Joystiq's Wii U news roundup
Yesterday, Nintendo dropped a lot of information about its upcoming console, the Wii U. Did you have, like, work or something that kept you from refreshing Joystiq and the three simultaneous video streams yesterday? Don't worry! We've rounded up everything we know, so you can be an informed consumer, ready for Bayonetta 2.
Oh yeah, Bayonetta 2 was one of the announcements yesterday. Surprise! Join us after the break for all the info from yesterday's Wii U announcements. We'll update as we learn more.%Gallery-165359%
Release date
The Wii U will be released on November 18 in North America, November 30 in Europe, and December 8 in Japan.
Price
There are two different versions: the Basic set and the Premium/Deluxe set. European pricing has not been revealed yet, so here's what we know.
North America – Basic: $299.99, Deluxe: $349.99
Japan – Basic: ¥26,250, Premium: ¥31,500
In addition, there's another variant in Japan, which includes a Pro Controller and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for ¥38,850. A ZombiU Premium Pack in Europe includes the Premium Pack plus ZombiU.
What's in the box:
The "Basic" box includes a white Wii U system with 8GB of internal storage, one GamePad controller, an HDMI cable, a Wii Sensor Bar*, and AC adapters for both the console and the pad.
The "Premium" set includes a black Wii U system with 32GB of internal storage, one matching GamePad, an HDMI cable, a Wii Sensor Bar*, and AC adapters, plus a copy of Nintendo Land (a minigame collection set in a variety of Nintendo-themed "attractions" at a virtual theme park), a stand and charging cradle for the GamePad, a vertical stand for the system, and a "Deluxe Digital Promotion" that gives points back for eShop purchases, which can be redeemed later.
*The Sensor Bar is not included in either package for Japan. It is only bundled in Europe as part of the Premium box.
TVii
A new feature currently exclusive to the North American system lets you use a consistent GamePad interface to discover and watch programming on Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, and your own TiVo. You are required to have your own box in addition to the Wii U, which connects through a web-based signup.
Nintendo told Engadget that "all" US and Canada cable and dish providers will be supported. TVii will be available at launch.
Games
Nintendo revealed a lineup of 50 games coming out in North America within a generous "launch window," between November 18, 2012, and March 2013. Nintendo Land is definitely coming on launch day, as it's included with the Premium system. In addition, New Super Mario Bros. U, Darksiders 2 and Assassin's Creed 3 have been specifically announced as launch day games; on the other end of the window, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is due in March. As for the other games, they're all in the vague "launch window." Bayonetta 2, revealed as a Wii U exclusive, has no launch window.
Most games will retail for $59.99 in North America.
Our safe guesses for launch day releases include The Wonderful 101, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, ZombiU, and Rayman Legends (a launch game in Europe on November 30).
Xenoblade Chronicles developer Monolith Soft is working on an unannounced Wii U game, and Mutant Mudds will be released on Wii U eShop.
Accessories
Accessories available for the Wii U include the Pro Controller, a $50 wireless dual analog controller. A new microphone will be sold separately, for use with Sing Party. Other accessories include charging cradles and stands for the GamePad, a vertical stand for the system, and Wii Remote Plus controllers, Nunchuks, and Sensor Bars in Wii U-branded boxes.
Additional Wii U GamePads will not be available at launch. NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime explained that no launch window games use a second GamePad, but that Nintendo will market them when there is software support.
Pre-orders
Pre-orders are open in North America at GameStop and Best Buy. Amazon is not carrying the console at launch, telling customers to "please check back in the future, as availability may change."
Funky Barn
There is a game called Funky Barn. This pig is in it:
