Wii U: The Facts
Nintendo’s Wii U has sat on the sidelines of the tug-o-war between the Xbox One and Playstation 4. Its graphics perform at slightly above the level of the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, yet it’s loaded with features associated with the new era of gaming. It was released a year ago, but its game catalog has moved past the dreaded launch period each console offers. Let’s take a look at what Nintendo’s successor to the Wii has to offer.
(Note: while the Wii U originally launched in both Basic and Deluxe models, the Deluxe has since become the default model, with nearly all bundles using the Deluxe model. Shoppers would have to go out of their way in order to buy a Basic model for less value.)
Hardware:
8 GB internal flash memory (32 GB Deluxe only) Four USB 2.0 ports, two in front and two in back Wii sensor bar Wi-Fi enabled HDMI cable Plastic stands for the console and tablet controller (Deluxe only) Several bundles exist that include free games and/or controllers New Controller: includes the standard face and shoulder buttons and dual joysticks for play, with a six-inch touchscreen in the middle. A stylus is included and slides into the tablet when not in use.
Special Features:
Backwards compatible with all Nintendo Wii titles, including Virtual Console titles purchased from an older system. Video apps including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Plus, and Google Streetview, all of which also utilize the tablet controller for off-screen viewing Free online features and multiplayer – compared to the monthly pay subscriptions enforced via Sony Playstation Plus and Microsoft’s Xbox Live, Nintendo hosts online gaming and other features free of charge Miiverse – a kind of social media within the Wii U network that allows players to leave messages on public boards about games, using text, drawings, and in-game screenshots. Multitasking – the ability to pause a game, check certain other features (online store, download status, Miiverse) and resume the game. Account management – players can set up individual accounts on the console, including password protection and parental controls Off-screen play – Wii U and Wii games can be streamed directly to the tablet controller, leaving the television free for other uses Downloadable games – titles are available in the eShop for direct download to either the Wii U’s internal memory or an external hard drive TVii – the tablet controller can be used as an elaborate TV remote Deluxe Digital Promotion: Until December 31, 2014, all titles purchased through the eShop on a Wii U Deluxe will get 10% credit back for use in the eShop, redeemed in $5 increments
Other Considerations:
Retail price of a Deluxe model bundled with at least one game: $300 Internet required for system and game patches, as well as transferring games from a Wii Used Wii and Wii U titles will be playable While the Wii U uses a blu-ray disc drive, it does not play DVD nor Blu-ray movies Less than half the power consumption of the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, to say nothing of the Xbox One and Playstation 4's relatively large impact on energy bills. (see links below)
Games:
Nintendo Exclusives
Super Mario 3D World New Super Mario Bros. Wii U Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD The Wonderful 101 Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate LEGO City Undercover Sonic: Lost World Mario & Sonic at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games ZombiU Wii Sports Club Wii Fit U Nintendo Land Wii U games also available on Xbox and Playstation consoles
Skylanders Swap Force Rayman Legends Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Call of Duty: Ghosts Injustice: Gods Among Us Batman: Arkham Origins Just Dance 2014 Resident Evil: Revelations LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Angry Birds Star Wars
- Nintendo Wii U Official Website
- PC Mag Wii U Review for further reading
- Wii U blitzes PS3 and 360 as the "greenest" console
Article from EuroGamer - New PS4 and Xbox One Game Consoles: A Mixed Bag for Energy Efficiency
Natural Resources Defense Council staff blog post