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WiiU

Nintendo Wii U Preview Event Live Blog

by Danny Bivens, Andy Goergen, and Neal Ronaghan - September 12, 2012, 4:28 pm EDT
Total comments: 9

UPDATE: Join us at 3 a.m. ET/Midnight PT tonight for the Japan Wii U Preview Event!

UPDATE: We'll also be live-blogging the Japan preview event, occurring at 3 a.m. ET/Midnight PT

In New York City on September 13 at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime will take the stage and rattle off some news regarding the Wii U that we have been dying to hear. Specifically, the launch date and price. We can expect some new demos of launch and launch window games, and maybe even a few surprises, as well.

We'll be bringing you coverage directly from the presentation. Watch this space for a live blog, and also join us in the chat below to talk about the event before, during, or after the event. I'll be lingering in there today (September 12), so go ahead and hop on if you want to talk.

Having trouble with the IRC chat? You can also connect with a dedicated IRC client. Server: irc.browsingtheinternet.com Channel: #nwr

11:33:21: The Nintendo Wii U Launch Presentation is less than 30 minutes away! Get ready, Japan!

11:45:02: We are 15 minutes away, folks! This is NWR Japan Correspondent Danny Bivens providing you all with the liveblog for this event today!

11:53:43: Less than 10 minutes to go!

11:56:41: Less than five minutes away now!

11:59:58: The event will be starting shortly.

12:00:37: Iwata takes the stage, and the even will last 20 minutes

12:01:00: Iwata talking about the Wii U preview tonight at 11 pm in Japan highlighting software

12:01:13: Iwata is explaining what kind of hardware teh Wii U is, holding it in his hand

12:01:19: Nintendo's first ever HD console

12:01:54: A lot of stuff we already know, full HD etc

12:02:07: 2 GB of main memory

12:03:15: 25 GB disc for Wii U

12:04:10: Reading speed is 22.5 MB/S

12:04:59: Wii U will use 75 watts of electricity

12:05:17: The Wii will have a "Wii mode" for Wii games

12:06:02: Iwata lists off lost of Wii U features we already know, NFC, speakers, etc

12:06:50: For comparisson with system power usage, PS3 uses 380W, slim, 250W max, the newest ones are closer to 75W average

12:07:54: The GamePad will have no latency when playing, for example, no lag with input

12:09:04: Talking about how the Wii was about gathering people into the living room and playing.

12:09:43: The Wii U catchphrase is both about playing with others and by yourself, as opposed to Wii, which was about bringing people together

12:10:41: This is an age where using two screens is common place for people, so that's why Nintendo decided to use two screens

12:11:32: Of course, as we know, playing games in the same room on Wii U while others watch TV is just fine

12:11:45: Miiverse stuff

12:11:59: talking about the basics of the Miiverse

12:12:20: Atsumareba Wii U, hitori de Wii U, emphasis again

12:13:42: New Super Mario Bros 2 and NintendoLand are launch titles for the Wii U

12:14:45: Mario U will be 5,980 yen at launch

12:15:59: Pricing for the Wii U Pro controller revealed: starts at 4800 yen and has another completely wireless version (?) for 5040 yen

12:16:07: Prices revelaed for gamepads

12:16:38: Wii U has two SKUs Wii console, gamepad, AC adapter Wii U GamePad AC adapter and HDMI cable, white

12:16:45: Premium set available, too

12:17:15: Basic set has 8 GB internal storagePremium set has 32 GB of internal memory

12:18:59: Premium set also comes with Wii U stand

12:19:41: 12/8 release, basic set 26,250 yen, premium set around 31,000 yen

12:22:05: A few other bits about the Premium Wii U set: gives user access to Nintendo Network Premium and runs through 12/2014. Users get 10% back on digital purchases. Also included is the controller stand

12:23:06: That will bring the event to a close. Be sure to check out NWR for more information about the Japan event later tonight as well as the events happening in the West.

6:58:52: So close now!

7:00:48: Okay, looks like we're underway!

7:03:16: The event in NYC hasn't quite started yet.

7:03:22: I stand corrected, here we go.

7:03:52: Reggie is onstage!

7:04:15: "This is a day that many of us have been looking forward to for quite awhile." You said it, brother.

7:04:36: "There are key questions to be answered. By the time we're done on stage, we'll hope to have provided all those answers."

7:04:43: Wii U launches in 66 days.

7:04:50: Launch day in US, Sunday November 18.

7:05:46: Reggie is harping on how innovating Nintendo has been in the past few years.

7:06:04: Gamers want to see if the Wii U GamePad can be as innovative.

7:06:16: There are 2 SKUs for US.

7:06:36: Basic Set includes Wii U, Wii U Gamepad, AC Adapter for each, HDMI cable, and Sensor Bar.

7:06:40: Basic set is White.

7:06:56: Deluxe set is Black, includes all items in basic set, more storage, gamepad charger, and stand for gamepad and console.

7:07:05: Deluxe Set includes NintendoLand

7:07:20: Purchases of Deluxe get enrolled in the Deluxe Digital Promotion

7:07:35: Points awarded for digital purchases, for use in buying more digital content.

7:07:59: There are no Wii Remotes or NunChuks bundled in because there are already so many of them out there.

7:08:50: Wii Remotes (Wii U Branded) will be appearing on store shelves .

7:09:01: Basic is 299.99, Deluxe is 349.99

7:09:25: New game announcements imminent.

7:09:52: Here come the games!

7:10:31: Reggie is pulling quotes from the gaming media. Interesting.

7:10:46: First up is NintendoLand.

7:11:00: Metroid feature for Nintendo Land is first up!

7:11:28: "Metroid has been re-imagined for Nintendo Land and Wii U."

7:11:33: Bill Trinnen is onstage.

7:12:04: "Team Attractions" will have you coming back, even if you're a core gamer.

7:12:13: Name of the game is "Metroid Battle"

7:12:25: Sorry, "Metroid Blast"

7:12:35: Looks like your Mii is dressed up like Samus.

7:12:53: Seems like some sort of arena battle.

7:13:02: ONe player controls Samus, one plyaer controls Samus' ship.

7:13:15: Samus is on the TV, Ship is on the GamePad.

7:13:30: Looks like they're destroying enemies cooperatively.

7:14:26: Looks like a pretty standard "point and shoot" kind of game with a neat Metroid skin.

7:15:17: Game supports more than two players... four seems likely.

7:15:52: The GamePad aiming is done via motion control.

7:16:12: Samus uses her grapple beam to travel around the arena.

7:16:21: There's also a "Ground vs. Air" multiplayer mode.

7:16:58: There are some solo attractions in Nintendo Land.

7:17:13: One more "Team Attraction" to show today - Pikmin Adventure.

7:17:43: Now New Super Mario Bros. U.

7:17:58: You can play as your Mii.

7:18:09: The map itself features something "new" - a wholly interconnected world.

7:18:17: The World map looks huge!

7:18:36: "Boost Rush" mode has you racing to complete forced scroll levels.

7:18:54: The Boost Rush mode will require GamePad coordination.

7:19:11: New mode: "Challenges"

7:19:18: Objective based mini-levels.

7:19:29: "Complete this level without touching the ground"

7:19:39: MiiVerse integration

7:19:47: More details on that are coming closer to launch.

7:19:54: Next up: "LEGO City Undercover"

7:20:12: You're undercover as Chase McCain

7:20:36: Chase McCain minifig will come as a preorder bonus.

7:20:56: LEGO City Undercover looks pretty great.

7:21:14: Reggie is back onstage!

7:21:45: That's just the start of the news.... more to come. But first, something completely different.

7:21:58: The most important non-gaming initiative Nintendo has ever produced.

7:22:22: "A broader entertainment experience"

7:22:31: Three pillars: Games, MiiVerse, and Entertainment

7:22:42: The third pillar... entertainment. It's new name is "Nintendo TV"

7:22:50: Nintendo TVii

7:22:59: They've been kicking this around for awhile

7:23:23: Wii U provides the technology leap needed for Nintendo TVii

7:23:27: Here's a preview video

7:23:48: Introducing a new way to find, watch, engage tv movies and sports.

7:24:01: Find your favorite programs on the GamePad

7:24:25: Looks like a TV guide browser. On Demand with Netflix, Hulu, TiVo...

7:24:39: It's a centralized hub for all of these video-on-demand channels Wii U provides

7:24:47: You can also tune into Live TV.

7:25:23: Get sports updates on the GamePad. tweet about the game!

7:25:48: Doesn't seem to directly interact with Cable providers, just a nice centralized hub for the content available on Wii U already.

7:26:16: Here comes Zach Fountain, director of Network Business for NoA.

7:26:33: "There are three parts to Nintendo TV"

7:26:49: First a personalized program guide for Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, and DVR, and tv channels.

7:26:57: Second, you can launch the program from the GamePad directly.

7:27:06: Third, once you're watching there are social interactions.

7:27:28: Everything for Nintendo TVii is GamePad.

7:27:37: Main screen has "Favorites, TV, Movies, Sports, and Search"

7:27:47: Supports multiple profiles via Miis.

7:28:14: TV Suggestions are based on your interests and sources.

7:28:25: "Popular" might mean your friends like it.

7:28:35: Recommendations can come from friends or Nintendo TVii

7:28:48: You can see what's on your favorite channels.

7:29:10: Tells you what episodes are available, and when new episodes are coming.

7:29:53: You can see which of your friends (and Facebook friends) have favorited a show.

7:30:22: You can buy episodes of TV shows directly from the GamePad.

7:30:50: Movie reviews are built in.

7:30:54: And trailers!

7:31:36: Next up, Sports. You can view games as a game card and get a quick update.

7:31:40: Sort by your favorite teams.

7:31:45: Search is powerful and simple.

7:32:04: Search pulls from all of your sources.

7:32:43: You can look through the interests of your family.

7:32:48: Everything in one place.

7:33:07: Built in remote looks like a series of scroll wheels.

7:33:31: Pulling up an episode of Modern Family.l

7:33:41: Looks like there are three available souces.

7:33:56: The TV begins playing the episode.

7:34:10: The GamePad shows thumbnails of moments during the episode.

7:34:18: You can comment and share out to Twitter or Facebook or MiiVerse

7:34:55: You can use the GamePad screen to get caught up on what's happened in the episode so far.

7:35:01: If you join in progress, you can scroll back and catch up.

7:35:22: The GamePad view shows a caption of the game. The TV shows the actual game.

7:35:53: This shows a tremendous amount of organization.

7:36:12: Nintendo TVii brings together what you watch and how you watch and make it simple again.

7:36:25: Nintendo has partnered with i.TV for this.

7:36:34: This will roll out in the US first.

7:37:26: It's always been our goal to maximize consumer value by what we include with the hardware purhcase.

7:37:35: This applies to Wii U, in a larger way.

7:37:51: Wii U is the only game console with a fully, seamlessly integrated second screen.

7:38:08: Delivers an integrated online gaming community, MiiVerse, at no extra cost.

7:38:36: Nintendo TVii will be on the show floor in NYC.

7:38:39: Back to the games!

7:38:49: Here comes Project P-100!

7:39:27: Nope! Bayonetta 2!~

7:39:45: Wii U exclusive!

7:39:51: Published by Nintendo!

7:40:05: New video for Project P-100, which has a new name.

7:40:49: This game looks incredible.

7:40:56: New name is "The Wonderful 101"

7:41:29: Also a Wii U exclusive

7:41:40: Next up, one more confirmation...

7:41:54: Capcom is bringing Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Wii U and 3DS in March 2013.

7:42:01: Wii U supports online multiplayer and local co-op.

7:42:12: 3DS/Wii U cross play!

7:42:28: Here comes the Activision Publishing CEO

7:42:43: Eric Hirshberg is on stage with Reggie

7:43:08: "Nintendo is bringing a lot of freshness to video games this November"

7:43:28: "The industry is going through a period of tremendous disruption right now"

7:44:58: Here come the specifics...

7:45:06: Sizzle reel!

7:45:18: Skylanders Giants is first.

7:45:40: Wipeout 3 (not the racing game)

7:45:49: Based on the ABC show.

7:46:15: Goldeneye 007! I think the subtitled was Legends, but it flashed by awfully quickly.

7:46:25: Transformers Prime: The Game

7:46:56: Yep, Goldeneye Legends

7:47:42: Skylanders Giants with the Wii U will have drag-and-drop and motion control.

7:48:08: Actually, I think it's just 007 Legends, not Goldeneye.

7:48:27: Transformers Prime is exclusive to Nintendo platforms.

7:48:36: One more game... CoD Black Ops 2.

7:48:46: Developed by Treyarch.

7:49:11: Black Ops 2 takes gamers into the near future, and looks great on Wii U.

7:49:38: Live demo of CoD.

7:50:08: The mode is "Combat training", against bots.

7:50:19: The map takes place in Singapore.

7:50:34: Obviously, this is the best looking Nintendo CoD.

7:50:44: Full HD, 60 frames per second.

7:51:00: Helicopter weapon!

7:51:20: Create-a-class gives players more choices on how to outfit the players, done on the GamePad.

7:51:48: Not just a novelty, enhances the gameplay experiences.

7:51:54: Supports the Wii Remote & Nunchuk.

7:51:59: And Wii U Pro Controller.

7:52:29: Split screen gaming now is GamePad + TV gaming.

7:52:38: You can play from the GamePad without using the TV at all.

7:53:42: Zombies are back and better than ever.

7:53:51: Coming this November.

7:54:00: Reggie's onstage again now.

7:54:26: CoD is playable on the show floor. We'll have some impressions up soon!

7:54:33: Still too soon to promise launch games.

7:54:47: The launch library will be the strongest for any NIntendo home platform in history.

7:55:13: Launch Window runs from 11/18 through 3/31/13

7:55:16: 50 games in total.

7:55:29: A full list of games flashing on the screen.

7:55:42: Along with the developers providing those games.

7:56:42: Reggie is wrapping this up.

7:57:29: Wii U GamePad will change the way you play games.

7:57:34: And that's it!

7:58:29: Sizzle reel going over games we've already seen before... ZombiU, Sing Party, Tekken Tag... etc.

7:59:04: Runner 2 footage!

7:59:31: Madden 13 looks good!

7:59:45: Yay, Pikmin 3

8:00:24: "How U Will Play Next" appears to the official slogan

8:00:46: And there goes the video feed. Thanks for joining me this morning. The countdown to November 18 begins!

Talkback

Muzy72September 12, 2012

Is the live blog mobile phone friendly?

It should work on iPhone/Android/Windows Phone, at least. I can't say how well it will work on earlier devices.

I must not hype.
Hype is the mind-killer.
Hype is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my hype.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the hype has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.

OreantaAlexandre Trottier, Contributing WriterSeptember 13, 2012

Despite school tomorrow, I'm going to be staying up writing a review and listening to the Japanese press event! When I wake up, I'll only have about two hours until I have to tune in once again for the North American event, during one of my courses. Yes, I could watch it later, but that's not quite as fun and exciting as watching it in the heat of the moment! Hooray for dedicated Nintendo fans! :D

tendoboy1984September 13, 2012

The Japanese event tonight is only 20 minutes long. Lame.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterSeptember 13, 2012

So tonight at 11pm is the games version in Japan. This is going to be fun!


In the Mario screens, it might have said "isn't it fun playing Mario online?" Big hint right there, going to check.

Video chat on the game pad while the game is running?

SarailSeptember 13, 2012

Quote from: Caterkiller

So tonight at 11pm is the games version in Japan. This is going to be fun!

10a.m. EST/7a.m. PST for North America, Cater.

Hopefully we'll hear and see (!) some good stuff. I want to see Dragon Quest X running on Wii U!

tendoboy1984September 13, 2012

This beats Nintendo's E3 conference by a mile.

2 SKUs - White is $300, Black is $350
Prices are reasonable and expected
Plenty of exclusive 3rd-party games:
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Zombi U
- Bayonetta 2
- Rayman Legends
- Monster Hunter 3 Unlimited

I'm so hyped right now. Time to trade in my PS3 and Wii. :)

PlugabugzSeptember 13, 2012

I really wanted a mention of online connectivity. Still unanswered questions.

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