My Wii U experience... on going

[gorfias]

Wii U Console Setup... ongoing
Just got my Wii U console bundle and reviewing what I've got so far.
I got the bundle that came with two games: Mario U and Luigi U.
It came with:
the console
a sensor
the tablet
2 games
an HDMI cord! Included! That's funny. I can always use a spare.
Some clips, like, I think, for having the Wii U stand on end. Like I'd ever do that.
An independent charger for the tablet. I just saved myself $20 as I almost bought one from Gamestop.
What it did NOT come with is a wii gamepad pro controller. Not sure what one would be for anyhow. Do all Wii U games need the tablet features?. Is the gamepad for Virtual games only? Reviewing.
Most pleasing so far: the tablet is far lighter than I thought it would be. I'd never held one before and heard it was weighty. Nope.
*
Got the Dance 2014 bundle that came with a Wii mote + with the + built in (I think). Seems to work fine and my daughter loves it. I asked her if she would prefer the Microsoft version for whole body/game coordination and she said "no". I'll have to believe her. She feels this is quite enough.

Really cool that the tablet has a mike and I can do kareokee if I'd like!

Downside: Huge downloads. I need to see how to regulate space usage!. Only 32 Gig available and Katy Perry "Roar" was some 300 Meg by itself!!!

And there is a Wii Sports Club. I thought I was getting more free stuff. Not really, and took 1/2 hour out of my life reviewing. It appears to be a sales thingey. Bastards. I don't have time.

But, I tried the Mario U so far and I couldn't stop grinning. What a fun experience. So much fun having a new console with new tech for the first time in years.

If you've got about $400 buring a hole in your pocket and wanna mess with this thing, you could do worse. I'm having a blast with the Wii U.

State of the art? No. PS4 with its 8 Meg of DDR5 is likely that. But it, with its tablet, is something new, even more so than the original Wii. Worth messing with at a minimum.

Will update depending on something I think is important: will it keep prompting me for time consuming updates? I hate that! I have Battlefield 3 and 4 for PC and just to get in the game makes me ask, "what? Am I back to playing a C64?!?!?"

 

[Frezzato]

Do you plan on using an external hard drive with your Wii U?

 

[Weaver]

I got one about a week ago and I really like it as well.
My New Super Mario U bundle was on sale for $250 and it was a great price. I also picked up Super Mario 3D World. What an amazing game! I highly recommend it.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I've had one since launch and the downloads don't happen too often (not that I remember anyway). The last big download I had to go through was when I first booted up Wonderful 101 and was prompted to update it. New Super Mario Bros U is awesome and I really can't wait to find my physical copy of Luigi U. I would strongly recommend Super Mario 3D World when you're finished with Mario U (I wouldn't expect a price drop for a good long time though so take your time).

 

[gorfias]

Do you plan on using an external hard drive with your Wii U?

Can I? For what sorts of things? The Katy Perry download for Just Dance 2014 was about 250 meg by itself!

I got one about a week ago and I really like it as well.
My New Super Mario U bundle was on sale for $250 and it was a great price. I also picked up Super Mario 3D World. What an amazing game! I highly recommend it.

Argh. I paid $300 for my bundle! From Gamestop. Did you get it after Christmas? Super Mario 3d World is on my radar. Once I'm done with Mario U and Luigi U (came on a single disc).

I've had one since launch and the downloads don't happen too often (not that I remember anyway).

I hope so. I thought maybe they were throwing Wii Sports at me for free. It wasn't, it was some sort of Sport Club social thing, huge download. I hope I can delete some visual clutter.

 

[Guffe]

Wii U Console Setup... ongoing

I use an external 500GB harddrive for storage of downloaded games, if you get this, make sure the external harddrive has a own power source cable and not only a usb connection, the WiiU will turn itself off due to the external using up all the power.

You didn't get Nintendoland with the bundle?
That is a game I recomend when you find it for like 5-10? somewhere, very fun gaming experience it is!
And even a bit challenging at some points.

The Nintendo Eshop is awesome, they have sales 2-3 times a month (so far) and you will find good games there, just downloaded the Duck Tales Remastered for 4?, got TheTrine2 for 5? (had no idea what it was, one of my favorite gaming experiences and positive surprises of 2013), they had games like ZombiU for 10? after xmas, Splinter Cell and Deus Ex for 20? each. Log in and have a look around, very good!

As for the tablet... 95% of everything I've played you can play without the tablet, on a "normal" controller, but I enjoy the small features you can do on the tablet with a small click of the thumb in setad of going to options or clicking 3-5 buttons to get small things done like inventory settings and changing gear in mid game.

Otherwise, hope you enjoy the experience!

 

[Yopaz]

PS4 has 8MB RAM now? That's news.

OT: If you have an external hard drive with separate power you can use that to extend how much space you've got, either that or et one of those double headed USB cables where one is used to transfer data and the other one power. The Wii U doesn't deliver enough power to make a drive run very well. At some point it might just shut off and take some time to work again.

The pro controller is an option that can be used in a variety of games and it does have its advantages. It doesn't drain the attery as quickly (not a big deal since the gamepad has a separate charger), it's great for multiplayer in games where the wiimote doesn't really add anything, it charges with mini USB which is an open standard and you won't have to buy a Nintendo product should it fail and I imagine that for fast paced games such as the upcoming Super Smash Bros. you'll prefer to have a smaller controller where it's easy to reach the buttons yet enough distance to accurately press the correct one.

I've had a Wii U for more than a year now (I preordered it, but didn't touch it before Christmas) and I like it. Monster Hunter 3 is one of the games I have played the most of all games released in 2013.

I hope so. I thought maybe they were throwing Wii Sports at me for free. It wasn't, it was some sort of Sport Club social thing, huge download. I hope I can delete some visual clutter.

I haven't tried it, but generally deleting stuff is a bit of a hassle when you're not used to it. You need to enter the system settings and look under data managment (I think that's what it's called) and then there's a fairly obvious way to delete things. Hope this works since I'm not sure if Nintendo has done the dick move of preventing us from deleting it or not.

 

[Alarien]

Wait... what?

You allowed 300mB of space for Katy Perry's Roar?

I mean... I can understand if you allowed space for a good song...


But... Roar?

Srsly?


As others have said, go with an external hard drive. I wish you well with the Wii U, but, frankly, I am pretty sure I have given Nintendo enough chances to make up for the debacle of a waste of money that was the N64 and I'm now, finally, done with them.

 

[Frezzato]

snip

Bear in mind that I don't own a Wii U, but I've been researching the options.

Here are some interesting bits of info off of the official Nintendo FAQ page about using external HDDs with your Wii U:

14. What data can be stored on a USB storage device?
Once a USB storage device has been exclusively configured for use with a Wii U console, it can be used to store games, applications, new downloadable content, application updates and save data. Once a device has been configured for use with a Wii U console, it cannot be used with another Wii U console, PC, etc., unless it is reformatted.

19. Can I use a USB storage device formatted for a Wii U with another person's Wii U system?
No. External USB storage devices that are exclusively formatted for Wii U can only be used with the one system for which it is formatted. The only way to use your USB storage device on another Wii U is to reformat it.

20. Can I transfer my saved games from one USB drive to another?
This is possible if the game is transferred first from the USB drive to the Wii U itself, provided that the Wii U system has space to hold the game in question. Then the game is transferred from the Wii U system to the other USB drive.
Also, at the time of the Wii U launch, only one USB storage media can be connected to the Wii U system at a time. However, with a future update, we plan to add a function that will make it possible to connect multiple storage media to move or copy content to from one to another.

Some other info I've found.
Currently, the max size storage device that can be used is 2TB. It is highly recommended that this drive be powered (not running off the USB alone), and definitely not a USB thumb drive as Nintendo thinks the read/write activity of the Wii U will kill it.



First off, there's the official Nintendo FAQ [http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wiiu/en_na/system_external_storage.jsp?menu=general_info&submenu=wup-external-usb-storage] page for external hard drives.

Nintendo also has a list of hard drives [http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wiiu/en_na/external_usb_devices.jsp] they have tested. This list contains but is not limited to potential hard drives that can be used.

What I find helpful are actual user comments, like on this page, where people list other hard drive brands [http://www.nintendolife.com/forums/wii-u/thoughts_on_external_hard_drive_for_wii_u] that work or don't work.

And there's an IGN guide [http://www.ign.com/wikis/wii-u/How_to_Set_Up_a_External_Hard_drive_on_Wii_U] covering how to set up an external hard drive. Granted, Nintendo has posted just such a guide [http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wiiu/en_na/system_external_storage.jsp?menu=general_info&submenu=wup-external-usb-storage] themselves.

 

[gorfias]

I use an external 500GB harddrive for storage of downloaded games, if you get this, make sure the external harddrive has a own power source cable and not only a usb connection

And you are able to play the downloaded game from the external drive? Great idea. My bet: like the PS3 before it, it can likely support up to 2 TB.

You didn't get Nintendoland with the bundle?

Nope. Mine came with 2 games on 1 disc: Mario U and the Louigi game.

As for the tablet... 95% of everything I've played you can play without the tablet, on a "normal" controller, but I enjoy the small features you can do on the tablet with a small click of the thumb in setad of going to options or clicking 3-5 buttons to get small things done like inventory settings and changing gear in mid game.

It was funny, while my daughter played dance, I realized I could do kareoke on the tablet mike!

PS4 has 8MB RAM now? That's news.

And somehow, it is DDR 5, not the standard DDR 3 that the Xbox one has. Now it is a matter of developers using all that power. I will definitely be going for this external drive, the Nintendo land mentioned above and now this Monster Hunter so many love. Oy. Am I going to be going through a lot of money!

Wait... what?

You allowed 300mB of space for Katy Perry's Roar?

I mean... I can understand if you allowed space for a good song...


But... Roar?

Srsly?

I'm a little disappointed in how few songs came with Dance 2014. One more for free seemed reasonable, and my daughter loves this song (not my favorite by her, but I can stand it.)

I wish you well with the Wii U, but, frankly, I am pretty sure I have given Nintendo enough chances to make up for the debacle of a waste of money that was the N64 and I'm now, finally, done with them.

I could start a whole thread about how great the N64 was. It was a technological mis step while others went for cheaper, larger volume holding discs, but Turok? Zelda, Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, Mario Tennis? Some great games (though, no Final Fantasy!!!) Cube was good, but may have a smaller library than the Dreamcast!!! I enjoyed it but if I had to do generation 6 and 7 again, I would have skipped Nintendo.

But I didn't and I got a Wii. It was the Wii that almost made me pass on the Wii U. The Wii sits collecting dust between times I bring it to a party. Decent party system, but I was playing Mad World and realised single player was awful!! So, they weren't going to burn me with the Wii U this time.

I avoided them for a year. Now the PS4 and Xbox One are out and I can do a truer comparison for this time:
1) Never getting a Xbone. Call me a tin foil hat wearing type but I am not putting a camera in my house.
2) Not ready to pay fees to play online.
3) Lotta hardware for little money for the Wii U. Even Yahtzee appears to be saying, this is a console that is trying to give you a good, new, gaming experience. Now if they can just build up a proper library!

At least proper controller types will work on this system. Now to buy one, but not a hurry. I'm surprised by how much I like the tablet.

snip.

Great info, thanks! This makes me that much happier to have gotten this. So, I'm going to need to spend another $100 on this for storage reasons (likley). I am sooooo broke.

 

[Yopaz]

PS4 has 8MB RAM now? That's news.

And somehow, it is DDR 5, not the standard DDR 3 that the Xbox one has. Now it is a matter of developers using all that power. I will definitely be going for this external drive, the Nintendo land mentioned above and now this Monster Hunter so many love. Oy. Am I going to be going through a lot of money!

Sorry about that one... I was simply making a joke since the PS4 has 8GB of RAM not 8MB. The Nintendo 64 could get 8MB RAM...

However I must warn you when it comes to Monster Hunter that you should try the demo a few times with different weapons first. The game isn't something I would recommend everyone. You get the best experience from it if you enjoy multiplayer (matchmaking is easy though and you can find the monster you want to hunt) and you have to get used to fighting the same monster over and over in order to get what you want from it.

Nintendo Land on the other hand is something I would recommend anyone with a Wii U to play. I've had some great times playing with 4 friends on that. It might be regarded as a tech demo, but it demonstrates the possibilities in such a way that it's not really a bad thing.

 

[gorfias]

I was simply making a joke since the PS4 has 8GB of RAM not 8MB. The Nintendo 64 could get 8MB RAM...

Oh! My bad! I really wrote that? *hangs head in shame*

Funny that we now want 1,000 times as much RAM as we did in the mid-1990s.

when it comes to Monster Hunter that you should try the demo a few times with different weapons first. The game isn't something I would recommend everyone. You get the best experience from it if you enjoy multiplayer (matchmaking is easy though and you can find the monster you want to hunt) and you have to get used to fighting the same monster over and over in order to get what you want from it.

There is a youtube on this that said it is repetitive, but what you keep repeating is addictive fun. I do hate multiplayer though. I'll check out the demo as you suggest. Thanks!

Nintendo Land on the other hand is something I would recommend anyone with a Wii U to play. I've had some great times playing with 4 friends on that. It might be regarded as a tech demo, but it demonstrates the possibilities in such a way that it's not really a bad thing.

Reviewing Amazon now!: edit nevermind, will get it next time I'm at a gamestop: should be $12.50 used rather than $30 new. And if their is a buy 2 get 3 sale? I'll really save!

 

[Yopaz]

Oh! My bad! I really wrote that? *hangs head in shame*

Funny that we now want 1,000 times as much RAM as we did in the mid-1990s.

It happens to the best of us. I once said that the universe was about 7 million years old while also talking about fossils that are 140 years old.

Also it's scary to see how technology is advancing... if I ever feel old it is when I look up the specs for my old NES and compare it to a low end phone these days. Kids and their newfangled gadgets!

There is a youtube on this that said it is repetitive, but what you keep repeating is addictive fun. I do hate multiplayer though. I'll check out the demo as you suggest. Thanks!

Yeah, it's a niche game which is why you keep hearing so much good about it. Those who buy it are those who would love it. Those who didn't buy it didn't care enough to notice that it was released. If you do decide to get it feel free to message me though. I could probably help you along a little if we could find a suitable time for multiplayer.

Reviewing Amazon now!: edit nevermind, will get it next time I'm at a gamestop: should be $12.50 used rather than $30 new. And if their is a buy 2 get 3 sale? I'll really save!

Good luck, hope you'll find it and enjoy it as much as I have.

 

[Asuka Soryu]

Actually, the 32 GB, just like cake, is a lie. so to speak, you've only got 27 gigs. The Wii U takes around 5 for its OS and other little things. :/

 

[Guffe]

I use an external 500GB harddrive for storage of downloaded games, if you get this, make sure the external harddrive has a own power source cable and not only a usb connection

And you are able to play the downloaded game from the external drive? Great idea. My bet: like the PS3 before it, it can likely support up to 2 TB.

Yep!
I downloaded the first game, then transfered that one over to the external drive (not a long process) and after that everything I DL from the Eshop automatically goes over to the external. Push start icon from WiiU menu and you're good to go!

 

[gorfias]

snip

I downloaded the first game, then transfered that one over to the external drive (not a long process) and after that everything I DL from the Eshop automatically goes over to the external. Push start icon from WiiU menu and you're good to go!

So, the Wii U Pro with $300 with 2 games, etc. For another $100 I can add a 2 TB external but use that 32 (really 27ish Gig) Flash on the OS. Sounds like I got a great deal. As long as they come out with the games, a very big "if". Thanks all.

 

[Roxas1359]

snip

I downloaded the first game, then transfered that one over to the external drive (not a long process) and after that everything I DL from the Eshop automatically goes over to the external. Push start icon from WiiU menu and you're good to go!

So, the Wii U Pro with $300 with 2 games, etc. For another $100 I can add a 2 TB external but use that 32 (really 27ish Gig) Flash on the OS. Sounds like I got a great deal. As long as they come out with the games, a very big "if". Thanks all.

Just to warn you though, an external HDD added to the Wii U via USB will only work on one Wii U. It does not let you use it on multiple Wii U systems so to use it on another one you'd have to format the HDD again, and then redownload everything again.

 

[gorfias]

Just to warn you though, an external HDD added to the Wii U via USB will only work on one Wii U. It does not let you use it on multiple Wii U systems so to use it on another one you'd have to format the HDD again, and then redownload everything again.

Thanks. I'm pretty sure I'll hook it up to the single one and leave it there till the thing dies. My evil plan: I already have a 1.5 TB USB 2 with its own power supply. I'll look up the Wii U formatting instructions but get a 3 TB USB 3.0 for my home PC. And I need about $130 for a 64 Gig Vita card. I'm going to be spending all my money on memory. I hope to have a PS4 by Father's day. Thank g-d my birthday's coming up for all this memory.

Edit: deleted