Yesterday evening (7 June 2011) Nintendo unveiled their latest home console at E3 2011. Previously known as ‘Project Café’ and now officially revealed to be the dubiously named Nintendo WiiU. The WiiU will only be making its retail appearance sometime in 2012.
The full-HD capable console itself is quite interesting, and titbits of information were flying around all over the place in the frenzy of the announcement. We’ve gathered up all the core facts and the various bits of detail currently available.
Touch screen controller
The WiiU console has taken a back seat in this announcement, leaving the limelight for its controller which features a 6.2-inch touch screen. “Adding a second screen to the living room creates a multitude of new video game experiences while offering families a variety of options to customize their entertainment,” said Nintendo.
In single-player games the WiiU controller can display information on its screen that does not appear on the main gaming screen or TV. The information and viewpoint can also change in the new controller based on the orientation of its gyroscope.
In multiplayer games the player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV. “This will offer a wide variety of competitive and cooperative opportunities,” said Nintendo.
In addition to the 6.2-inch screen, the new controller also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers. The features add to the classic controller button scheme – two analogue circle pads, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons.
Backwards compatibility
Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. “Developers worldwide are already working on new games and experiences for the console,” said Nintendo.
“Wii U redefines the structure of home entertainment by fundamentally changing how the TV, the game console and the Internet function and interact together,” said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. “The experience enabled by Wii U and the new controller takes players deeper into their games, while reaching out wider than ever before to be inviting to all kinds of gamers.”
Hardware specs
Dimensions
46mm x 172mm x 268mm
New Controller
6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen. Rechargeable.
Includes power button, two slide pads, Home button, d-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, accelerometer, gyro sensor, rumble feature, camera, mic, speaker, sensor, touch pen.
Other Controllers
Wiimote (or Wiimote plus) – can have up to four connected simultaneously. Compatible with all Wii controller and input devices, including Balance Wii Board, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro and Nunchuck.
CPU
Multi core processor based off IBM Power series
Capacity
In addition to built-in flash memory, memory can be expanded through SD card and external USB drives
Media
Uses 12cm high density optical disc meant for the new hardware. Can also use Wii 12cm optical discs. (There is no mention about the capacity of the new discs.)
Video Output
1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i.
Compatible with HDMI, component, D, S-video and composite cables.
Audio Output
Can output PCM linear 6ch from AV multi out or HDMI
Other
Includes 4 USB2.0 ports. Backwards compatible with Wii games.
Nintendo WiiU details roundup << Comments and views
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