Maybe I try too hard to see everything Nintendo dishes out in good light, because I have already begun to embrace Wii U, even as the rest of Nintendo's internet community remains skeptical. I'm a pretty big fan girl, I admit, but I do have some solid reasons in the defense of Wii U. First, that it unashamedly adopts the Wii. In case you're in the dark, here's the scoop: at the forefront of Wii U control is the Wii remote. In fact, each Wii U only has the capacity for one touchscreen controller to be synced to it. Seem lame? I see it as just the opposite of lame. The Wii remote + Nunchuck set-up is capable of everything regular "paddles" are capable of and more. You've got everything you need to control games. Why does Nintendo need a reason to change that? Wii owners can upgrade to Wii U and carry all their Wii remotes over in an easy transition.
That brings me to the new controller. It is likely each Wii U system will come with one touchscreen controller, which, as I mentioned earlier, is all that is needed. Hardcore gamers who appreciate a deep, single player experience have all they need in one package, minus the actual games, of course. And Nintendo promises that games won't be an issue: third party support is at an all-time high for Nintendo with Wii U.
As for all you Wii partyers out there, the new controller is guaranteed to provide new ways to have fun with friends and family. My personal favorite is the idea that one player can see something the other four cannot through the new controller. Just imagine the possibilities...seriously, take a minute right now to just think.
And that brings me to another aspect I admire about Wii U: a five player capacity for local play. Suddenly the number 5 seems like a great leap from the number 4. I'm planning the parties as I write.
I feel like I've only scratched the surface of Wii U. I didn't even get to talk about the system's graphics. I suppose they speak for themselves once you learn more about Wii U. I remain ever-optimistic. Until next time on the Nintendo Lifeline!
I must say, I feel like I'm more critical with Nintendo stuff because I love them so much.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that the guys tend to take two steps forward and one step back.
We had a more powerful console in the Gamecube than the PS2, but the serious lack of 3rd party support left it in last place that generation.
We got an awesome console in the Wii, but the brass felt that people didn't really need HD graphics, so we ended up with droughts in between plenty of shovelware. As it stands, the Wii is pretty much done for.
The 3DS is hyped up like crazy, and we end up with a lackluster launch that isn't selling as many systems as it potentially could be.
Having said all that, I'll most likely pick up a Wii U for sure - despite the horrendous name - but I'll really hate Nintendo if the new controller doesn't include an internal rechargeable battery. And it'd be super awesome if we can watch Netflix & read eBooks on it!
My main worry right now is having to play a new Smash Bros. sans gamecube controllers, because playing with the wiimotes is godawful!
@Martin Alexander
ReplyDeleteHaha! Wii U definitely isn't the best name I've ever heard for a video game console, either.
But I would contend that using the Wii remote + Nunchuck set-up with Super Smash Bros. Brawl is just fine. All it takes is a bit of tinkering in the custom controls screen. For example, I found it bothersome to use the up button on the D-pad to jump, so I turned the whole D-pad into a jump button. Even so, it did take some getting used to. But after less than a week, I couldn't imagine going back.