Wii U launches November 18th

[Vampyr]

Just announced on the Nintendo live stream. Will post some more updates here as they are shown.

Two configurations at launch:

Basic configuration:

$299.99

8 gigs of storage
Console
Gamepad
AC Adapters
Sensor Bar
HDMI cable

Deluxe (black):

$349.99

All stuff in basic, plus:
Additional storage (HD?) 32 gigs
Charging cradle
Nintendo Land
Enrolled in "deluxe program" - you get points for downloading things




New Feature

Nintendo TVii (included in every Wii U, no monthly fee)

Basically looks like other a la carte TV and movie options there, and of course includes Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Streaming.

Some neat integration with the Gamepad. Example is a person watching a football game can see a diagram of the football field and players, in addition to news and social media updates about the game. In addition you can check out stats, players, and highlights from earlier in the game.

It integrates with your TV subscription and DVR and adds those options in with options from streaming services, all in one place.

Everyone in the house can have an account on the Wii which personalizes what options you have to watch, based on your interests.

Hooks into the Wii social network so people can recommend shows to each other and see peoples favorites.

[Angrist]

Sadly not too many launch games confirmed so far. Rayman Legends and NSMBU should be good, but you don't buy a new console for 2D platformers.

[Vampyr]

I gotta admit, I want to play that new super mario bros game most.

[BreakABone]

Sadly not too many launch games confirmed so far. Rayman Legends and NSMBU should be good, but you don't buy a new console for 2D platformers.

You don't?

Those are some of my favorite games. :P

I am still on the fence about the console.. really expected them to detail the online, MiiVerse and OS stuff a bit more.

There are plenty of games I'm personally interested in from Mario, Rayman, LEGO City, Wonderful 101, ZombiU, 007 Legends and a few more, but Nintendo was kind enough NOT to reveal which games would actually be there at launch.

[Vampyr]

Local co-op on Monster Hunter means I'll probably get that.

[Blix]

The price is good, IMO. The Deluxe version is the obvious choice. And Zombi U is looking good. And Bayonneta 2 is good news.

[BreakABone]

Local co-op on Monster Hunter means I'll probably get that.

Online co-op is more interesting to me

I like the idea of online Monster Hunting with friends, but Monster Hunter doesn't seem like an easy game for people to get into.

[Bond]

Sounds pretty good. I may be off here, but isn't a big unanswered question how much the spare controllers w/ screen will cost?

[Vampyr]

I think the system can only utilize two at once regardless. I don't think any games are going to be made where more than one person needs to be using the screen at once.

[Angrist]

The news is that in the Americas, you can only get another Upad by contacting Nintendo. In Japan they'll sell them in stores though. I think it's more than $100 (which would make sense and is probably a reason why no 2-pads games are in development).

Today (at work) I saw the presentation. It was pretty good! :) I didn't think I wanted one at/around launch, but I might change my mind before that. It will depend on a few things (how good are NSMBU and RL really, are there any other good games, can I play VC games on the Upad, etc.).

[BreakABone]

Sounds pretty good. I may be off here, but isn't a big unanswered question how much the spare controllers w/ screen will cost?

They aren't releasing it at launch because no titles will support it during the launch window.

If I were a betting man, I'd imagine they'll find their "Wii Play" equivalent to bundle a 2nd controller with.. so 150 bucks doesn't look as bad when it comes with a free game.

[Jason1]

This console is just missing its Killer app. There is no title that just jumps out at me as a "must buy"

[Angrist]

Yeah I feel the same way... even when Pikmin 3 comes out, I don't think it will be enough.

If they would make a Rogue Squadron 4.... now that's something I'd want to buy a Wii U for.


Anyway, did you read the news that the VC games won't be playable on the Upad?

WHAT???!!?

They need to get that working as fast as possible. It's outrageous. Excruciating. Nefarious. Discreditable even...

[Angrist]

Things Nintendo need to sort out for the Wii U launch:
- VC playable on the Upad
- new VC games and fast... bring those GameCube classics over
- upscaling GameCube/Wii games to HD graphics
- make all games/apps from last year's E3 available (remember the drawing and board game?)
- TVii right out the box
- Nintendo's own TV shows available on TVii, preferably free (laugh at how bad Zelda was, watch the F-Zero anime, relive your childhood with the Super Mario Super Show...)
- Online multiplayer like it's normal
- Video chat as promised

More?

[Vampyr]

It's way too close to launch for them to do any hardware changes. Probably software as well, though things could be patched in later.

Have they announced how, or if, VC purchases on the Wii can be moved over to the Wii U?

[BreakABone]

Things Nintendo need to sort out for the Wii U launch:
- VC playable on the Upad
- new VC games and fast... bring those GameCube classics over
- upscaling GameCube/Wii games to HD graphics
- make all games/apps from last year's E3 available (remember the drawing and board game?)
- TVii right out the box
- Nintendo's own TV shows available on TVii, preferably free (laugh at how bad Zelda was, watch the F-Zero anime, relive your childhood with the Super Mario Super Show...)
- Online multiplayer like it's normal
- Video chat as promised

More?
VC Playable on the uPad and Wii Games fall into the same boat
Nintendo rather replicate the tech than try and mess with it and not guarantee 100% backwards comp
Also GameCube isn't supported so not sure how it would upscale those games
I believe already announced TVii was missing launch, which is why I don't understand them highlighting it over online
The rest are pretty solid!

It's way too close to launch for them to do any hardware changes. Probably software as well, though things could be patched in later.

Have they announced how, or if, VC purchases on the Wii can be moved over to the Wii U?

Virtual Console/WiiWare titles (And saves) can be transferred from the Wii to the Wii U.. haven't announced HOW, but did announce that you would physically need both your Wii and your Wii U to do so like the DS to 3DS transfer

Also figured share the 3 games most excited for in no real order

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The game has everything I want. A Saturday morning look and feel, lots of over the top action. And nice vibrant worlds.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gElSSF5Jck8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Pretty much same idea as above. Nice, cheesy over the top B-movie feel. An open world game that doesn't take itself seriously (Why I love the Saints Row games)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sawZZVrlsSo?list=UUGIY_O-8vW4rfX98KlMkvRg&amp;hl=en_US" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Probably in the extreme minority with this
But this game just looks like a ton of fun
I love collections like this because still have friends who enjoy playing it with me!

[Angrist]

With upscaled GameCube games, I meant VC ones. Assuming they're putting those out there...

Just imagine playing TWW or Twilight Princess in HD.

[BreakABone]

North America's launch line-up

Call of Duty Black Ops 2

Skylanders Giants

Transformers Prime

Wipeout 3

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two

EA Sports FIFA Soccer 13

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U Edition

New Super Mario Bros. U

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge

Nintendo Land

Sing Party

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper

Darksiders 2

Assassin's Creed 3

ESPN Sports Connection

Just Dance 4

Rabbids Land

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013

ZombiU

Scribblenauts Unlimited

Game Party Champions

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition

[Vampyr]

New Super Mario Bros U and Nintendo Land are definitely my launch titles of choice.

Maybe ZombiU, depends on the reviews.

It's cool they have so many good third party games, but most of them are kinda old at this point, and I think most people who wanted to play them already have.

[Angrist]

North America's launch line-up:

Call of Duty Black Ops 2
Skylanders Giants
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U Edition
Sing Party
Assassin's Creed 3
Just Dance 4
Rabbids Land

Are these titles new announcements? I didn't expect to see them at launch. It sure is nice to have them on day one!

I wonder if Sing Party will be any good. Oh and have we seen/heard anything of Rabbids Land? I hope it's not a cheap cash-in.

Edit: what's your source? I can't find this news yet.