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[[File:Nintendo Network.svg|thumb|right|120px|Nintendo Network]]
[[File:Nintendo Network.svg|thumb|right|120px|Nintendo Network]]
{{expand_section|date=May 2013}}
{{expand_section|date=May 2013}}
The Nintendo Network is Nintendo's unified network infrastructure similar to the Sony's [[PlayStation Network]] and Microsoft's [[Xbox Live]]. Available on the [[Nintendo 3DS]] and the Wii U, Nintendo Network for the latter provides the means for online multiplayer, video chatting (achieved by the using the Wii U Gamepad's inbuilt camera), as well as digital downloads. Nintendo Network on the Wii U will use a user account system much like the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. One Wii U system can contain up to 12 user accounts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/16869 |title=E3 2012 &#124; Wii U To Support 12 User Profiles at C3 News |publisher=Cubed3.com |date=2011-12-08 |accessdate=2012-06-12}}</ref> The user account system on the Wii U will replace the previous friend code model that was used on the Wii, but will not eliminate use of friend codes completely as they now serve a different purpose on the Wii U. The Wii U team also has administrators to remove inappropriate content.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newton |first=James |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/reggie_friend_codes_return_on_wii_u_but_theyre_better |title=Reggie: Friend Codes Return on Wii U, But They're Better |publisher=NintendoLife |date=2012-06-11 |accessdate=2012-07-13}}</ref> Nintendo Network can also be used as a means to achieve Wii U and Nintendo 3DS connectivity.{{-}}
The Nintendo Network is Nintendo's unified network infrastructure similar to the Sony's [[PlayStation Network]] and Microsoft's [[Xbox Live]]. Available on the [[Nintendo 3DS]] and the Wii U, Nintendo Network for the latter provides the means for online multiplayer, video chatting (achieved by the using the Wii U Gamepad's built-in camera), as well as digital downloads. Nintendo Network on the Wii U uses a user account system much like the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. One Wii U system can contain up to 12 user accounts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/16869 |title=E3 2012 &#124; Wii U To Support 12 User Profiles at C3 News |publisher=Cubed3.com |date=2011-12-08 |accessdate=2012-06-12}}</ref> The user account system on the Wii U replaces the previous friend code model that was used on the Wii, but does not eliminate use of friend codes completely as they now serve a different purpose on the Wii U. The Wii U team also has administrators to remove inappropriate content.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newton |first=James |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/reggie_friend_codes_return_on_wii_u_but_theyre_better |title=Reggie: Friend Codes Return on Wii U, But They're Better |publisher=NintendoLife |date=2012-06-11 |accessdate=2012-07-13}}</ref> Nintendo Network can potentially be used as a means to achieve Wii U and Nintendo 3DS connectivity.{{-}}


====SpotPass====
====SpotPass====

Revision as of 17:12, 19 July 2013

Wii U
Wii U
The Wii U console with Wii U GamePad
DeveloperNintendo
ManufacturerNintendo, Foxconn,[1] Mitsumi
TypeVideo game console
GenerationEighth generation
Release date
  • NA: November 18, 2012
  • PAL: November 30, 2012
  • JP: December 8, 2012
Introductory price$299/¥26,250 (Basic Edition)
$349/¥31,500 (Deluxe Edition)
Units sold3.45 million (as of March 31, 2013)[2]
Media12 cm 25 GB Wii U Optical Disc[3]
12 cm Wii Optical Disc[3]
Digital distribution
CPUTri-Core IBM PowerPC "Espresso"
StorageGB (Basic Set) / 32 GB (Deluxe Set) internal flash memory[4]
SD/SDHC card
USB storage device
Display
Video output formats[3]
Graphics550 MHz AMD Radeon GPU "Latte"[3]
Sound
Audio output formats[3]
Controller input
ConnectivityWi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n[3]
4 × USB 2.0[5]
Online services
Best-selling gameNintendo Land (pack-in) 2.60 million (as of December 31, 2012)[6]
New Super Mario Bros. U 2.15 million (as of December 31, 2012)[6]
Backward
compatibility
Wii
PredecessorWii
WebsiteOfficial website

The Wii U /ˌw ˈjuː/ is a video game console from Nintendo and the successor to the Wii.[7] The system was released on November 18, 2012, in North America; November 30, 2012, in the PAL regions; and on December 8, 2012, in Japan.[8][9] It is the first entry in the eighth generation of video game home consoles,[10][11][12] and will compete with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One.

The Wii U is the first Nintendo console to support high-definition graphics, capable of producing video output up to 1080p, and has 2 GB of RAM with half dedicated to the console's operating system.[13] The console was released in two versions:[14] a "Basic" white-colored version with 8 GB of internal Flash storage; and a "Deluxe"/"Premium" black-colored version with 32 GB of Flash storage. The Deluxe package additionally includes stands for the console and for the GamePad, a charging dock for the GamePad, and a pack-in game. An HDMI cable is included with both versions.[9] The Wii U's primary controller is the Wii U GamePad, which features an embedded touchscreen. The touchscreen is used to supplement the main gameplay shown on the television or, with games supporting Off-TV Play, can allow the player to continue playing games by displaying the main gameplay even when the television is off. In addition to the Wii U GamePad, a more traditional controller, called the Wii U Pro Controller, may be used.[15]

The system is backward compatible with Wii, and Wii U games may support compatibility with Wii peripherals, such as the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk. While it is not backward compatible with Nintendo GameCube discs or peripherals,[16] Nintendo of America's director of entertainment and trend marketing indicated that select GameCube titles would become available for download,[17][18] although Nintendo has since stated it has nothing to announce regarding this.[19]

History

The console was first conceived in 2008,[20] after Nintendo recognized several limitations and challenges with the Wii, such as the general public perception that the system catered primarily for a "casual" audience.[21] With Wii U, Nintendo explicitly wishes to bring "core" gamers back.[22] Game designer Shigeru Miyamoto admitted that the lack of HD and limited network infrastructure for the Wii also contributed to the system being regarded in a separate class to its competitors' systems, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.[23] It was decided that a new console would have to be made to accommodate significant structural changes.

Within the company, there was much debate over the idea for the new console, and the project was scrapped and restarted several times.[24] The concept of a touchscreen embedded within the controller was originally inspired by the blue light on the Wii that illuminates to indicate new messages.[25] Miyamoto and his team wanted to include a small screen to provide game feedback and status messages to players (in similar vein to the VMU for Sega's Dreamcast). Much later in development, this was expanded to a full screen that could display the game being played in its entirety, a concept which was suggested but not financially viable earlier in the project.[26]

Pre-announcement

Initial beliefs about the Wii's successor were that the new console would be an "enhanced version" named the "Wii HD." Many journalists claimed that it would have a high-definition video output along with a Blu-ray Disc drive built in with a release sometime in 2011.[27][28] However, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata later stated that he saw "no significant reason" to include HD into the Wii and that such an addition would be better suited for a successor.[29] Shigeru Miyamoto also expressed Nintendo's interest in working with HD graphics but clarified that the company is primarily focused on the gameplay experience.[30] In October 2009, Miyamoto said that they had no concrete plans about a successor yet, but knew that the successor would possibly still feature motion controls and they expected its interface to be "more compact" and cheaper.[31] Iwata also mentioned that the Wii's successor might be 3D-compatible but concluded that the adoption rates of 3D televisions should increase to at least 30% first.[32]

In 2010, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime commented that he felt "confident the Wii home entertainment console has a very long life in front of it" and declared that a successor would not be launched in the near future.[33] At the E3 2010 presentation, Iwata revealed to the BBC that they would begin announcing a new console once Nintendo ran "out of ideas with the current hardware and cannot give users any more meaningful surprises with the technology [they had]".[34] Later, at an investor's meeting, he disclosed that they were "of course studying and developing the next console to Wii", but they were simultaneously keeping its concepts secret because it was "really important for [his] business to positively surprise people."[35] Reggie Fils-Aime commented in a CNN article and claimed that Nintendo's next home console would not likely feature stereoscopic 3D, based on the 3D technology Nintendo had experimented with.[36]

In April 2011, an uncredited source indicated that Nintendo was planning on unveiling the successor to the Wii during E3 2011, codenamed Project Café,[7] that would be capable of gameplay in HD resolutions[37][38] and will be backward compatible with Wii software.[39] It was also rumored that the console would feature an all new controller with a built in high-resolution screen.[40] The origin of the rumor for the codename (and many other details) was French technology publication 01net.[41] 01net had previously revealed the technical specifications of Sony's PlayStation Vita before it was announced.[42] The new machine was believed twice as powerful as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.[39][43]

Many claims focused on the new controller, which would feature dual analog sticks, a standard D-pad, two bumpers, two triggers and "possibly more".[40][44] IGN compared the functionality of the new controller to a Nintendo GameCube controller.[7] 01net claimed the controller would be "a touch tablet controller, with moderate graphic output," comparing the controller to an iPad with buttons. They also added that there would be a front-facing camera on the controller.[45] Supposedly, the controller would also feature six-axis motion controls that outperform a PlayStation Move motion controller (in terms of fidelity),[46] as well as a built-in sensor bar.[45] The new controller features a 6.2-inch touchscreen.[47] 01net took the rumor a step further and claimed that the touchscreen would be single-touch.[45] Sources from CVG claimed that the controller featured a high-resolution screen.[40] IGN claimed that the controller would allow players to stream entire games to the controller from the console,[7] and that the console itself "is likely to resemble a modernized version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)."[48]

According to Edge, THQ president Brian Farrell allegedly told investors: "We don't expect new hardware any time soon from either Microsoft or Sony. It's different on Nintendo – we'll let them announce their new hardware".[46]

Post-announcement

The Wii U shown at E3 2011, demonstrating the various options of the controller

On April 25, 2011, Nintendo released a statement officially announcing a system to succeed the Wii. They simultaneously announced that it would be released during 2012, and that playable console units would be present at E3 2011 (June 7–9).[49] Speaking at an investor's conference, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata stated the Wii successor would "offer something new for home game systems."[50] Iwata also confirmed that the successor to Wii would not launch in the fiscal year of 2012, meaning that it would release after April 2012.[51]

On May 4, 2011, Kotaku reported that Project Café would have 8 GB of flash-based memory on board, with the assumed purpose of storing game saves. The game discs used by the console were said to be of a proprietary format, and to hold up to 25 GB of data, which is similar to the capacity of a single-layer Blu-ray Disc.[52] In early June, Nikkei issued a report confirming earlier rumors that the new console would feature a controller with a 6 inch touchscreen that would give tablet-like controls to games, as well as a rechargeable battery and a camera. Nikkei said the system would be released in mid-2012.[53]

A prototype version of Wii U was showcased at E3 2011. The design of the console and controller were not definitive versions.[54] The controller demonstrated a touch screen over 6 inches wide and contained a built-in microphone, speakers, gyroscope, accelerometer, rumble and camera.[55] All processing is done on the console itself, the output of which can be displayed either on a TV, the controller, or both simultaneously; however, the screen only supports single touch, not multitouch, going against a popular trend across the technology industry,[55] and, at the time of unveiling, the system only supported output to one tablet controller at a time, though Nintendo was reportedly looking into allowing for such functionality in the final version of the hardware.[56] Games that were confirmed were New Super Mario Bros. U and the change of console from the Wii to Wii U of the long-in-development Pikmin 3.[57] A list of third party titles was also announced to be available at release, and were on show with trailers from PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions.[58][citation needed]

Shares of Nintendo fell almost 10 percent in the two days following the unveiling of Wii U to levels not seen since 2006.[59] Some analysts expressed skepticism in regards to the addition of a touch screen to the controller, expressing concern that the controller would be less affordable and less innovative than the original Wii Remote.[60]

On July 5, 2011, when asked about whether or not the Wii U was going to support 3D, Iwata told San Jose Mercury News, "If you are going to connect Wii U with a home TV capable of displaying 3-D images, technologically, yes, it is going to be possible, but that's not the area we are focusing on."[61]

On October 27, 2011, Iwata stated during an investors meeting that the Wii U would be released after March 2012, and its final specification and form were revealed at E3 2012.[62]

Nintendo presented the Wii U at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show which took place from January 10 to 13.[63]

On January 26, 2012, Iwata told investors that the Wii U would be launched by the 2012 year end shopping season in all major regions.[64] Furthermore, Iwata stated that the console would feature a unified online system known as Nintendo Network, which would feature user account support as opposed to the use of friend codes. Nintendo Network would also provide the framework for online multiplayer interactions, add-on content sales, as well as digital distribution of applications and video games.[65] Moreover, Iwata mentioned that the Wii U controller would support NFC, which would allow the system to wirelessly interact with figurines and cards created by developers. It would also allow for microtransactions to take place wirelessly using credit cards that have NFC support.[64]

On September 12, 2012, Nintendo announced that launch date was set to December 8, 2012 in Japan.[66] On September 13, 2012, Nintendo announced that North America launch date would be November 18, 2012.[67] The Wii U will be available in two bundles: Basic ($299.99 in US) and Deluxe ($349.99 in US). Nintendo Australia and Nintendo of Europe announced that the Wii U would be released in Australia and Europe simultaneously on November 30, 2012. Both regions will receive the Basic ($349.95 AUD) and Deluxe ($429.95 AUD) bundles.[68] The Basic bundle contains essentials including 8 GB of storage, the Wii U GamePad and stylus and an HDMI cable, while the Deluxe bundle adds on a Nintendo Network Premium Subscription, 32 GB of onboard storage, a sensor bar, the Nintendo Land game (all regions except Japan), as well as stands for the console and controller.[69][70]

Hardware

At launch, Nintendo revealed that the Wii U would be available in two colors, black and white. The white version is called Basic Set in North America and Basic Pack in Europe and Australia, and the black version is called Deluxe Set in North America and Premium Pack in Europe and Australia . The Nintendo official E3 webpage shows both colors[3] with the white one in the Basic set and the black one in the Deluxe set. In Japan a white version of the Premium Set is set to be released on July 13, 2013.[71]

Controllers

Wii U GamePad

An illustration of the Wii U GamePad (White)

The Wii U GamePad is the main controller for the Wii U. It features a built-in touchscreen, which can either supplement or replicate the gameplay shown on the main display. When using the "Off TV Play" function, the controller can function as a standalone screen without the use of a television screen. The controller features an accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, dual analog sticks, a built-in sensor strip, a built-in microphone, and supports near field communication (which can be used for, among other uses, figurines that can interact with the console and wireless credit card payments with compatible cards).[72] The console will also be compatible with the Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk and Wii Balance Board, as well as a Wii U Pro Controller for more traditional controls.[73] Two GamePads are supported per console.[74] Gamepad wireless transmission is using 5150-5250 MHz indoor frequency band and based on IEEE 802.11n[75] standard, while using custom proprietary transfer protocol and software co-developed by Broadcom and Nintendo.[76]

Shigeru Miyamoto promoted the idea of the GamePad, stating that he supports being able to use a secondary screen while someone else is watching the television. Wii U offers asymmetric competition, where the player using the GamePad has one experience and wins in a certain way, while competing players have different ways to play and win.

Wii U Pro Controller

The Wii U Pro Controller is the second controller released for the console, available separately. Like more traditional controllers, it features standard control sticks, buttons, and triggers. Nintendo unveiled the Pro Controller at E3 2012 with the aim of attracting more "hardcore" gamers to make the Wii U more competitive with Sony and Microsoft's offerings.[77] Many video game journalists have noted the similarity between the controller and Microsoft's Xbox 360 Controller.[78][79] Nintendo claims that the design of the Pro Controller is an “enhanced version” of the Classic Controller and "offers a richer experience."[80] Regardless of this, certain games with flexible control schemes, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Trine 2: Director's Cut, are also compatible with the Classic Controllers.

The Wii U Pro Controller is not compatible with previous-generation Wii games.[81]

Wii Remote Plus

Technical specifications

Nintendo has released technical specifications of the Wii U hardware, which are listed below.[3][5]

Features

Home Menu

The Home Menu (stylized as HOME Menu) can be accessed during any game or application through the user pressing the Home Button on the Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller or Wii Remote. The Home Menu allows the user to launch certain multitasking applications, such as Miiverse, Nintendo TVii, Nintendo eShop and the Internet Browser while a game or application is running. It also displays various information such as date and time, the wireless signal status, controller battery life and controller settings. Current downloads can also be managed in the Download Manager, which downloads and installs games and applications and their respective updates, as well as downloading system updates in the background.

Near field communication (NFC)

The Wii U's near field communication chip is located on the Wii U GamePad. The NFC chip can be used to allow users to import content from supported devices. This is achieved by placing the device on the Wii U GamePad. The NFC chip also has the ability to write information on items which can be used as a means of transferring information.[93] Moreover, the NFC chip can also be used to make wireless transaction using supported credit cards by simply placing the credit card on top of the Wii U GamePad.[94]

Network capabilities

Nintendo Network

The Nintendo Network is Nintendo's unified network infrastructure similar to the Sony's PlayStation Network and Microsoft's Xbox Live. Available on the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U, Nintendo Network for the latter provides the means for online multiplayer, video chatting (achieved by the using the Wii U Gamepad's built-in camera), as well as digital downloads. Nintendo Network on the Wii U uses a user account system much like the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. One Wii U system can contain up to 12 user accounts.[95] The user account system on the Wii U replaces the previous friend code model that was used on the Wii, but does not eliminate use of friend codes completely as they now serve a different purpose on the Wii U. The Wii U team also has administrators to remove inappropriate content.[96] Nintendo Network can potentially be used as a means to achieve Wii U and Nintendo 3DS connectivity.

SpotPass

Similar to Nintendo 3DS's more distinctly mobile SpotPass functionality, the Spotpass feature is an online utility which is built into the Wii U system. It allows the Wii U to automatically download available content via Wi-Fi in the background even when the Wii U is already running an application, or powered off in sleep mode. Content that can be downloaded via SpotPass includes full game and application downloads, firmware updates, patches, and specific in-game content. Content currently being downloaded can be viewed in the Download Manager, accessed via the Wii U's HOME Menu.

Nintendo eShop

File:Nintendo eShop logo (new).png
Nintendo eShop

The Wii U's eShop will be Nintendo's digital distribution store. Available at launch, the eShop will provide the means to download digital Wii U titles, retail Wii U titles, WiiWare titles, Virtual Console titles, and applications. The Wii U's eShop will also allow users to obtain patches, add-ons, and expansions for both retail and digital games. Moreover, all content obtained from the Wii U's eShop are attached to a user account, and they cannot be moved to other Wii U systems. Therefore if the console has issues in which require a replacement, purchased funds and licenses cannot be transferred to the new console.[97]

The Nintendo eShop can be accessed anytime via the HOME menu screen, even when a game is already running at the same time. This feature however is only available on Wii U. Background downloading is also possible via SpotPass while playing games or using any other application such as Miiverse and the web browser on the Wii U. Currently 10 downloads can be queued up at a time. The status of the downloads can be checked on the HOME Menu under the Download Manager. If notifications are activated a pop-up message will appear in the top right corner of the screen to notify the user that a download is finished.

The Nintendo eShop supports user reviews of games, applications and other media. Users can submit a software review of with "stars" ranging from one to five, representing its quality in a crescent order. Users can also categorize games by age and gender and as suitable for hardcore or more casual gamers. These reviews can only be submitted after using the software at least one hour.

Download Software

Download Software is an extension of the WiiWare series of downloadable software, these titles have been specifically created to utilize the capabilities of the Wii U. These can be either applications, videos or downloadable games.

Select Wii U retail software titles are available to download via the Nintendo eShop. This feature launched on the Nintendo eShop alongside Wii U's retail release in November 2012. Add-on content is also available on the eShop including downloadable content, addition of new features, and patches. Add-on software can be added to both digital and physical games. The Nintendo eShop also supports downloadable demos of retail and digital-only games. Developers have the option to limit access to demos, such as limiting the number of plays available to the user.[43]

Software updates, more commonly known as patches, have been available on Wii U since its launch on November 18, 2012,[98] via a system update. These system updates gave the ability to patch downloadable titles, as well as retail games, through both the Nintendo eShop and HOME Menu. These patches have the main purpose of fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, and improving the usability or performance. Patches can also be downloaded while using other applications via the systems' Download Manager.

Nintendo Network Premium

Nintendo Network Premium in Europe, Australia and Japan, or Deluxe Digital Promotion in North America, is a loyalty program similar to PlayStation Plus offered on PlayStation Network. Consumers who purchase the Wii U Deluxe Pack (North America) / Premium Pack (Europe and Japan) will receive a free two-year subscription to this service which lets Wii U owners receive points for each digital purchase. Members who buy games and apps through the Wii U Nintendo eShop will receive ten percent of the price back in the form of Nintendo Points, which can subsequently be put towards future online purchases on both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop. The promotion is currently planned through December 2014, with any future plans to be revealed at a later date.

Club Nintendo

Club Nintendo is a loyalty program in which users register purchased Nintendo products in order to exchange them for a variety of unique rewards. Once linked to Club Nintendo, every product downloaded through the eShop is automatically registered in the Club Nintendo account. The user can also then take a survey for each product registered to earn additional coins/stars, which then prizes can be redeemed.[99]

Miiverse

File:Miiverse Logo.png
Miiverse

The Wii U also contains an integrated social network system called Miiverse. Miiverse is directly integrated into the Wii U's system menu and can also be integrated into games and it can be accessed at any time. It allows users to chat with one another through text. Miiverse allows users to share their achievements in supported games. Nintendo has stated that Miiverse uses standard internet technologies, and so it can easily be accessed through personal computer, mobile devices, tablets, and the Nintendo 3DS; however, accessibility to the Miiverse by devices other than the Wii U will be supported after the launch of the Wii U. Nintendo has stated that Miiverse will be moderated through software filtering as well as through human resources team hired by Nintendo, as such comments posted can take up to 30 minutes to be posted.[100]

Internet Browser

Internet Browser

The Wii U also contains a web browser which allows users to browse the web on the Wii U GamePad or a television screen. The web browser contains presentation effects such as the opening of stage curtains which can be used when the user wishes to share a web page from the Wii U Gamepad onto the television screen. The web browser also supports HTML5, YouTube, and various other social media.[101]

Media capabilities

Nintendo TVii

Nintendo is working with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and YouTube to bring streaming digital movie and television content to the Wii U. Nintendo has demonstrated that simple gestures can be used on the Wii U GamePad to transfer video content from the GamePad to the television screen. Users will also have the ability to switch from the television screen to the Wii U GamePad when watching videos.[102]

The Wii U GamePad can also be used as a universal television remote with a built in guide, even when the Wii U is off.[103] Nintendo also preannounced a free television based service called Nintendo TVii. Nintendo TVii allows users to find programs on Hulu Plus, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and on their cable network. Users are then able to select the source of the program they wish to watch and watch that program on their television or on the Wii U GamePad. Users can also use the GamePad screen to get information on the show they are watching, this information is received from Wikipedia, IMDb, and other source services. The information provided on the GamePad for each show can range from reviews, screenshots, player positions updated in realtime (in sports broadcasts), cast lists, trailers, and general information about the show. Users can then interact with the information as well as share and comment on the information on social networks such as Miiverse, Facebook, and Twitter through the GamePad while they watch their show on the TV screen. Users will also be able to control their DVR through the Wii U and the GamePad.[104] Nintendo TVii was made by Nintendo in partnership with i.TV.[105] Nintendo TVii was made available with the Wii U's release in Japan on December 8, 2012.[106] It was released in North America on December 20, 2012[107] and is scheduled to be released in Europe sometime in 2013.[108]

Nintendo had initially delayed the deployment of some media capabilities for the Wii U as it delayed its online infrastructure. Late in the launch day, a firmware update deployed the Netflix app.[109] Then, access to the Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and YouTube apps gradually became active later in the launch week.

Wii U Chat

The Wii U Chat service allows users to communicate and perform video calls to others. The GamePad has a front camera, essentially used for video calling.

System software

The Wii U system software and Wii U Menu is integrated with Miiverse and the Nintendo Network. When the Wii U powers on, the television screen will show the WaraWara Plaza[110] in which user status and comments on Miiverse are shown, whereas the GamePad will show the software launcher menu where games and applications can be launched from. The WaraWara Plaza and the software launcher view can be swapped between the television screen and the Wii U GamePad screen. The Wii U system software allows users to access Miiverse, surf the internet using the Internet Browser, watch movies and TV shows on Nintendo TVii, download apps through the Nintendo eShop, and check for notifications.[111]

Games

Trine 2: Director's Cut was a North American and European launch title on the eShop. This scene from the Dwarven Caverns chapter is exclusive to the Wii U version.

The Wii U was launched with 29 games in North America on November 18, 26 games in Europe and 25 games in Australia on November 30, and 11 games in Japan on December 8, 2012. Digital-only games via Nintendo eShop were also available on launch day for the Wii U in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Titles developed or published by Nintendo include Nintendo Land, New Super Mario Bros. U, Lego City Undercover,[112] and Game & Wario, and they currently plan to include Pikmin 3, Wii Fit U, Bayonetta 2,[112] Super Mario 3D World, The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, Mario Kart 8, and a new entry in the Super Smash Bros. series.[113]

Third-party titles that were released alongside the Wii U's launch or early in its lifespan include Darksiders II, Assassin's Creed III, Mass Effect 3, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, Just Dance 4, Madden NFL 13, and Scribblenauts Unlimited, as well as exclusives such as ZombiU and Rabbids Land.

Virtual Console

In January 2013, Nintendo announced that NES and Super NES titles will be made available for the Virtual Console service on the Wii U in April 2013 and will include the option to use Off-TV Play on the Wii U Gamepad and the ability to post on Miiverse.[114] The Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 titles will also be made available at a later date. [115][116]

Off-TV Play

This feature lets the user use and play games only on the embedded GamePad touchscreen, without the need for the TV to be powered on.

Backward compatibility

The Wii U is compatible with most Wii games, both on disc and digital. Wii accessories such as the Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk, and Balance Board also remain compatible.[117] It is also possible to move downloaded software and save files from the Wii to the Wii U.[88] However, despite the Wii's general compatibility with GameCube games, the Wii U is not compatible with GameCube discs or accessories, although Nintendo has stated that some GameCube games will be available as Virtual Console titles through the Wii U's eShop.[17] While original Wii games are playable on the Wii U system, they cannot be played on the GamePad screen.[118]

Reception

The Wii U received mixed reviews. John Teti of The A.V. Club's Gameological Society considers the Wii U a compelling video game system which lacks focus, citing Nintendo Land as "ideas act[ing] in service of the technology" simply to show off features of the console.[119] Ben Gilbert of Engadget states that Nintendo delivers on its promise of releasing "a modern HD gaming console," but notes that, "there are also some major missteps and half-baked ideas: a befuddling Friends List / Miiverse connection, a complete lack of many system-wide console standards (group chat, achievements, the ability to play non-game disc-based media) and a game controller that lasts only 3.5 hours," and states that he cannot give a complete assessment of the console with online components such as Nintendo TVii missing at launch time.[120] Similarly, TechRadar praised the system's Gamepad functionality and HD graphics, but criticized the limited battery power for the Gamepad, and that there was not much of a system seller around its launch period.[121] Some industry figures have claimed that the Wii U is not an 8th generation console[122][123][124], with some citing the hardware as the reason[125] [126][127]. Reggie Fils-Aime (President of Nintendo of America), however, has noted that similar comments were made in 2006 when the Wii first launched[128]. Bethesda Game Studios has announced that as of July 2013 they currently have no games in development for the Wii U, with Bethesda marketing boss Pete Hines explaining the decision: "It depends on the games that we are making and how we think it aligns with that console, and how the hardware aligns with the other stuff we are making".[129].

Sales

As of 31 March 2013, Nintendo reports 3.45 million units have been sold worldwide.[2]

During its first week of release in the United States, Nintendo sold its entire allotment of over 400,000 Wii U units[130] and sold a total of 425,000 units for the month of November, according to the NPD Group.[131] It also sold over 40,000 consoles in the UK in its first weekend.[132] In Japan, over 600,000 Wii U units were sold during December 2012.[133] According to the NPD Group, nearly 890,000 Nintendo Wii U units have been sold in the United States after 41 days on the market. [130]

In January 2013, the Wii U sold 57,000 units in the US.[134] By comparison, the original Wii sold 435,000 in January 2007, also two months after launch.[135] Initial sales numbers in the US and other territories were lower than expected, resulting in Nintendo cutting sales projections for fiscal year 2013 by 17 percent, from 5.5 million to 4 million;[136] the system actually ended up selling 3.5 million units.[137] This has left some critics questioning the future of Nintendo, describing the Wii U as putting Nintendo in "trouble" and suggesting that Nintendo possibly should move out of the hardware sector.[138][139][140] By May 2013, Electronic Arts announced that they were dialing back support for the console and had no games in development for it at the time,[141] however they have partially reconsidered this decision a few days later, with EA's CFO announcing that "We are building titles for the Nintendo console, but not anywhere near as many as we are for PS or Xbox".[142] At E3 2013, Ubisoft revealed that they were not going to make any more exclusives for the Wii U until sales of the console improve[143].

Life-to-date number of Wii U units shipped (in millions)
Date Japan America Other Total
2012-12-31[144] 0.83 1.32 0.90 3.06
2013-03-31[145] 0.92 1.52 1.01 3.45

See also

References

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