The Wii U; Priced and Dated!

Nintendo has finally done it. They’ve revealed the launch date and price of the Wii U console during a press event today!

No point waiting any longer; let’s get to the news. The Wii U will be coming out in the Americas on November 18th (and in Japan on December 8th). The basic set (white) will come with a Wii U console, 8 GB of internal storage, one white GamePad controller, AC adapters for both the console and controller, a sensor bar and an HDMI cable. The deluxe set (black) will come with all of the basic stuff but with a larger storage capacity of 32GB, a console stand, GamePad charging cradle, a GamePad stand, and a copy of Nintendo Land. You’ll also be enrolled into the Deluxe Digital Promotion, which lets gamers receive points for each digital download, redeemable for future content from the eShop. This promotion should run through 2014!

Both versions will get access to the new Nintendo TVii application. This brings all of your watching needs (Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Youtube, Netflix, TiVo, DVR, cable and satellite channels) to one place on the GamePad. You can send videos to your TV while the GamePad pulls reviews, notes, and more on what you are watching. Of course there is more to it than just rating shows and pulling up movie facts. I have to admit it was pretty cool looking and can’t wait to use it myself. What’s great though is that it comes at no EXTRA cost to consumers. No monthly fee, one-time fee, etc. Though the services cost (you’ll have to have a Netflix subscription for example), you don’t pay extra just to have them on the system.

“The integrated second screen of the GamePad creates new possibilities for how games can be played, and further reflects the innovation Nintendo has poured into the Wii U,” said Eric Hirshberg, Activision Publishing’s CEO. “We’re excited for our fans to experience the biggest franchises, like Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Skylanders Giantsand Transformers Prime, in new ways made possible on Wii U.” – Press

Yup, Black Ops II is coming to Wii U. Gamers can play the full game on the GamePad while someone plays on the TV (no more split-screening). And while I’m not convinced to pick it up over the other console versions, it did look good on display…which says a lot. Nintendo also announced that Bayonetta 2 and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate are going to be exclusives; awesome news for Nintendo fans.

I know I’m being brief; I wanted to hit the highlights. We already knew about the other titles due to the events at E3. The new content they showed was cool and I certainly want a Wii U. But certain questions keep popping up. With the current price point, is it enough? Of course it will sell…but is it selling because it’s Nintendo or because there is value here? I’m sure the other “next gen” console launches are floating around in the back of gamer’s heads. The casual market might not like the price to play, even when you consider that with inflation it isn’t much different than the Wii was. One thing that will help is the fact that Nintendo has third party support this time around. There are over 50 titles going to be released during the launch period (Nov. 18th – March 31st 2013). Even with a lot of them being ports, that shows that publishers aren’t afraid to roll with the big N!

Announced Titles:

Funky Barn
NBA 2K13
007 Legends
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
TRANSFORMERS PRIME
Wipeout 3
Skylanders Giants
Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013
Rapala Pro Bass Fishing
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Rise of the Guardians: The Video Game
Ben 10: Omniverse
Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle Arcade
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
Mass Effect 3
Madden NFL 13
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 13
Trine 2: Director’s Cut
Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
Zumba Fitness Core
Jett Tailfin
TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 Wii U Edition
TANK! TANK! TANK!
Nintendo Land
New Super Mario Bros. U
NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge
SiNG PARTY
LEGO City: Undercover
Wii Fit U
Game & Wario
Pikmin 3
The Wonderful 101
Aliens: Colonial Marines
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Nano Assault Neo
WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Hyper
Darksiders II
Wheel of Fortune
JEOPARDY!
Toki Tori 2
Assassin’s Creed III
Just Dance 4
Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth
Rabbids Land
Sports Connection
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013
ZombiU
Rayman Legends
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Game Party Champions
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition