*EDIT* Added Eric’s Comments

 
There is always this bit of excitement that I get when Nintendo prepares to launch a new console.  It really stems back to the 80’s when I was a huge Nintendo Fan Boy.  I waited every month for that next issue of Nintendo Power, kept bugging my parents for the Super Nintendo, which they finally caved in for a year after it’s launch.  The N64 started my console streak of getting them on launch day.  I mean come on, how could I not play Super Mario 64 on launch.  Then game the Gamecube, Nintendo’s little lunch box. I wasn’t a huge fan of the design but the launch window of games was phenomenal. With Super Smash Bros. Melee, Pikmin, Luigi’s Mansion and Star Wars Rougue Squadron 2, gamers had plenty to keep them gaming.  Then the revolution that was know as the Wii hit in 2005. It changed gaming and made a video game console an essential in everyone’s living room.  I will point out though that after the launch, while it still sold well, there was a huge drop off of games sold per system that was out on the market.  But this article is about the forthcoming launch and not how the system will fare over the long haul.

The System

I might not be the right person to write this article mainly because I am in the minority that feels graphics in gaming doesn’t matter.  I would take VVVVVV or Mutant Mudds any day over an Xbox 360 piece of trash such Legendary or Ninja Gaiden 3.  The Wii U though does offer Xbox 360 and PS3 graphics at launch and within a year will probably push out games that look slightly better.  The love that the system allows gamers to choose whichever size hard drive they would like and plug it into any of the 4 USB ports with ease. I think it is a little weird though that with Nintendo’s recent eShop push that they would only include 8Gbs and 32Gbs options for on board flash memory.  Again though, it is cheap now to purchase a Tb portable hard disk ( about $90 ) so this is still a cheaper option of upgrade then an Xbox 360 or PS3.

Price

That brings me to my next point: the price.  I really do feel that $350 in this economy is just too much to ask for, for a new machine.  I do understand that it is probably because of the controller, but I think Nintendo could have got the pricing of $300 for the deluxe and $250 for the Basic.  Again though, I am a Nintendo Fan Boy and I would buy a Nintendo system if Nintendo took a dump in a box and sold it for $350.  This though is really my only gripe about the system.

GamePad

I am excited about this controller.  Nintendo is the only company that every generation innovates the controls.  I understand that it may just look like a big DS, and for the most part I guess it is, but I always felt that the DS wasn’t gimmicky and that the two screens actually made most games better.  I love the innovation I have been seeing in games such as ZombiU, Nintendo Land and Rayman Legends just to name a few.  The Controller Pro looks like a winner for the casual gamers ( people that only play FPS’s, Sorry but hardcore gamers play ALL genres )

Games

And to what really matters… THE GAMES! I really feel that this launch line up is pretty amazing.  Nintendo is giving us Nintendo Land and then will have New Super Mario Wii U, Pikmin 3, SiNg, LEGO City Undercover, Wii Fit U, The Wonderful 101 and Game and Wario.  3rd Parties are offering some of their best too such as Call of Duty Black Ops 2, Batman Arkham City, Mass Effect 3, Assassin’s Creed 3, Monster Hunter 3, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Rayman Legends, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, ZombiU as well as other great titles.

My overall opinion is that if you are a Nintendo fan, this is a must have.  If you are a casual FPS gamer you might want  use the wait and see approach, even though ZombiU, Call of Duty and Mass Effect will be there for you at launch.  Price aside, I CAN’T WAIT!

here are the opinions of other non-Nintendo fan editors 🙂

James:

1)  It’s nice to see Nintendo getting a fast start out of the gate with the next generation of consoles, but I think we need to take a step back and see where this will go.  Motion controls set the world on fire in 2006, but quickly devolved into batches of minigames sold for $50 apiece.  Although the tablet seems neat, it looks like it may fall into the same issue that the Wii had – you need to have friends living nearby, and they need to come over.  I hope only the best for Nintendo; their innovation is always on the vanguard.  But I have my doubts about the Wii U.  Plus, that name.  Wasn’t that a Soulja Boy song?
2) No preorder for me
3) Budget and time constraints aside, I’m going to pass on the Wii U.  Since all my multiplayer gaming is done long distance, having people locally doesn’t entirely work for me.  Friends-code nonsense to protect children is a good, safe idea – but it hamstrings anyone who wants to just drop in, frag a few noobs, and drop out.  Plus, I’ve played Mario a dozen times already.  I’ve had enough plumbers.

Mike:

1.) I was highly skeptical before the live stream event. Hugely on the fence of whether or not it would be worth it, and I am a huge Nintendo fan. I was also pissed about the removal of multiplayer which is why I loved my Wii. I would use it for parties and when people came over in general. I also know they’ve always been behind in the console races in terms of power. I thought maybe the Wii U would be the Wii with a tablet, especially since they are releasing a lot of games that have been out for a while, like Mass Effect 3, Madden NFL 13, FIFA Soccer 13, etc, etc. When I first saw the price, I laughed and said no thanks. I saw the innovation, I saw the unique gameplay, I just don’t think they’ve fully worked it out yet. I was expecting $200-250 for just the console and $300+ they were close. With the lack of multiplayer and barely any unique titles besides Mario, I was upset and disinterested. 

2.) Yes, although since I waited due to my skepticism, I’ll have to wait for batch 2 since pre-orders are sold-out.

3.) The videos Nintendo showed and what is included with the deluxe system won me over. The fact that multiplayer was back on the table made me happy and want the system. The power alone was amazing to see. Although, they haven’t shown how two controllers will work yet. The Live stream event was captivating and very informative. They should have released a lot of this info a long time ago in my opinion. They showed unique aspects that weren’t shown before like TVii, and actual gameplay from new unique upcoming Nintendo titles besides Mario. This caught my attention right away and made me want a system.

 Eric:

1.) I think that $299 is a sweet spot for a console launch price. But I think there’s a $349 one as well? I don’t know. I think Nintendo will end up releasing an add-on 6 months later with a plus somewhere in the title to make it better like they did with MotionPlus. I do feel that the name is bad. Not the “U” part, but that they are still calling it a Wii. I can see parents telling their kids, “Tommy, you already have a Wii!”

2.) No pre-order for me. I might eventually pick one up a few years down the road, though, when it’s cheap.

3.) I do like how a lot of my favorites series are getting some Wii U re-releases and sequels, with Bayonetta 2 being the main reason I’ll pick one up eventually. The Ninja Gaiden 2: Razors Edge update looks awesome, along with more Batman: Arkham City.