Nintendo Reveals "Wii U"

(note: the images are blown up).

We were all waiting for it. I've watched the majority of Nintendo's press conference today (G4TV is having streaming issues). We all knew that Nintendo would be revealing their new console, project cafe. The rumors of the touch screen on the controller were correct after all, and Iwata showed us some of the new features of the Wii U. It is anything but "Wii 2". Nintendo clearly stated that it wasn't just casual gamers that would enjoy the U. "U" in the name refers to the gamers who have made Nintendo such a success over the past 20 years, and this new console is dedicated to them.

The new controller looks more like a massive handheld than a controller. Iwata, Nintendo's President, clearly made the distinction. The 6.2 inch screen (I think it's that large?) is a touchscreen that will enable new (and more convenient) ways to play your games. There are two analog sticks, your standard 4 button layout, two shoulder buttons, and trigger buttons (nice).

In the game demos, you could see a game of Go being played, as well as the controller being put on the floor to view a golf ball. It was then revealed that all Wii controllers and accessories would be fully compatible with the Wii U. This is revolutionary in terms of game design: Sony made PS1 controllers work with the PS2, but that's not what I am elaborating on here. The Wii controller and U controller are so vastly different, that if the U utilizes Wii motion technology, then Nintendo is merely jumping to an HD console that will serve the many facets of gaming. I am nothing short of excited. Another bonus? If someone wants to watch the TV while you are playing a game, you can move the game directly onto the controller screen.

There is a good question to ask here: will game development be easier for the U? 3rd party developers had trouble grasping the concept of the Wii motion controls. It seems that developers still can utilize that technology, but now, Nintendo has given them an avenue to create games (or port them) without the hassle of reworking the gameplay and controls for Wiimotes. I think this will open a new door for third party developers, and get Nintendo on board and very competitive. Looking near the end of the presentation, it seems that 3rd party developers are on board for this one. G4 seems positive about the potential of the U: and I agree.