

 

[Eternal_Lament]

Yes, there will be a console to go with that controller. [http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/htwfy/new_nintendo_console_wii_u_fact_sheet/]

Also, prices similar to current PS3 and 360 prices, says Reggie.

That did it for me! If this console is gonna be 200-300 dollars at launch, with Super Smash Bros WiiU as a launch title, then you can bet your sweet bippy that I will buy this ASAP!

That would be sick. Now if those controllers are only 40$ I'm totally sold on this. Sony and Microsoft really have to do something to change my mind on the WiiU (and copying it isn't going to cut it).

I can assure you that if Nintendo sells these controllers at $40 each then either a) they will lose money 'snap' just like that, or b) they'll be making a profit on controller sales, meaning that the controllers are actually pretty sketchy and probably no-where near as functional as they show it to be.

These controllers are basically tablets: this isn't an insult or saying its worthless (well, technically worthless to me since I'm not planning on getting this), its a simple fact based on the tech on display. If Nintendo doesn't sell these controllers at $200-300, they'd be losing money with each controller sale, because that's how much a tablet like this would cost to make. As I said before, chances are the console will cost between $400-600 (combine price of current day gaming tech [$200-300] with one controller [$200-300]), and assuming you wish to buy 3 more controllers (based on what Nintendo has shown, this console is definitely aimed at people who live with or frequently meet with other people, which would warrent more controllers) this can easily be a $1000-1500 investment. Not to say that you will need to save up a grand for WiiU's release, but chances are you may need to if you want to get the full effect of what Nintendo is advertising.

 

[I forgot]

Yes, there will be a console to go with that controller. [http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/htwfy/new_nintendo_console_wii_u_fact_sheet/]

Also, prices similar to current PS3 and 360 prices, says Reggie.

That did it for me! If this console is gonna be 200-300 dollars at launch, with Super Smash Bros WiiU as a launch title, then you can bet your sweet bippy that I will buy this ASAP!

That would be sick. Now if those controllers are only 40$ I'm totally sold on this. Sony and Microsoft really have to do something to change my mind on the WiiU (and copying it isn't going to cut it).

I can assure you that if Nintendo sells these controllers at $40 each then either a) they will lose money 'snap' just like that, or b) they'll be making a profit on controller sales, meaning that the controllers are actually pretty sketchy and probably no-where near as functional as they show it to be.

These controllers are basically tablets: this isn't an insult or saying its worthless (well, technically worthless to me since I'm not planning on getting this), its a simple fact based on the tech on display. If Nintendo doesn't sell these controllers at $200-300, they'd be losing money with each controller sale, because that's how much a tablet like this would cost to make. As I said before, chances are the console will cost between $400-600 (combine price of current day gaming tech [$200-300] with one controller [$200-300]), and assuming you wish to buy 3 more controllers (based on what Nintendo has shown, this console is definitely aimed at people who live with or frequently meet with other people, which would warrent more controllers) this can easily be a $1000-1500 investment. Not to say that you will need to save up a grand for WiiU's release, but chances are you may need to if you want to get the full effect of what Nintendo is advertising.

I was surprised the Vita was 250$ so it's a possibility. Also, I'm willing to pay at most 60$ if it has a good battery life and is rechargeable (something the wii-mote wasnt). So far, nothing suggests that the console will be 400-600$. It has better graphics but in the 6 years since this generation started and the advancements in computers, I don't think it's going to make the price go up. Let's not judge anything fact yet until we're given the prices.

 

[Ice Car]

That Zelda... My god... The inventory is in my hands... Amazing.

I'm quite intrigued by this. I liked what I saw and am hoping for more.

Also, Super Smash Bros. 4 on 3DS and WiiU? Yes Please.

Seconded. This is an interesting concept, elt's hope they let use utilize it in places like Zelda's inventory as stated. YEAH

 

[Raeil]

Add me to the list of people who are shocked at the extremely negative reactions. Why do I like it? I'm glad I asked!

1) I love Nintendo. I also love RPG's and some TPS's. This combination hasn't been present on a Nintendo platform (nor possible really) since the SNES days (where TPS's couldn't exist yet). Now, Nintendo has finally released something which can accommodate their fans who love their stuff, but also want to play new titles with HD and M-rated material. Has it taken them a long time? Yes. Does this being overdue mean it's not a next gen console? Maybe. Have they fixed a mistake which needed to be corrected to even attempt to reclaim the hearts and minds of hardcore gamers? Absolutely!

2) The idea of the controller itself is great! It's lightweight (according to reports), has proper dual analog, face buttons, and double back keys. All of these are necessary in order to play any modern title which is developed for other consoles. However, it also contains things which haven't been used (extensively) in the context of home console gaming, such as the touch screen (which I wish was multi-touch, but oh well), the camera (which I will agree has been done before, but never as a part of the driving point for the console), and the speakers (again, done before, but never as a part of the driving point for the console).

3) The ability for the controller to play the game is astounding. While this doesn't affect a lot of older gamers who own their own homes and TV's, many younger gamers have to give up their games when someone wants to use the TV. As Nintendo has pointed out, this problem is completely averted by WiiU. Also, for those of us older gamers who this doesn't affect, at the very least it's neat! We are holding in our hands a display which can run HD video games and use normal controls, rather than having to take the iOS route of constructing touch screen controls for everything!

These are only opinions, but if you disagree, I'd love to hear feedback. One other quick thing, I'd like to share my reaction when I realized that Arkham City and Assassin's Creed were coming to the system:

"Nintendo will be rolling in money. With the Wii, they expanded their own gaming market, but in return they had to offer a non-HD, non-hardcore gaming experience. So they made a reeeeeally wide pool, but it was rather shallow. With this console, they've added HD and normal controls (to an extent), which allows the 3rd parties to bring multiplatform titles to WiiU. In other words, Nintendo can now sell this console to casual users just like they did the Wii (and it will have more Wii-like content for sure), and can sell to hardcore gamers by having proper 3rd party support for multiplatforms and exclusive IPs. That pool just got really deep, and Nintendo is going to make a fortune..."

Maybe it won't happen, but that's my take on their marketing strategy atm. What do you think?

 

[Goldhawk777]

The Nintendo company has not created a new console. They have created a new accessory for your television. The games.....let them pass, but the idea of putting images from the "controller" to the screen is an interesting concept. Unfortunately, I can easily see some one using the Wii to play music and some movie on the screen and BAM! Someone looks up porn and throws it on the television. Ahhh. It's similar to the early uses of the PS3, BlueRay player.

 

[Eternal_Lament]

I was surprised the Vita was 250$ so it's a possibility. Also, I'm willing to pay at most 60$ if it has a good battery life and is rechargeable (something the wii-mote wasnt). So far, nothing suggests that the console will be 400-600$. It has better graphics but in the 6 years since this generation started and the advancements in computers, I don't think it's going to make the price go up. Let's not judge anything fact yet until we're given the prices.

I suppose that it may be cheaper, but there's no way Nintendo can actually make a profit if the controllers are sold at less then 200, maybe 150. Less then 100 and as I said they'd be losing money with each controller sale. Again, the console itself will probably cost as Reggie said it will (200-300), I'm just guessing the 400-600 price based on the fact that the controllers certainly cost more than a preety penny, and seeing as how the controller is certainly taking center stage here more than before the price of the controller will more than likely account into the total price. Also, while no news on battery life, I think they have said that this controller is rechargeable (does little for me, but just thought it would interest you)

 

[JohnDoey]

gotta see more but i'm quite intrigued
the only problem will probably be that the 3rd person hardcore titles just won't work as good with the controller as i think
i mean with games like battlefield or darksiders you gotta have another pair of shoulder triggers...or not?
then again for 3rd party games i got my ps3 and pc

i'm looking forward to what's to come

It has triggers on the back you just cant see them.

 

[Lord Beautiful]

While the technology is indeed interesting, I have but one question. Considering this is Nintendo we're talking about this, it's quite a pressing one.

Will it have a good line-up?

Also, they probably should have pointed out that the Wii U is indeed a new console, instead of only showing the controller and confusing people by doing so.

 

[I forgot]

I was surprised the Vita was 250$ so it's a possibility. Also, I'm willing to pay at most 60$ if it has a good battery life and is rechargeable (something the wii-mote wasnt). So far, nothing suggests that the console will be 400-600$. It has better graphics but in the 6 years since this generation started and the advancements in computers, I don't think it's going to make the price go up. Let's not judge anything fact yet until we're given the prices.

I suppose that it may be cheaper, but there's no way Nintendo can actually make a profit if the controllers are sold at less then 200, maybe 150. Less then 100 and as I said they'd be losing money with each controller sale. Again, the console itself will probably cost as Reggie said it will (200-300), I'm just guessing the 400-600 price based on the fact that the controllers certainly cost more than a preety penny, and seeing as how the controller is certainly taking center stage here more than before the price of the controller will more than likely account into the total price. Also, while no news on battery life, I think they have said that this controller is rechargeable (does little for me, but just thought it would interest you)

I don't know, I don't think it's that expensive to make a ipad sized tv screen with touch capabilities. Technology has really gone a far way. Touchscreens, gyroscopes, cameras and accelerometers have become much cheaper to produce. As far as I can see, it doesn't have many of the parts of a console or computer which is what usually makes them expensive in the first place. A Vita can play ps3 graphics at 250$ so if we subtracted all those processing units and hardware since all it does is stream info from the console, it could be cheaper than 100$ since all it is is a wii-mote with the bottom half of a DS screen that streams video from the console.
Again, can't be too sure but there's my reasoning behind this.