Wii U hardware and features detailed

Am I the only person who hears “Wii U” as the same sound a siren makes? WII U, WII U, WII U, WII U, WII U!

Which does seem quite appropriate, since Nintendo’s next console could be a smash hit or a complete disaster. The name works either way.

While Nintendo did not provide any new info regarding a firm shipping date for the device, they did clarify some of the finer details on the hardware under the hood, and the interactivity features that it will boast.

Wii U Hardware

Launches: Holiday 2012

Size: Approximately 1.8 inches high, 10.5 inches deep and 6.8 inches long.

Weight: Approximately 3.41 pounds (1.5 kg).

Appearance: The new console features a compact design that will make it a natural addition to any home entertainment setup.

Wii U GamePad: The Wii U GamePad controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio LCD touch screen, as well as traditional button controls and two analog sticks. Inputs include a +Control Pad, L/R sticks, L/R stick buttons, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, Power button, HOME button, -/SELECT button, +/START button, and TV CONTROL button.

The GamePad also includes motion control (powered by an accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor), a front-facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, a sensor bar, an included stylus and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and weighs approximately 1.1 pounds (500 g).

Wii U GamePad

Other Controllers: The Wii U console is capable of supporting two Wii U GamePads, up to four Wii Remote (or Wii Remote Plus) controllers or Wii U Pro Controllers, and Wii accessories such as the Nunchuk, Classic Controller and Wii Balance Board.

CPU: IBM Power-based multi-core processor.

GPU: AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU.

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

Media: Wii U and Wii optical discs.

Video Output: Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.

Audio Output: Uses six-channel PCM linear output via HDMI™ connector, or analog output via the AV Multi Out connector.

Networking: Wii U can access the Internet via wireless (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) connection. The console features four USB 2.0 connectors – two in the front and two in the rear – that support Wii LAN Adapters.

Wii Compatibility: Nearly all Wii software and accessories can be used with Wii U.

Wii U GamePad

Wii U Features

The Wii U also adds a variety of non-gaming features.

Miiverse: Miiverse is a brand-new network communication system that lets gamers from around the world share experiences, discuss games and discover new content.

Using their personalized Mii character, players enter Miiverse and see games, applications or entertainment content that either they have interacted with recently, expressed interest in learning more about or that their friends are using or discussing. From here they can challenge their friends to play together, ask a question about a difficult level or discover new elements of their favorite games they never knew existed. After a notable achievement or other share-worthy moment, players can pause their game or application and seamlessly post messages to the Miiverse community.

TV Remote: Using infrared communication, the Wii U GamePad may also function as a TV remote, whether users are watching TV or playing a game.

Near Field Communication: The Wii U GamePad has the ability to communicate wirelessly with objects that are (NFC): held above it. This allows for a variety of interesting new possibilities for games and activities.

Nintendo eShop: The digital storefront for Wii U will be available at launch and offer a variety of content for people to download and enjoy. Consumers will also be able to purchase and download select games that are also available at retail stores.

Video Entertainment: Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and Hulu are all developing applications for the Wii U that take advantage of the integrated second-screen experience. Additional details will be released at a later time.

Video Chat: Using the built-in camera of the Wii U GamePad controller, people can communicate with other Wii U owners in real time.

Internet Browser: Wii U comes with a browser that lets people with a wireless Internet connection surf the Internet from the comfort of their couches.

Catch up on all the Nintendo Wii U news, and stay tuned to MyGaming for all the E3 coverage as it unfolds.