With the said aim of revolutionizing not only the video game space but also the way people interact with TV and video content, the final version of the Nintendo Wii U was unveiled yesterday along with its price and release date details. In the Americas territories the console will be hitting stores on November 18, following which, it will arrive in Europe on November 30. Its Japanese launch will take place on December 8, 2012.
The new machine will be coming out in two different versions – Basic set and Deluxe set (called Premium set in Europe and Japan). The Basic edition includes a white-colored console with 8GB of internal storage, a white GamePad controller, AC adapters for the console and the controller, a sensor bar and an HDMI cable. The Deluxe or Premium set on the other hand, has all its components in black.
It kicks in everything from the Basic set while adding a copy on the Nintendo Land game, increased storage (32GB), a console stand, a GamePad charging cradle and a stand which enables users to place the GamePad vertically on a table. And those who purchase this version will even get a Deluxe Digital Promotion membership which will allow them to receive points on purchases of digital content, them being redeemable against future content from the Nintendo eShop.
As far as the Nintendo Wii U price is concerned, on its release date, the Basic set will go for 299.99 USD (approx. Rs. 26,500), while the Deluxe set will be placed at 349.99 USD (approx. Rs. 31,000). In Europe, the pricing has been left at the behest retailers, so gamers wishing to buy it from this region should make sure to go through all the online shops and retail stores to find the best deals.
A host of launch titles have been announced by Nintendo as well as third-party publishers. The first-party lineup is highlighted by Nintendo Land which is described as a virtual theme park featuring 12 playable attractions based on game worlds from franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Mario, Animal Crossing and Donkey Kong. New Super Mario Bros. U is also set to be doled out as a launch title.
And besides, there will also be third-party games like FIFA 13, ZombiU, Rayman Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Assassin’s Creed 3, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, Scribblenauts, Just Dance 4, Mass Effect 3 – Special Edition, Darksiders 2 and more. The most newly announced high-profile titles are Bayonetta 2 and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (also for 3DS). Nintendo has even revealed a brand new TV service for the US, titled Nintendo TVii.
Rounding it up, the Nintendo Wii U price and release date information is as follows. It will be out in the Americas regions on November 18, in Europe on November 30 and in Japan on December 8. Its price can be noted to be 299.99 USD (approx. Rs. 26,500) for the Basic set and 349.99 USD (approx. Rs. 31,000) for the Deluxe (or Premium) set.