Off-TV Play
Off-TV Play is a feature of Nintendo's eighth-generation video game console, the Wii U. Like all video game consoles, the Wii U uses a console and a controller to manipulate an image on a television screen. The Wii U's unique feature is that its controller, the Wii U GamePad, has its own built-in screen for displaying images. It can display an entirely different image, or duplicate the television screen into the Wii U GamePad. Off-TV Play is the term used for when an entire game is played strictly on the controller, without the use of a television.[1][2]
Background
The Wii U console was officially announced at E3 2011 in June 2011, where it was first detailed that the console's controller would feature a tablet-like touchscreen.[3] Nintendo announced that a major focus of the console would be the ability to display the image seen on the television on the touchscreen, to continue playing the game if the television was needed for other uses, or the player needed to move away from the television.[4] Official terms were given at E3 2012; the controller was named the Wii U GamePad and the concept of playing games strictly on its screen being labeled Off-TV Play.[5]
For supported games, a television isn't required to be connected to the Wii U; the Wii U can operate in Off-TV Play mode as long as the console is connected to a power source.[6] However, as the processing is done on the console, and transmitted to the GamePad, the user must still keep within the transmitting range in order for it to work.[4] Not all games support Off-TV Play, as some games conceptually rely on the asymmetric interplay between the television screen and the Wii U GamePad screen, such as Nintendo Land and ZombiU.[7][8][9] Additionally, Virtual Console and original Wii games on Wii Mode are not compatible with Off-TV Play.[10]
In January 2013, Nintendo announced that Virtual Console titles purchased directly from the Nintendo eShop will include the option to use Off-TV Play.[11]
List of Off-TV Play compatible games
^[a] Off-TV Play must be initially activated via a menu on the TV screen.
^[b] The feature cannot be activated or disabled mid-game
^[c] An update is required to use the feature.
^[d] When using the feature in multiplayer mode, only platforms can be placed using the Wii U GamePad's touchscreen and a Wii Remote and/or Wii U Pro Controller is required.
Reception
The concept has received mostly positive reviews. The CNET praised the feature as being "nothing short of fantastic [...] because it prevents the monopolization of a TV while gaming -- something anyone who doesn't live alone can appreciate. For those households where the main TV is in constant demand, off-TV sounds like a godsend."[36] However, a major concern cited is that it wasn't a required feature, meaning the developers can opt out of making it possible in their respective games, so in theory, it could become obsolete.[36] Kotaku praised it as well, stating that it is a good feature for those who like to multi-task, since it frees up the television for other uses.[55] TechSpot described it as "a luxury few people asked for but that turns out to be wonderful to have".[17] Destructoid praised it for being the exactly the same as playing on the television, only "with some limited portability for no extra charge. Hard to find fault in that."[56] GamesRadar praised the feature for being perfect for the avid television watcher, but criticized the fact that there wasn't a standardized way to activate it, such as its own button.[57] IGN stated in their review for the Wii U, that in regards to single player experiences, they preferred it when the entire game could be transferred to the GamePad over using it in conjunction with a television.[58]
Some critics have argued that the image has superior quality while using Off-TV Play,[17] while others have cited concerns over the small size of the screen making it difficult to see all the details of the image.
See also
References
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- ^ "Spotlight on Wii U: Off-TV Play". Nintendo. 2013-02-27. Retrieved 2013-02-28.
- ^ "7 Things You Didn't Know About the Nintendo Wii U". Fox News. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ a b Stevens, Tim (2011-06-07). "Live from Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote!". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ "Better Friend Codes, Achievements and More: Nintendo Answers Our Burning Wii U Questions". Kotaku.com. 2012-06-11. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ Stark, Chelsea (2012-11-27). "Play Your Wii U Anywhere - Even on a Train - Yahoo! News". News.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ "off-tv play". My Nintendo News. 2012-06-11. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ "Streaming Games to Wii U GamePad Optional for Developers - Known as Off-TV Play at C3 News". Cubed3.com. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ "ZombiU review". Edge. Nov. 28, 2012. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2012.
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- ^ http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/32206
- ^ Lamoreux, Ben (2013-07-02). "GenGAME Interview: Cloudberry Kingdom Dev Talks Development History, Indie Scene, Off-TV Play Confirmed for Wii U". GenGAME. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
- ^ Audrey Drake 17 Nov 2012 (2012-11-17). "Darksiders II Review". IGN. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
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- ^ Daniel Vuckovic (2013-03-03). "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Gets Off-TV Play, Online Region Lock Removed In Upcoming Patch". Vooks.net. Retrieved 2013-03-09.
- ^ http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/06/whats-next-for-the-wii-u-eshop?page=2
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- ^ Liebl, Lance. "Review: NBA 2K13 Wii U is the same great g... | Reviews". GameZone. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/01/wii_u_version_of_need_for_speed_most_wanted_will_feature_off_screen_play
- ^ a b c Stein, Scott (2012-11-19). "Packed with promise, Wii U still has a lot to prove". CNET. Reviews.cnet.com. Archived from the original on 2012-12-15. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
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