Wii U

[Mavrick]

Reportedly these are the final specs.


CPU:

“Espresso” CPU on the Wii U has three enhanced Broadway cores

GPU:

“GPU7” AMD Radeon™-based High Definition GPU. Unique API = GX2, which supports Shader Model 4.0 (DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.3 equivalent functionality)

Memory:

Mem1 = 32MB Mem2 = 1GB (that applications can use)

Storage:

Internal 8 GB with support for SD Cards (SD Cards up to 2GB/ SDHC Cards up to 32GB) and External USB Connected Hard Drives

Networking:

802.11 b/g/n Wifi

Video Output:

Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i

Video Cables Supported:

Compatible cables include HDMI, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.

USB:

Four USB 2.0 Ports

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Mavrick

Reportedly these are the final specs.


CPU:

“Espresso” CPU on the Wii U has three enhanced Broadway cores

GPU:

“GPU7” AMD Radeon™-based High Definition GPU. Unique API = GX2, which supports Shader Model 4.0 (DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.3 equivalent functionality)

Memory:

Mem1 = 32MB Mem2 = 1GB (that applications can use)

Storage:

Internal 8 GB with support for SD Cards (SD Cards up to 2GB/ SDHC Cards up to 32GB) and External USB Connected Hard Drives

Networking:

802.11 b/g/n Wifi

Video Output:

Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i

Video Cables Supported:

Compatible cables include HDMI, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.

USB:

Four USB 2.0 Ports

I know what some of the specs mean but I'm not knowledgable enough to judge things like CPU and GPU. The 8 GB hard drive is a big improvement over the Wii, but still very disappointing. I have being forced to use external memory or SD cards.

[Musashi]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

I have being forced to use external memory or SD cards.

I remember someone once faulted the PS2 saying "it still uses memory cards." And I thought "What's wrong with memory cards?" Personally, I've always liked the portability of a memory card as well as how most games could use the whole card without restricting players to x number of save slots.

Now that I've had a PS3 for several years, I've seen why I like memory cards all the more; devs are known to lock save files to a system and prevent portability.

All that being said: I'm fine with saving on a hard drive, but there needs to be an option to save on outside devices, either directly or by copying the file while in the system menu. Locking save files is bad.

Wii U specs underwhelm me a bit. I know rumors pointed to 7th gen/PS3 level power, but I don't put much stock in rumors. 1GB of RAM seems awfully limiting.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Musashi

I remember someone once faulted the PS2 saying "it still uses memory cards." And I thought "What's wrong with memory cards?" Personally, I've always liked the portability of a memory card as well as how most games could use the whole card without restricting players to x number of save slots.

Now that I've had a PS3 for several years, I've seen why I like memory cards all the more; devs are known to lock save files to a system and prevent portability.

All that being said: I'm fine with saving on a hard drive, but there needs to be an option to save on outside devices, either directly or by copying the file while in the system menu. Locking save files is bad.

Wii U specs underwhelm me a bit. I know rumors pointed to 7th gen/PS3 level power, but I don't put much stock in rumors. 1GB of RAM seems awfully limiting.

I will admit I'm a huge PS3 fan, but I did recently run into a major flaw in the system. My original 60GB model fat PS3 bit the dust and I found out the hard way you can't just buy a new one and insert the old HD.

So basically a local gaming shop is repairing the old one for me (cost around $50) just so I can get it running long enough to do a full transfer of all my saves, downloads, etc. to my new slim PS3. Can't really complain too much though as the old guy lasted a good 6 years and countless thousands of hours.

[herbhen]

For those who are wanting more information on the 'European launch' of the Wii U, Nintendo of Europe will be streaming a Wii U preview Nintendo Direct Episode on the European Nintendo Direct Website from 3pm G.M.T (4pm CEST).

Whilst it's uncertain what exactly will be announced or shown, it seems like a perfect time to announce launch details, a.k.a Price and release date, especially considering that Nintendo of America are streaming an Alternative version of Nintendo Direct for their region at the same time/or roughly around the same time, which has already been confirmed to include pricing and other launch details!

Hopefully we get the price nailed down, cause then I can pre-order the console knowing whether or not I can afford it!

[blurayjunkie]

Message From Reggie Regarding Tomorrows Wii U Event!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=WyGo4Tbd7O0

[rashad30]

Originally Posted by Musashi

All that being said: I'm fine with saving on a hard drive, but there needs to be an option to save on outside devices, either directly or by copying the file while in the system menu. Locking save files is bad.

Storage

Wii U uses an internal flash memory. It also supports SD memory cards and external USB storage.

http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu/#/tech-specs

[rashad30]

Trine 2: Enter the Wii U Dragon
In a world of Mario and Pikmin, it's easy to overlook a gorgeous 2D sidescroller fantasy. Pro Tip: Don't.
by Richard George l September 10, 2012

There's a chance you've never heard of Trine 2. If you haven't, you're missing out. A side-scrolling platformer set in a whimsical fantasy world, the first release of the game (back in December 2011) scored a high mark from IGN. Turns out the adventure game is not only gorgeous, it plays incredibly well, packed with fantastic 2D action and puzzles.

So that's good news for Wii U owners, because a Director's Cut of the game is coming to Wii U, complete with an expanded version of the recently-released "Goblin Menace" expansion pack. Even better - Trine 2 is due to release at the system's launch. Developer Frozenbyte is working on polishing various elements of the original game - including tweaking gameplay, geometry, vocals and the overall user experience. The Director's Cut will also support both Wii remotes and the Wii U GamePad, complete with touch controls.

Frozenbyte has had plenty of time to perfect the Trine 2 experience on Wii U. In fact the team had a version of the game up and running on Nintendo's system in two days, giving them plenty of time to adjust visuals and implement touch screen functionality. While general movement and platforming controls are still operated through traditional button inputs, players can now move and manipulate in-game objects through the GamePad screen.

Ahead of Nintendo's Wii U press conference this Thursday, we wanted to give you a little taste of Trine 2. Check out some gorgeous new screenshots of the Director's Cut below.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/...e-wii-u-dragon

[Show spoiler]

[rashad30]

The developers behind Wii U version of Mass Effect 3 working on two other projects

Tom Crago, the head of Straight Right — an Australian developer that’s working on Mass Effect 3 for Wii U — has revealed that they’ve “got two other titles in development” for the platform. One of the titles is their own creation — an original IP — while the other is a “big franchise that will come out in 2013″.

The cover art of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 features the main protagonist of the Tekken series, Jin Kazama, along with his trainer/grandfather, Heihachi Mishmima. The game will launch later this month for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and this holiday for Wii U.

Details from the new GameInformer issue via NeoGaf.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=490387

New Super Mario Bros U

-Dozens of levels across one world map, like Super Mario World
-Map can be panned around and explored at any time
-Game features an auto-scrolling, Boost Rush mode for more of a challenge
-Multiple branching paths that let you pick which way to go
-This is much more than the tradition level choosing, which usually gives you only two paths to choose from
-Mid-world fortresses guarded by Boom-Boom
-End-level castles guarded by Koopalings

NintendoLand

Metroid Blast:

Metroid Blast up to 5 players. Wii Game Pad is Samus ship (might feature other types of machines), and 4 players can play in free-for-all or team deathmatch. Pointer and analog controls supported. Several maps! Classic Metroid music. You will smile.

Metroid Blast.. also seems to have a horde type mode?
Go through waves of enemies as a group.

-Ride a small train to and from attractions
-Spend coins in the hub that you've earned by playing attractions
-Winning pachinko games populates the park with Nintendo memorabilia
-This includes Miis in Zelda costumes
-Metroid Blast has everyone dress up in Samus' armor
-One player flies Samus' ship using the GamePad and screen
-4 Wii MotionPlus players (plus Nunchuk) try to shoot down the ship
-No radar available
-Includes a lava-filled Norfair map
-This map features a mechanical Kraid that players can grapple up
-Metroid Blaster requires Wii MotionPlus

Balloon Trip Breeze:

-Similar to Balloon Fight
-Players guide floating Miss through side-scrolling levels filled with obstacles like electric spikes, crazy birds, and hungry fish.
-Use stylus to draw gusts of wind to direct the Mii
-Goal is to fly as far as you can.
-TV shows complete view of the field, Game Pad shows zoomed in for precise dodging.
-Nintendo hopes the game breeds competition through Miiverse.

[TequilaSunrise]

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by rashad30

The developers behind Wii U version of Mass Effect 3 working on two other projects











Details from the new GameInformer issue via NeoGaf.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=490387

New Super Mario Bros U
NintendoLand

Metroid Blast:
Balloon Trip Breeze:

When I saw the title "Metroid Blast" I got really excited. Then I realized it's just another stupid mini-game for NintendoLand. I'm getting the feeling Nintendo is just dumping the franchises they no longer want to make into full games onto NintendoLand.

[herbhen]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

When I saw the title "Metroid Blast" I got really excited. Then I realized it's just another stupid mini-game for NintendoLand. I'm getting the feeling Nintendo is just dumping the franchises they no longer want to make into full games onto NintendoLand.

I also got really excited at the mere mention of Metroid on Wii U then remembered the demo's originally shown at E3 2011 and realised straight away that it was a Nintendo Land mini game, for what its worth though, I think Nintendo Land will be a nice little game overall. As for Metroid, I would assume Nintendo want to let the dust settle a little, after the rather lack-luster critical reception that Other M received, though their is still that title that Retro studios are working on for the Wii U to be announced!

[rashad30]

NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR'S EDGE

The solitary Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, must find a way to lift the deadly curse on his right arm before it destroys him... NINJA GAIDEN 3 has been reworked to bring to Wii U the truly intense, high-speed challenge and action NINJA GAIDEN fans demand. With more weapon and Ninpo types, a new character progression system, a redesigned battle system and the return of dismemberment, NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge improves upon the original NINJA GAIDEN 3 in every way and offers Wii U exclusive features and functionalities.

Features:

Unique Wii U controls - During single-player mode, players can enjoy faster and more fluid action by using the touch screen of the Wii U GamePad controller to select weapons, execute Ninpo, see in-game information and much more.

New Weapons and Ninpo Types - Exclusive to the Wii U version, the game includes six weapon types and three Ninpo types, allowing for greater game-play variation and deeper strategy.

Character/Weapon Progression System - Using the Karma points earned during game play, a player can upgrade his weapons and Ninpo and increase the character HP level.

Faster, More Intense Battles - Improved enemy AI, the return of dismemberment, as well as new enemy types and battle areas have been added for greater variety in battles and increased replay value.

YouTube

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge (Wii U) – It doesn’t suck!

Perhaps “suck” is too strong a word, but Ninja Gaiden 3 was certainly disappointing. Hidden among the many kiosks at Nintendo and Tecmo Koei’s E32012 booths was a playable demo of Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. No doubt due to Ninja Gaiden 3‘s bad reception, many attendees passed the game up, not realizing the massive changes that were made in Razor’s Edge. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge feels surprisingly good: it’s fast, challenging, and engaging. Razor’s Edge feels like a the true sequel to Ninja Gaiden 2.

Full in-depth playthrough.
http://www.2d-x.com/ninja-gaiden-3-r...t-doesnt-suck/

Ninja Gaiden III: Razor's Edge features playable Ayane!
http://nintendoeverything.com/98597/...ts-show-ayane/

[Josh5890]

I wonder how many preorders gamestop will take. I just hope I can make it after work tomorrow.

[Livelong420]

Does anybody ever have the feeling that there is too much stuff to want?

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Livelong420

Does anybody ever have the feeling that there is too much stuff to want?

Tell me about it. I was already wanting a Vita and 3DS. At some point I'd like a Wii U as well. Unfortunately my original fat 60GB finally bit the dust recently so I had to buy a new slim PS3. Chances are I'll get a Vita in the coming months and possibly a Wi U depending on price. I'm actually glad the PS4 is late 2013 at the earliest.

[rashad30]

Nintendo Direct JP Conference Highlights
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nintendo_d...iew/index.html

Prices and Release dates revealed (Japan-Only)

- December 8th release in Japan
- Wii U supports full HD 1080p, uses a "GPGPU." Main memory: 1 GB. System: 1 GB. Total: 2GB
- Games use only 1 GB of main memory. System memory is for OS. Game discs 25 GB, 22.5 MB/s
- Browser can be used while playing
- The Wii U consumes up to 75 watts of electricity
- Import your Virtual Console and Wii Ware games from the Wii
- 40 watts is average for the system
- Wii mode for Wii games
- Low latency for GamePad
- Watch videos, play games on the GamePad
- You can do multiplayer using a GamePad and several Wii remotes. Dual-screen play possible
- "Play together on Wii U, play alone on Wii U".
- Vertical stand, GamePad stand set to be available.
- Pro Controller: ~5000 yen.
- NSMBU and NintendoLand to go on sale on launch day, for ~6000 and ~5000 yen
- NSMBU is the 1st Mario game to launch with a Nintendo system since N64
- 2 SKU's Premium and Basic set
- Basic set (White) is 8GB, Premium set (Black) is 32GB

Nintendo Network Premium is only for Wii U premium SKU
- discount point program available only with the Wii U Premium Set
- focus on those who like to download a lot of content

Nintendo Land - Nintendo Direct Gameplay Footage - YouTube

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by rashad30

Nintendo Direct JP Conference Highlights
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nintendo_d...iew/index.html

Prices and Release dates revealed (Japan-Only)

- December 8th release in Japan
- Wii U supports full HD 1080p, uses a "GPGPU." Main memory: 1 GB. System: 1 GB. Total: 2GB
- Games use only 1 GB of main memory. System memory is for OS. Game discs 25 GB, 22.5 MB/s
- Browser can be used while playing
- The Wii U consumes up to 75 watts of electricity
- Import your Virtual Console and Wii Ware games from the Wii
- 40 watts is average for the system
- Wii mode for Wii games
- Low latency for GamePad
- Watch videos, play games on the GamePad
- You can do multiplayer using a GamePad and several Wii remotes. Dual-screen play possible
- "Play together on Wii U, play alone on Wii U".
- Vertical stand, GamePad stand set to be available.
- Pro Controller: ~5000 yen.
- NSMBU and NintendoLand to go on sale on launch day, for ~6000 and ~5000 yen
- NSMBU is the 1st Mario game to launch with a Nintendo system since N64
- 2 SKU's Premium and Basic set
- Basic set (White) is 8GB, Premium set (Black) is 32GB

Nintendo Network Premium is only for Wii U premium SKU
- discount point program available only with the Wii U Premium Set
- focus on those who like to download a lot of content

Nintendo Land - Nintendo Direct Gameplay Footage - YouTube

Sounds like mostly good news. I'm not sure the higher end model will justify the higher price for most people though given the Nintendo target audience. Does for me though. Glad they're going to have a model with far more than just 8GB.

It's sounding like extra tablet gamepads will run about $150. VERY steep.

[ChadFL]

U.S. release prices are:

8GB Base model - $299.99

32GB Premium model - $349.99
Extras include Nintendo Land game, gamepad charging cradle and stand.

They're pushing the price to the limits IMO. Hard to say how well $300 base price will sell.

[Mavrick]

At least you were given a price, all we get is the standard retailers set their own prices BS as usual...