The launch week of a new console is always filled with excitement, mystery and most importantly high anticipation. We have known about the Wii U and teased by it for two consecutive E3 events now. Nevertheless, there was still a cloud of secrecy hovering around it. So how good is this new Nintendo console and is it worth throwing down your hard earned cash for it? To put it simply, absolutely.
A New Direction
The original Wii certainly took everyone by surprise due to its seemingly unstoppable success and popularity. It was extremely difficult to find at launch and was smashing records left and right. Nintendo accomplished this by offering a new gameplay element in the form of motion controls. Wii Sports was no doubt a blast with friends and could provide provide hours of entertainment. For me however, it was missing something. As always, I loved the first party software but lack of 3rd party support plus the forced use of motion controls on nearly every title slowly but surely turned me off of it. I was thrilled when I read Nintendo openly admitted they had turned their back on much of the hardcore crowd for this past gen in order to reach the casual fan base but would rectify this injustice with the Wii U. This would be accomplished through a technically capable machine and a game-changing controller that would distinguish itself from the competition. With these new details they had my attention and I couldn’t wait to find out more.
As many gamers, I watched the videos and demos on the Wii U and its impressive Gamepad and while interested, I wasn’t blown away just yet. Nintendo stated one had to engage with it first hand to truly see the brilliance the Wii U was capable of and why it was something all gamers would want in their homes. While still doubtful, I can now confidently say they were absolutely right. The moment I played my first game with New Super Mario Bros. U and ZombiU, I was taken back to a past time where Nintendo dominated the gaming scene with an unprecedented one of a kind gaming experience.
A Console For Everyone
The console itself already produces beatuiful and vibrant graphics out the gate. Super Mario Bros. U is a 2D side-scrolling dream come true and ZombiU is a dark gritty violent survival horror experience showing the more mature side of Nintendo’s offerings while also taking full advantage of the system and its fantastic Gamepad and in-game functionality Until you personally take in the significant graphic overhaul combined with the first of its kind Gamepad, you won’t be able to truly appreciate the uniqueness of this system and the potential Nintendo and 3rd party developers will now have through the Wii U.
I’m a big tech guy myself and work in the IT field so system specs are something I am always curious about. I’ll be first to admit that when some of the rumored specs were revealed it worried me a bit. I began to wonder if Nintendo would stay true to their word and restore faith to their ever loyal hardcore followers of the SNES, N64 and Gamecube generations. However, after seeing the Wii U in action along side its amazing software and Gamepad, I’m convinced that they are not only a major contender for this next generation of gaming but Nintendo’s personal goal to make this a console for hardcore and casual gamers alike is in fact a realistic goal.
Concerns
Certainly there is something to complain about though right? As most are aware now the system requires a rather large system update to effectively use all of the Wii U’s launch features. This update can and will take a long time and worse yet some gamers have bricked their console due to interrupting the install process. This is few and far between though so 99% of gamers will only have to worry about the initial lengthy update and install process. Luckily external hard drives can be used to expand one’s storage (because the standard 8GB model will max out quick) but be aware that once it’s formatted for the Wii U it cannot be used with other devices.
My only other real concern is the Gamepad’s battery life. If you don’t buy the Deluxe Bundle, plan on investing in GamePad Charging Cradle. You’ll be re-charging the controller daily with any decent game-time. That impressive screen on the Wii U’s gamepad sucks the juice right out of it in short order. A small price to pay though for its innovation and usefulness.
Final Thoughts
There is just so much to love here in regards to the Wii U’s performance, its sleek functional Gamepad, the new dashboard and online system, the upcoming TVii and possibly the most important factor, its robust selection of launch titles. New Super Mario Bros. U and ZombiU are each in their own right absolute system sellers and exclusive to Nintendo’s new system. Play either one and you’ll be robbing Peter to pay Paul to secure your Wii U. While the Nintendo Power publication is unfortunately no more, Nintendo Power itself is indeed back. Welcome back my friend.
Review Rating: 9.5/10
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