Wii U Out Now In USA. Europe Release Date Is November 30 2012 (Australia Too)

The Wii U is out now in America! Wii U releases in UK, Europe and Australia on November 30th 2012! It will cost $300 for the Basic Set and $350 for the Deluxe model. This marks Nintendo's first-ever high-definition videogame console supporting 1080p quality visuals.

This officially marks the beginning of the "next-generation" of videogame consoles, the 8th generation. It will be available in both a 8GB Basic Set or a 32GB Deluxe set. The basic is white-colored and the deluxe is black-colored. The major hook of the Wii U is the Wii U GamePad, a tablet, touchscreen-based controller (It has a giant screen in the middle, with the Analog Sticks on both sides, a D-Pad on the left, four face buttons on the right and trigger buttons (L, R and ZL and ZR). It also has Motion Control (built-in accelerometer and gyroscope),  a sensor strip, rumble force feedback, built-in camera and microphone, Infrared Transceiver (allowing you to use the Wii U GamePad as a TV remote) and near-field communication capabilities. The sensor strip could be incredibly revolutionary, as it can read cards or figurines like the Skylanders codes by simply placing them onto the corner of the controller itself!

The Wii U also supports all of the previous regular Wii accessories including the Wii Remote and Nunchuck, Wii Balance Board and a very Xbox 360-like standard controller called the "Wii U Controller Pro".

One of the neatest features of the Wii U is the ability to play your console games on the smaller Wii U GamePad touchscreen while someone else watches or plays something else on the TV screen. You can even use your Wii U GamePad to control all of your digital services such as your DVR, television channels,  Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Blu-ray/DVD Player, etc., giving the Wii U broad entertainment capabilities. It also has a built-in web browser, and you can "toss" what you're viewing on the net using the Wii U GamePad's touchscreen by flicking it to your TV screen, at which point it will appear on the TV. Nintendo is also talking up the ability to use the Wii U GamePad screen to get new views and gameplay experiences by combing it with the TV screen.

So far the Wii U launch has been a huge success, as the system has sold out at many retailers in the USA, and is selling for over $500 on ebay!

Zelda Kickstarter Second Quest Project From Braid Artist. Graphic Novella Will Tackle Modern Gaming Issues and the Failures of the Zelda Series to Evolve

A Zelda Second Quest Kickstarter project takes a highly controversial essay "Saving Zelda" by Tevis Thompson about how the Zelda series has been fundamentally broken since Ocarina of Time, and marries it with Braid artist David Hellman who have teamed up to create a graphic novel that tackles the modern state of gaming and the failure of the gaming industry, in their eyes, via established conventions that they believe are in error. And have led to what they perceive as the failure of the modern Zelda series and many modern videogames.

The story will focus on "the non-Princess", who discovers she has the ability to draw out memories from objects while in her home town of the "already-saved" sky (a twist on Skyward Sword's Skytown). She then is able to piece together scattered legends that reveal that everything she thought she knew about herself, are not true.

The comic will make many statements about the state of the industry today, and tackle issues ranging from the failure of AAA games, to how gaming treats women, to the issue of unnecessary handholding that make games too easy.

Clocking in at 50 pages, they are attempting to raise $50,000. The comic will be distributed via FanGamer. You can snag both a digital and physical book for only $35, among other tiers, so be sure to back this project if you're interested in the statement its making!

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge Wii U Gameplay Trailer and Videos (Launch Game)

Ninja Gaiden 3 Wii U (Razor's Edge) is an exclusive new version of Tecmo's latest entry in the Ninja Gaiden series. This version of the game features significant new updates over previous versions, taking into consideration all of the complaints gamers had, and working hard to fix them. This makes Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge the definitive version of the game. 

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge for Wii U is essentially a "Sigma" version of NG3 with significant updates, as Tecmo has done with previous Ninja Gaiden games.

New improvements over the Xbox 360 and PS3 originals include:

* Exclusive new weapons like the Lunar Staff and Dual Katanas
* Improved A.I. for smarter and deadlier enemies.
* New battle areas.
* All-new enemies.
* All-new Karma Counter, a feature that previous games had but was absent in the original NG3.
* All-new Upgrade Menu, allowing you to spend Karma Points to enhance your Ninpo, Weapons, health and more.
* All-new decapitation and dismemberment animations more in-line with previous Ninja Gaiden titles.

Even more significantly, this game will allow you to use the Wii U GamePad Touchscreen Controller to play the game and use the touchscreen to select different weapons, perform your Ninpo Magic Attacks, view new game information and such. It even features a touchscreen-controls-only mode where you play the game exclusively with the GamePad and perform touch-screen gestures like in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword for the DS.

Ninja Gaiden 3 Wii U will also feature an all-new female playable character! That's right, the girl ninja Ayane is a playable character! Her moves will be similar to how she played in previous games, although all-new cutscenes will be added that focus on her for this new Wii U version of Ninja Gaiden 3.

Last but not least, an all-new Cooperative Gameplay mode has been added and is playable online!

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge for Wii U is being published by Nintendo, and marks their first M-rated game since Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem and Geist for the GameCube. And is a milestone in that this is only the THIRD Mature-rated game to be published by Nintendo ever.

New Super Mario Bros. U Gameplay Trailers and Videos (Launch Game)

Super Mario Bros. Wii U (er, New Super Mario Bros. U) launches for Nintendo's newest system as THE AAA must-have killer-app for the system out of all the other 23 games that will be available to purchase on day one. 

More than anything else, this is the game that everyone who buys a Wii U will have beneath their Christmas tree.

However NSMBWiiU does not seem to differentiate very much from previous games in the series like the original NSMB DS and the Wii version of the game, which was the first Mario platformer ever to feature four-player play.

This game pretty much follows in that game's footsteps, however it allows one person to use the Wii U GamePad Tablet Controller to enable 5-player! In this special "Boost Mode", one player makes use of the touchscreen on the GamePad to place blocks across the course as the other player(s) are making their way through it. They can use these blocks to either help or to hinder, and some special Coins and areas will not be accessible unless you are playing in boost mode.

Another big addition is the inclusion of MiiVerse. MiiVerse is the Wii U's special social media mode that allows players to share comments, hints, suggestions, tips and more IN-GAME(!!) via special speech balloons that pop-up while you are on the World Map (as long as you are connected to the Internet of course). 

This feature alone will surely make New Super Mario Bros. U a very exciting new entry in the series, as it also features the fantastic side-scrolling platforming Mario gameplay that you know, love and expect from the series.

Another very cool new feature is the addition of "Flying Squirrel Mario". This all-new power-up is similar to previous power-ups from the series like the Raccoon Suit from SMB3 that gave Mario and Luigi flight. Although it doesn't grant flight in this game, it does grant you the ability to float or hover, allowing you to easily access new areas sections that you couldn't reach without the power-up.

All in all, this is definitely a Wii U game to keep your eyes on and it is sure to be the hit of the new system's launch.

Just Dance 4 Wii U Gameplay and Trailer Videos (Launch Game)

Just Dance 4 is a Wii U launch game and the latest installment in the extremely popular series, which was released earlier in October for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

This game will be largely the same as previous entries in this dancing series and features new modes that include Dance Battle Mode (an expanded Just Sweat mode), bonus routines for songs that are unlockable, new Dance Quests that players can undertake (six missions for each song to tackle), create-able "Dance Cards" that display your favorite songs i the game, your top scores, challenges to complete, online leaderboards and exclusive modes for the Xbox 360 (Just Create, a mode that allows you to create your own routines) and the Wii U exclusive "Puppet Master" mode.

The Wii U Puppet Master mode allows one player to use the Wii U GamePad Tablet Controller and it's touchscreen to manipulate the visuals and routines of the 1-4 other players dancing with Wii Remotes.

The Just Dance series was most popular on Wii and the first two entries in the series were Wii-exclusives, however with the third entry in the series it went multiplatform. It will be interesting to see if casual gamers go back to embracing the Wii  U version in particular, or if the game will remain just as popular or more-so, with the Kinect Xbox 360 and PlayStation Move PS3 versions.

Game Party Champions Wii U Trailer (Launch Game)

Is Game Party Champions for Wii U a game you should care about as a launch title? What is Game Party Champions?

This is the fifth game in the Game Party series and is the sequel to Game Party: In Motion for Xbox 360 Kinect. This game, like previous Wii versions and the Xbox 360 version, is simply a budget-priced (typically) mini-game collection.

Sadly I couldn't find a video on this game, so it is probably not worth purchasing.... but we'll see. I'll update this when I can find more information on it.

FIFA Soccer 13 Gameplay Videos and Interviews (Launch Game)

FIFA Soccer 13 for Wii U will try to compete with the other versions of the game, and will likely be more in line with the current-gen console versions for Xbox 360 and PS3 than ever before for Nintendo's previous Wii system. 

In addition, this version of FIFA Soccer 13 for the Wii U will likely make extensive use of the Wii U GamePad Tablet Controller, allowing you to have a more indepth soccer experience using its touchscreen and different viewing angles.

It will be interesting to see how well the Wii U version of FIFA Soccer sells compared to other versions of the game, and see if additional features of the Wii U drive more people to pick it up over standard console versions.

The game will be released for every major system: Microsoft Windows PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, Wii U, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android, Mac OS X and will be in stores on November 18th 2012.

ESPN Sports Connection Trailers and Videos (Launch Game)

ESPN Sports Connection is one of the view Wii U launch games in the sports genre that will be available to purchase alongside the Wii U's launch on November 18 2012.

Sadly, this is another kiddy looking game... At least going by the trailer or so it would seem. I do wonder if that will continue to hurt Nintendo's image...

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Gameplay And Trailers (Launch Game)

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Wii U is another blockbuster sequel, although another multiplatform one. The game will also be released on Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows PC.

Here is what the sequel will look like in actual gameplay.

This game will significantly build on the previous 3rd-person Disney platformer and is definitely an exciting sequel. There were a lot of gamers who loved the first one but didn't know if it was a big enough seller to warrant a part 2.

Oswald becomes playable in this game, which is the biggest difference, and adds some awesome co-op gameplay to the proceedings. Here is the debut trailer for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.

Darksiders II Wii U Trailers and Interviews (Launch Game)

Darksiders 2 Wii U is another strong launch title, giving Nintendo fans their own version of one of the most anticipated action adventure sequels of the year. 

Although the game has already been released for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC a few months back in August 2012, but will hit the Wii U day and date with the system on November 18th, 2012.

Darksiders II Wii U will take advantage of the Wii U GamePad tablet controller although exactly to what extent and exactly what new features, areas, weapons, etc. will be available in the Wii U version over previous versions of the game remains to be seen.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Wii U Gameplay, Trailer and Interview (Launch Game)

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a Wii U launch game and will hit on November 18th 2012, day and date with the new system.

This is another big GET for Nintendo, as this will mark the first time that a modern Call of Duty title (post-Call of Duty 3, when the series really took off with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare) is a launch game for a platform.

And, of course, you can't have more of a bigger AAA third-party series for your new console launch than a Call of Duty title!

Check the videos to see how Black Ops 2 for Wii U will stack up to the other platform versions of the game. Of course, like a lot of these third-party Wii U launch titles, the question remains whether or not they will be big sellers on the Wii U platform considering that people are used to buying them on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Batman Arkham City Armored Edition Wii U Gameplay Video and Trailer (Wii U Launch Game)

Batman: Arkham Asylum - Armored Edition is a Wii U launch game that seeks to update the critical and commercial blockbuster from last year (2011). 

This version of the game contains all of the downloadable content from previous editions and releases of the game located directly on the Wii U disc (thus it's a Game of the Year Edition essentially), and yet contains a number of improvements and new features over the original Xbox 360, PS3 and PC versions of the game.

The main crux of the Wii U version is the Bat Computer, which has been moved to the Wii U Tablet Controller (called the "Wii U GamePad), allowing you to seamlessly locate objectives, set waypoints, upgrade your gear and weaponry, get intel on enemies, equip and personalize your weapon loadout and more, all using an  intuitive touch-screen interface in the palm of your hands. 

Other all-new features include Sonar, which allow you to hold the Wii U Controller up to the screen and see the location of enemies patrolling around you, even through walls! Additionally, and completely new, is the B.A.T. Mode. A new BAT meter builds up during combat that gives Batman increased strength and power once activated.

The new controller basically further immerses you in the experience, such as by activating the Evidence Scanner and locating evidence by holding the Wii U Controller up to the screen and literally "scanning" it, an improvement over the way it was done in previous versions of the game and making use of the unique Wii U GamePad.

Using the Bat Claw, you can hook onto a container lid for example, and then use the motion sensing of the Wii U controller to jerk it off with your hands using a jerking motion.

Another all-new feature is the Cryptographic Sequencer, which gives the player an immersive new hacking mini-games to contend with. Remote Controlled Batarangs are now directly controlled using the new Wii U tablet controller, where you can guide it around using motion controls. 

You'll also get to play as Armored Catwoman!

There are sure to be other additions as well, but that's the brunt of it.

The question is, will people who've already played Batman: Arkham City be willing to pick up Armored Edition for another playthrough? And are there enough people who missed out on it the first time willing to pick up this version to make it a success on the Wii U? Time will tell.

Assassin's Creed 3 Wii U Gameplay Video and Trailer For Wii U Launch Game

Assassin's Creed III Wii U will definitely go down in history as one of the most highly anticipated Nintendo launch games ever. 

Having the system launch with such a high-quality sequel and a AAA must-have game is definitely a positive.

However it must be said that the game IS multiplatform, so it lessens the impact of having Assassin's Creed 3 as a launch title considering that the vast majority of gamers who want the game, will get it on Xbox 360, PS3 or PC instead.

The game looks outstanding on Wii U however and is in line with the other versions of the game, as you can see in this Assassin's Creed III Marketplace Massacre gameplay video.

If you are buying a Wii U, will you be picking up Assassin's Creed 3 on launch day?

Wii U Launch Game Library Sits At 23 Titles Available Day One On November 18 2012

Exactly 23 games for the Wii U launch will be available to purchase on November 18th 2012, when the new Nintendo system officially hits store shelves (unlike software, physical hardware can NOT be digitally downloaded... although you CAN purchase it online and have it delivered to your house, natch).

Wii U games will be priced at $60 the same price point as other current-gen console games for Xbox 360 and PS3. But $10 more than original Wii games that were priced at $50. The Wii U is backwards compatible with original Wii games, meaning you can still buy Wii classics and play them on the new system at the cheaper pricepoint.

This amount of games is not to be confused with the amount of "launch window" titles that will hit between now and March of 2013, where more than 50 games will hit shelves. Quite a long window, that.

So what exact games can you buy on November 18th? Here's the list of 23 Wii U Launch Games: 

1. Assassin’s Creed III
2. Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
4. Darksiders II
5. Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
6. ESPN Sports Connection
7. FIFA Soccer 13
8. Game Party Champions
9. Just Dance 4
10. New Super Mario Bros. U
11. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
12. Nintendo Land
13. Rabbids Land
14. Scribblenauts Unlimited
15. SiNG Party
16. Skylanders Giants
17. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
18. Tekken Tag Tournament 2
19. Transformers Prime
20. Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper
21. Wipeout 3
22. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013
23. ZombiU

What Wii U exclusive or Wii U launch title are you most excited about? I'm definitely most excited about ZombieU! Which looks absolutely awesome!

29 Days Until Wii U Releases! Countdown to New Nintendo System And Start of Next-Gen!

29 days until Wii U releases on November 18 2012!

As the Presidential Race heats up and gets closer and closer to the November 6th U.S. election, so too does the excitement building around the fact that Nintendo fans will finally have a brand-new system in their hands!

What games are you most looking forward to?

Here is a video for the highly anticipated Bayonetta 2 (debut trailer), a Wii U exclusive!