Nintendo’s Wii U Console Released

Nintendo’s Wii U next gen console is now released which means the speculation ends and play begins. Reviews have been mixed as to the Wii U’s viability in today’s gaming market rich with entertainment services and structure, but Nintendo is confident as ever in their device and looks to cash in ahead of the competition this holiday season.

The road to Wii U

When we were first introduced to the Wii U at E3 2012, we weren’t all that impressed. In fact much of the highlights consisted of prerecorded video of Wii U usage. Since then, much more in the way of pricing and features have emerged that might have gamers taking a second look at the Wii U.

Nintento Wii U Release Date and Pricing was announced in September during a presentation in New York. The presentation was lengthy and felt more like a casual E3 event than a press detailing. Regardless, that was when Nintendo made a play for a broader audience and essentially reintroduced the Wii U.

The result? Nintendo TVii. TVii firmly places entertainment on the Wii U and shows Nintendo’s commitment to delivering more than a family friendly gaming device. Now sporting apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and integration with existing TiVo and cable devices, the Wii U looks like a more rounded family entertainment device.

Games

In the past, Nintendo has been criticized for lack of launch games. This time around Nintendo has made every effort to announce launch date titles and deliver projected release dates for launch window games.

The list of launch date games is decent for a new system and a solid start for Nintendo’s holiday push. Titles like ZombiU and Rayman Legends are sure to garner some sales while Nintendo hopes already released titles like Assassin’s Creed 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Mass Effect 3 have enough legs left in them to sell for the Wii U.

Though the list may be short in the first quarter of 2013, we expect early sales will dictate whether or not that number climbs in the new year.

Is the Wii U a buy?

If you’ve got an extra $349 (32GB; $299 for 8GB) to spend this holiday, then it’s not a bad way to spend it. If however, you’re like most folks and are looking to spend your money cautiously this year, then we label the Wii U a wait and see item.

There are still a lot of questions that can’t be answered yet. We don’t know how well TVii will work, whether Nintendoland is a secure environment, how well the technology promised (dual screens, etc.) in the Wii U work. Until we see the Wii U in an uncontrolled environment (ie the hands of gamers), it’s best to stick with the wait and see approach.

Your Thoughts

What do you think about the Wii U as a launch date or even 2012 holiday buy? Are you more or less excited about the Wii U than you are for new games? Let us know in the comments!

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