There had been word about Nintendo planning a successor to its popular Wii console for quite some time now. And that it has finally emerged at the E3 doesn’t really come as a surprise. The highly-anticipated Nintendo Wii U console complete with a controller featuring a 6.2” screen was revealed at the E3. Wide customization options are what gamers can primarily expect from this new Nintendo system.
The new controller in single-player games will enable content content not appearing on the TV to be displayed on its screen. Also depending on the orientation of its gyroscope, the information and viewpoint can alter in the controller for such games. With multiplayer games, users gain the ability to experience something different from those glued to the TV. The controller also boasts of an accelerometer, front-facing camera, microphone and speakers and a rumble feature.
The aforementioned attributes have been added to the Classic Controller button scheme. This includes two analog Circle Pads, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. The controller’s 6.2” screen is complemented by support for full HD graphics and motion-sensing gameplay. While it will be bundled along with each Wii U console, users can also employ a maximum of four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. There’s also backward compatibility and the system will be playable with all Wii accessories and games.
“Wii U redefines the structure of home entertainment by fundamentally changing how the TV, the game console and the Internet function and interact together,” shared Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. “The experience enabled by Wii U and the new controller takes players deeper into their games, while reaching out wider than ever before to be inviting to all kinds of gamers.”
In addition to this, Nintendo also revealed enhancements to its 3DS system courtesy of a new system update. With a wireless Internet broadband connection, gamers can reach out to an array of games and applications in the Nintendo eShop. Original 3D software along with 3D classics and classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games are on offer. What’s more, the system update throws open a wide range of free items counting an Internet browser to view 3D images particularly on sites tailored for them. Enthusiasts can also download a re-mastered 3D version of Excitebike for free until July 7, 2011 along with Pokédex 3D.
A line-up of upcoming titles from Nintendo were further announced at the E3. For the Nintendo 3DS, the list includes the likes of Super Mario, Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D while Wii users can expect The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Wii Play: Motion, Fortune Street and others. Kirby Mass Attack, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 and Super Fossil Fighters are among those in the pipeline for the Nintendo DS.
At the E3, Nintendo also seemed rather enthusiastic about the 25th anniversary celebrations of The Legend of Zelda and a re-mastered 3D version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time which launches on June 19 for the Nintendo 3DS.
Pricing details of the Nintendo Wii U Console haven’t been revealed yet, though it is known to be arriving next year.