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Under wraps for weeks and teased at the outset of their press conference today, Nintendo’s newest entry into the home console arena has an official name: The Wii U. Pronounced like the pronouns, “we-you,” the Wii U will feature a brand new controller with a 6.2 inch touch screen, two analog discs, gyroscopic sensor, accelerometer, front-facing camera, speakers and the now-standard arrangement of D-Pad, four face buttons and four shoulder triggers. Just below the screen, the controller also appears to have its plus, minus and Home buttons. The controller serves as the basis of the Wii U’s design, allowing not only input, but also for one to transfer the action from the television to the touchscreen, which functions as a high-definition display. In addition, the controller allows for video chatting, web browsing, can serve as a secondary display, opens up possibilities for asymmetrical multiplayer against players with Wii Remotes, can interact directly with the Wii Remote and is a functional art tablet.  In addition to this new controller, the Wii U is compatible with all previous Wii control devices and games. Nintendo has stated that internet connectivity is a focus for this console, supported by comments from John Riccitiello of Electronic Arts, who praised the consoles “open” online functionality. A video tech demo demonstrated the console’s impressive graphical fidelity, as well as sparking speculation on a new Zelda title with footage reminiscent of Twilight Princess. While there are a number of tech demos on the show floor, intended to express the Wii U’s functional diversity, Reggie Fils-Aime was quick to nip speculation at the bud, declaring that they do not represent any in-development games. There has been no word on a release window for the Wii U. |