Nintendo finished its E3 press conference earlier this morning, and the Wii’s successor took all the headlines. Titled Wii U, the new console will include HD visuals, backwards compatibility, and an innovative new controller.
The controller includes a six inch touchscreen (in addition to two analog sticks and regular buttons), but its most buzz-worthy feature is that it will allow you to play console games without the need of a television. The new system will actually be able to stream games from the console to the controller. Nintendo did point out that it will not act as a portable gaming system though, merely a second option if someone else is using the TV.
There will be other uses for the controller as well. A demonstrative video showed that certain games will use both the TV and the controller. For example, when playing baseball a player can use the controller as a glove of sorts, or they can choose pitch locations with it.
Other media and entertainment options are possible with the controller. Photos can be transported from the touchscreen to the TV by quickly dragging them with your hand. In addition, web browsing will also be made possible with the controller as well as video chat.
Nintendo also made quite a few game announcements. Firstly, it was revealed that a new entry in the Super Smash Bros. series will be coming to the Wii U in addition to the 3DS. It was also mentioned that players across both platforms will somehow be able to interact with each other, though no specific details were given.
Later in the press conference a short video was shown where some prominent industry figures and game developers talked about the possibilities of the new system. They included EA Sports President Peter Moore, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, and Irrational Games Creative Director Ken Levine.
At this point games from third-party publishers were announced. They included Darksiders II, Batman: Arkham City, Tekken, an Assassin’s Creed title, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro Last Light, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge.
Lastly, Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello came on stage to express his company’s excitement at the new system. He talked about how Nintendo is finally delivering a console that EA can really get behind.
No price range was announced, and neither was a specific release date. Also, no full games will be playable at E3, just prototype demos. But it was revealed that the Wii U will be coming out in 2012.
Images of the console itself and the controller can be viewed below.
