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The Nintendo Wii U is again trying to redefine the way we play but can the dual-screen set on actually unite united states all?
T3 was the outset UK title to get hands-on with the Nintendo Wii U a full two E3s ago when it was just a fledgling concept. We liked it a lot. However, the landscape has changed somewhat since then, with everyone from Sony to Apple tree having a pop at second-screen gaming. With the next gen of consoles fix to launch in 2013, has Nintendo left its dwelling house reinvention too belatedly?
Nintendo Wii U: Size and build
Well, this new console certainly sees information technology trying to harness the social acceptability of its staggeringly successful predecessor – all the Nintendo Wii's peripherals are even so compatible, as are the games, and the base of operations unit fifty-fifty looks similar, if elongated – while returning to the company's more high-specced, GameCube-esque past.
So yeah, the graphics are HD at concluding and, yes, yous tin can buy a Pro Controller (£40) with an Xbox-like grip so yous won't be excluded from total-fat Call of Duty Black Ops 2 similar some pixelated pariah.
A practiced beginning, but that'southward non the master event. If all you're after is bleeding-edge tech specs, Nintendo is not your company. What it does practise is innovate, and the results can be thrilling. With the Wii U it's produced a refined system totally in balance with itself rather than simply an interconnecting collection of gadgetry.
Nintendo Wii U: GamePad controller
The key part is the wireless GamePad controller. It may look odd, merely it's clearly been tweaked within an inch of its life. Originally toting Nintendo 3DS-esque circle pads, the design has been overhauled to offer full analogue controls, just like the Sony PS3 and Xbox 360.
Low-cal at just 500g with ergonomic curves, nosotros spent several days clutching it and non once did our easily ache or sweat. It's too reliably chunky, made to be passed around the family, downwardly the dorsum of the sofa, and back again. The six.2-inch display is only a resistive ane-bear on screen, and so it won't problem the iPad or PS Vita in tech terms, but it's implementation that counts.
The accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor within the GamePad mean motility-sensing is integral and, via a sensor bar atop your Television, very accurate. Utilize it to aim an archery bow in Legend of Zelda: Boxing Quest, scan areas off of the master screen for signs of the undead in ZombiU or "sping, sping, sping" ninja stars like that game in the advert.
A TV button launches Nintendo'southward remote app to plow the GamePad into an infrared goggle box controller
Nintendo Wii U: Photographic camera
There's likewise a front-facing camera of unquoted but clearly low meggage. Not but for video chat, it'southward also used to personalise games – Mario Hunt, the hide and seek homage, shows the hider's face on your TV screen, smirking until you catch 'em.
Charged by microUSB from the console or in a dock cradle if you splash out on the Premium Pack, it gets three to five hours of gameplay out of a two and a half hour charge, depending on your preferred settings.
Like to a 3DS's life with 3D fully enabled, information technology volition therefore struggle with long, wireless gaming sessions, but thankfully information technology tin be plugged in separately from the panel. A plug socket by the sofa and at that place'due south yet no need for wires all over your living room between unit and controller.
Nintendo Wii U: Features
Too equally gaming and chat, the Wii U menu connects to the Miiverse social network, an internet browser and eShop for downloadable games, all accessed on your main television receiver or touchscreen. The GamePad can't be taken out of the house, connected as it is, graphically if not umbilically, to the panel, just information technology can be fired up exclusively from the TV for quick tablet-like gaming or spider web browsing bursts.
All of the processing ability is in the base unit of measurement, the GamePad merely a wireless vessel with a screen that houses a beamed signal from the main unit. That we didn't find any latency in picture or audio is incredibly impressive.
The Wii U only comes with one GamePad, but each console tin can support 2 – no launch titles take advantage of this, alas (or the NFC reader). Social gaming is still the key, though, with the power to connect numerous Wii Remotes.
Titles similar Nintendo Land are full of co-operative and collaborative challenges that use the GamePad equally a second hub, abroad from prying eyes, whether information technology's to deed every bit dungeon master against 3 Remote-wielders or as captain of a ship giving the others a lift.
Initially there may be fights over who gets control of the new toy, but the challenges are compelling regardless of your weapon selection. Although, the ability to take your widescreen gaming to the small screen when someone wants to lookout telly volition never fail to print.
If anything, the trouble with the Wii U is that away from graphical power, which is easily up to current-gen standard merely sure to pale in comparison to what Sony and Microsoft have in shop, information technology almost does too many things.
The Wii was such a elementary concept; if you could waft your arms, you could play a game. The Wii U's "asymmetrical gameplay" is more complex, and later on its initial announcement some gamers were left scratching their heads. The flip side is that if you lot give it a chance, the more than rich and varied gameplay will have you hooked for far longer.
Nintendo Wii U: Connections
The GamePad is such a showstopper that the console itself can be disregarded. However, with HDMI, four USB 2.0 ports for peripherals and external difficult drives, and an SDHC slot for further storage, information technology sure is connected.
The online network, eShop and TVii media streaming weren't upwards and running during our tests, while the menu interface was also not finalised, but check back here for an update when these go alive.
Nintendo Wii U: Games
As with all consoles it's the games every bit much as the tech that attracts attention. The Wii U's launch line-upwardly is stiff, covering everything from triple-A large-hitters to cheaper indie downloads, unmarried-player adventures to multiplayer feasts. Nosotros'd have liked more new franchises, rather than big proper noun games with Wii U features bolted on, but we're hopeful this volition improve post-launch.
Nintendo Wii U: Launch games
Nintendo Land - A great intro to the Wii U's inputs a la Wii Sports, this comes arranged complimentary in nearly packages. Includes 12 compact mini-games themed round Nintendo classics from Donkey Kong to Zelda.
ZombiU - Telephone call of Duty aside, this survival horror is the Wii U's killer app for the hardcore. Check inventory, maps and clues in real-time on the GamePad while prone to attack? Tense.
FIFA 13 - EA hasn't quite packed in all its footie sim's 360 and PS3 features, but stat-heavy sports games really sing on the second screen. No more than pausing to brand subs or tactical masterstrokes.
New Super Mario Bros U - Sure, it's a 2D platformer (Galaxy will have to look), but the breadth of its multi-terrained earth is stunning and collaborative multiplayer engaging.
Mass Effect 3 Special Edition - You may have already completed this, simply as an example of reinterpretation, information technology's a blast, with ace graphics and squad organisation via the touchscreen splendid.
Trine 2 Director'south Cut - Proof that Nintendo is upping its downloadable content game, this overhaul of the fantabulous Xbox Live Arcade fantasy is reborn in new Scribblenauts-esque touchscreen trousers.
Nintendo Wii U: Verdict
Ultimately, the Wii U is a potential-packed organisation that plays like a dream and at a decent, if non recession-proof, price. An obvious upgrade for Wii owners as information technology utilises a lot of the hardware y'all'll already accept, it's the clear attempt to tempt hardcore gamers that volition be intriguing to see play out.
Like Apple, Nintendo has go a careful objector in the tech spec wars, building fine products that you only actually appreciate once they're in your easily. The Wii U once again sees Nintendo plotting its own course and the results are as unique as they are satisfying. Nosotros just hope everyone is game.
Nintendo Wii U release date: Out now
Nintendo Wii U price: £250 (8GB bones pack), £300 (32GB premium pack), games from £40
Source: https://www.t3.com/reviews/nintendo-wii-u-review