Wii U Launches in Europe on the 30th November

Well folks, the Nintendo Direct Wii U Preview has come and gone, and we still don’t know how much it is going to be! What we do know, however, is that there are a ton of games available on launch, and there are some pretty huge Wii U exclusives in the pipeline courtesy of Platinum Games.

To cap it all off, a new Monster Hunter has always been announced – virtually guaranteeing success for the console in Japan.

So what do we know about the console? Well we know that there will be two packs available on launch.

The Wii U Basic Pack features a Wii U console with 8GB internal storage and a Wii U GamePad, both in white. The Wii U Premium Pack contains a black Wii U console and Wii U GamePad, and with 32GB of internal storage provides more space for downloadable digital content. The Premium Pack also contains a stand for the GamePad and console, a charging cradle for the GamePad, a sensor bar and the Nintendo Land software. Both packs also feature an HDMI cable and AC adapters for console and GamePad. The Wii U Premium Pack also features a reward programme called Nintendo Network Premium that grants points for digital purchases in Nintendo eShop. Valued at around 10% of the original Nintendo eShop price, this credit can be used against future purchases once you reach a minimum of 500 points.

Existing Wii owners will be pleased to hear that nearly all Wii peripherals will be compatible with the Wii U console – with neither hardware pack including a Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii owners won’t need to repurchase peripherals they already own. For players who don’t already own a Wii console, Nintendo has created a Wii Remote Plus Additional Set containing a Wii Remote Plus controller, Nunchuk and sensor bar. Most Wii download software is also compatible with Wii U, meaning previously purchased WiiWare and Virtual Console titles will be transferable to the Wii U console. This is an excellent idea from Nintendo, and I hope that it is simple to carry out this task, as I am not keen on losing all of the Virtual Console games I stupidly shelled out for over the last half a decade or so.

What of the games? It is fair to say that the launch line up is very strong.

There are huge third party releases like FIFA 13 and Call of Duty Black Ops II, THQ’s impressive Darksiders II, as well as interesting looking new IP ZombiU from Ubisoft and the exciting looking RAYMAN LEGENDS to go along with the expected New Super Mario Bros. U, and Premium bundle title Nintendo Land.

Bayonetta 2 and the Wonderful 101 are the two new Platinum Games titles that shocked and delighted us – Bayonetta 2 speaks for itself and is a huge coup for Ninty. The Wonderful 101 is a new alien invasion-themed actioned helmed by tHideki Kamiya, the man behind Baynonetta.

There were a shedload of other games mentioned which are all promised around the launch window, including NBA 2K13, 007 Legends, Transformers PRIME, Skylanders Giants, Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Mass Effect 3: Special Edition, Madden NFL 13, Trine 2: Director’s Cut, Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U Edition, Tank! Tank! Tank!, Rise of The Guardians, Ben 10 Omniverse, Family Party: 30 Great Games, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, SiNG Party, LEGO City Undercover, Game & Wario, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Shin’en, Nano Assault Neo, Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper, Toki Tori 2, Assassin’s Creed III, just Dance 4, Marvel Avengers: Battle For Earth, Rabbids Land, Your Shape – Fitness Evolved 2013, Sports Connection, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Game Party Champions and Batman Arkham City: Armoured Edition.

Trine 2, Toki Tori 2 and Nano Assault Neo are all playable on the Wii U Gamepad alone, and are going to be downloadable from the Nintendo eShop.

So then folks, that is it for the time being – of course GodisaGeek will be first with all of the latest Wii U news, so please watch this space.