Nintendo’s new console, the Wii U, hit store shelves earlier today.  From new games, to new controllers and data transfers from your original Wii, there is a lot to digest for any potential buyer.  

The console comes in two models: the basic set and the deluxe set.  The basic set comes with one white console (which has an 8GB memory), one gamepad controller, an HDMI cable, and power cable for $299.99.  The deluxe set comes with everything in the basic set (except in black) along with a larger 32GB memory, charging cradles for your console and controllers, a copy of Nintendo Land, and a one year Nintendo Network Premium subscription.  

Although these sets all come with everything you need to get started (outside an actual game if you go for the basic model) there are still many options to enhance your experience when it comes to controllers.   The Wii U Pro controller is one I expect to be popular with more traditional gamers.  It bears a striking resemblance to the Xbox 360 controller, but the key marketable difference is the fact that the second analog stick and four button layout have traded places.

If you already own a Wii, your Wii Remotes, Nunchuk attachments, Wii Classic controller, and Wii Balance Boards will all be compatible with the Wii U. Unfortunately the gamepad controller will not be sold separately during the Wii U’s launch window (you better not break the one that comes with your console), but you can still play with your friends by utilizing the other controllers.   

Another (slight) drawback of the Wii U’s launch is the fact that in order to play your old Wii games, you must update the system through an internet connection.  For most this won’t be a problem, but if you don’t have access to high-speed internet this should be taken into consideration.  

Not having high-speed internet access will also restrict you from transferring previous data on your Wii to your Wii U.  In order to transfer your data you need to buy an SD card with at least 512MB of free space, insert it into your Wii U, select the data transfer option, move the SD card to your Wii, download the app from the Wii Shop, and finally move the SD card back into your Wii U to upload your data.  If this sounds more complicated than it needs to be, it’s because it is, creating another small speed bump for the launch of Nintendo’s new console.

Many potential buyers are probably just as curious about the games the Wii U will have to offer at launch, which there is fortunately already a list of.  Many of these are games that have also recently come out on the PS3 and Xbox 360, but with added game play mechanics to take advantage of the Wii U’s gamepad controller.  

If you’re looking for a game completely unique to the Wii U, your only options are ZombiU (yes, a traditional zombie survival horror), Super Mario Bros. U (yes, your traditional Mario platformer), Rabbids Land (a mini-game collection with a Rayman theme), and Nintendo Land (another mini-game collection designed around Nintendo’s history).  

Although there are plenty of games for the Wii U to fill the need of any gamer, more “hardcore” gamers have nothing unique and exciting to look out for (ZombiU has yet to receive any stellar reviews). There are still plenty of great games from third party developers though, like Assassin’s Creed 3, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, Darksiders 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Of course these are all sequels, so in order to get a feel of the originals, you’d of had to play the series on a different console, making their target audience questionable since these games are also on said consoles.

In the end, the Wii U offers plenty of options.  Although there are a few inconvenient hiccups, there is always the potential to provide enjoyment to any gamer, and its new gamepad controller is a unique selling point trying to capitalize on the tablet craze.

 

You can contact contributor Jordan Austin here.