I already know what my kids want for Christmas this year… even before they did.
At a recent media event, the latest Nintendo Wii U console was introduced and has arrived just in time for the holidays!
This is exactly what my kids want. I just knew it. Yesterday, at the Santa Claus Parade, my older son spotted the events trailer for the Wii U. And I could see his mind racing…and the inevitable “COOL!!!!” This was the official launch day and could there be any better spot than at the parade attended by thousands?
More than 30 games have also been launched designed specifically for the Wii U and for all ages. Games include Scribblenauts (amazing this one!). Perfect for youngsters especially those who are creative and have a great imagination. Scribblenauts is an award-winning puzzle game that challenges players to imagine anything and bring it to life and even edit the characters as you go! A polka-dotted dragon with four eyes, bunny tail, wheels for legs, that wears glasses? Why not? Totally just made that up! But that’s just an example of what you can do with this game. You can create your character and use them in the game to solve puzzles – then share them online with friends and even modify them as you wish! With it’s updated version designed for the Wii U, this game features more game play and setting no limits on how the player uses his or her imagination. This one mom and dad will want to play along – plays up to 4 players!
Other noteworthy games have also been launched for the Wii U including New SuperMario Bros, U, Sing Party, Nintendo Land, Skylanders Giants, Call of Duty, Just Dance 4, Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two from Disney Interactive, EA SPORTS, FIFA Soccer 13 and more. Wii U owners can expand the storage capacity of their systems by adding their own USB external hard disc drives. Downloadable content for selected games, such as additional levels or maps, will roll out in December following a system update. Wii U is backward compatible with almost al Wii games and Wii accessories.
What else can Wii U do?
“Wii U is an ‘everyday’ connected device – offering a combination of games, entertainment, online connectivity and social activity that will make people want to interact with it daily,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice president and general manager. “ever before have so many features been packed into one game console, at any price.”
With a controller GamePad that feature a touch screen it changes the landscape of how people interact with their games. The GamePad is wirelessly connected to the console and offers a second-screen experience with the TV, no matter how it’s being used. Different players can enjoy different experiences in the same game depending on which controller they want to use.
Video on Demand – in coming weeks, all time favourite movies and TV shows will become available to Wii U owners who are Netflix subscribers. Wii U owners will also be able to watch YouTube videos and channels through the YouTube application.
Miiverse: is a global community where gamers from all over the world can share experiences, discuss games and learn more about the video games they love by creating personalized Mii characters, players can enter the Miiverse and challenge others in games they are already interested in.
There are other unique features to the new Nintendo Wii U that has already taken the gaming system to the next level. “The value of Wii U goes well beyond day one, ” Betram said. “Nintendo will be enhancing the Wii U experience with continuous updates and new services for Wii U owners.”
Wii U features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about the Wii U visit www.nintendo.com/wiiu
The basic Wii U console (white – 8 GB) sells for $299.99 (msrp)
The Wii U DELUXE (black – 32GB) sells for $349.99 (msrp)
The Wii U is officially in stores as of November 18, 2012.
We’ve had the original Wii console for probably 5 or 6 years now and it’s continued to be an actively used item in our home. It has served us well over the years without any hassles. It’s been great for when friends come over and for family fun night (I can still get Simon to say I’m the next American Idol! lol). So to invest in this new gaming console is worth another few years of fun times!
Happy Gaming!
