The Wii U features a 6.2-inch touch-screen controller
KOMPAS.com - Nintendo's successor to its hugely popular Wii console uses an iPad-style tablet that can be played standalone or in conjunction with a television. The Wii U (pronounced We You) will be released next year and features a 6.2-inch (15.7cm) screen and support for high-definition televisions.
The system enables users to keep playing even if someone else wants to use the television screen. The Wii U can utilise existing controllers like the Wii Remote and Wii Fit Balance Board and is backward compatible with Wii software.
Nintendo unveiled the Wii U today at its Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. System pricing or a specific release date were not revealed.
In addition to its touch-screen, the controller has elements found on more traditional gaming controllers such as twin analog sticks, two sets of rear shoulder buttons, rumble functionality, and a gyroscope for motion control.
The device also features a microphone, speakers and front-facing camera for video chat, which Nintendo says can be performed while watching television. Software showed the screen being used to complement action on the television.
Demonstrations showed players trying to catch a baseball by moving the tablet around in front of the television, and putting it between their feet to show a golf ball while swinging the Wii Remote as a club.
It was also shown as a sniper-scope in a shooting game, and a sketch pad in a drawing application. Users can browse through photos on the touch-screen before flicking them onto the television screen for all to share.
Multi-player games will let a player holding the tablet compete against several others using Wii Remotes. The tablet user would have a unique view of the action similar to Namco's GameCube classic Pac-Man Vs. which utilised the Game Boy Advance.
The Wii U will offer a high definition resolution of up to 1080p via HDMI output. It uses internal flash-based media storage which is upgradeable via USB and SD Cards. The controller has a rechargeable battery.
Games will be distributed on a proprietary high capacity disc format, and will also be available for online download. President and CEO of Nintendo Satoru Iwata says "as an industry, what we haven't achieved yet is a game system that is equally satisfying for all players. This is exactly what we intend to achieve with our new platform."
Iwata says Wii U is a system that is "equally satisfying" for all players, whether hardcore gaming fans or the more casual players that flocked to the Wii.
"For Nintendo the goal of innovation is to serve every player," says Iwata. "The new gaming platform will offer deeper gaming experiences for even the most passionate gamers" and is also "wider than the Wii" in its broad appeal. "It's different to anything you have played before."
Iwata says the system uses wireless technology to communicate between the console and the controller with no latency issues. But he says the screen was not designed to be a portable game machine, even though it shares some characteristics with handheld systems.
The Wii U will be able to be played in conjunction with the Nintendo 3DS, although no details were given except that a new Super Smash Brothers fighting game is in development for both platforms. "They will work together in some fashion," promises Iwata.
Acclaimed games designer Shigeru Miyamoto says he is "really looking forward to new styles of play that haven't been imagined yet" on the Wii U. "There are so many possibilities. There are numerous ways to play."
Nintendo says feedback from third-party developers has also been very positive. "I'm very happy that so many developers are already responding to the potential of Wii U," says Iwata.
Games in development for Wii U include Lego City Stories, Darksiders II, Tekken, Batman Arkham City, Dirt, Aliens Colonial Marines, Metro Last Light, Assassin's Creed, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Online, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, and various EA Sports simulations.
Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello says Wii U is "a stunning breakthrough in console technology" that is "truly transformational". Nintendo will demonstrate eight different software applications for the Wii U on the show floor today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.
Today's presentation began with a live orchestra playing themes from The Legend of Zelda, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Nintendo is organising orchestral anniversary concerts around the world featuring Zelda music.
It is also releasing two Zelda music CDs. An Ocarina of Time soundtrack will be available from the Club Nintendo rewards program and a live CD based on the orchestral concerts will be released to coincide with the launch of Skyward Sword on the Wii later this year.
Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto says music is an indispensible part of the Zelda franchise. Nintendo also announced that Game Boy Color title Link's Awakening would be available today for download via the 3DS eShop, which launched yesterday in Australia.
In September, the four-player Four Swords will also be available for free download for 3DS owners.
Ocarina of Time will be released for 3DS in Australia at the end of the month, and Skyward Sword will be out before Christmas for Wii accompanied by a special gold-coloured Wii Remote.
"It's finally done," confirms Miyamoto. He says the game is "packed full of content" and promises "the most satisfying experience" in the popular series.
Miyamoto says over 200 people have worked on Zelda over the past 25 years. "I have been truly honoured to work with such talented people."
Software shown for the new Nintendo 3DS handheld at today's press conference included Mario Kart, Starfox 64, Super Mario, Kid Icarus: Uprising and Luigi's Mansion 2.
President and CEO of Nintendo of America, Reggie Fils-Aime, began the 3DS presentation by responding to complaints about the handheld's paltry launch line-up.
"We hear you," he says. "You want what you've always wanted, but you want something new. You want comfortable and you want surprise. But is it possible to ask for something for everyone? This is exactly what we're aiming for with the Nintendo 3DS."
Mario Kart is described by Fils-Aime as "a tricked out version you haven't driven before" and is due before the end of the year. The game's karts have glider-style wings that pop out when karts become airbourne and can also race underwater, with James Bond-style propellers suddenly appearing out of the rear of the vehicles. Players can also modify their rides with items like oversized wheels.
Fils-Aime says Super Mario represents "the first 3D Mario adventure created from scratch for a portable system" and utilises a wide variety of views. Mario's racoon suit features prominently, which in previous titles has given Mario the ability to glide. The game is due before Christmas.
Starfox 64 3D now offers the option of motion control instead of buttons. It will be released in the United States in September and features a multi-player mode that has the faces of your human opponents shown on-screen.
Kid Icarus: Uprising also has three-on-three multi-player action in land and air-based battles. The game will also feature augmented reality card support.
Fils-Aime says says Luigi's Mansion 2 is not a simple revision of the GameCube original, it's an entirely new game featuring "extraordinary" use of 3D and several mansions to explore.
Other 3DS titles shown in video form included Ace Combat 3, Tetris, Cave Story 3D, Resident Evil Revelations, Driver Renegade, Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions, Tekken 3D and Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D.
Nintendo's press conference today was the final pre-show event before the Electronic Entertainment Expo opens its doors at the Los Angeles Convention Centre.
Microsoft and Sony held their press conferences yesterday, with Microsoft largely concentrating on its Kinect motion control system for the Xbox 360 and Sony revealing its new PlayStation Vita handheld would have an aggressively low price.
Sumber :
Sydney Morning Herald
