Darkain Arts Gamers

Nintendo of America unveiled the release date and price the the Nintendo Wii U in North America at a press event Thursday morning, just seven hours after Nintendo of Japan had their press announcement. Much of the specific of the console packages were the same as in Japan, but the United States and Canada will be getting the consoles three weeks earlier. Wii U will be released on Sunday November 18th, 2012.

Two retail packages will be available, with an 8GB ‘basic’ set available in white only and a 32GB ‘deluxe’ set available in black only. The delux set comes with not only more memory but also the GamePad charging cradle and will be bundled with NintendoLand.

Basic set – white (8GB) – $299.99
– Wii U
– Wii U GamePad
– AC adapter for console and GamePad
– HDMI cable
– Wii U sensor bar

 
 
 
Deluxe set – black (32GB) $349.99
– Wii U
– Wii U GamePad
– AC adapter for console and GamePad
– HDMI cable
– Wii U sensor bar
– More memory
– GamePad charging cradle
– Stands for GamePad and console

A brand new ‘pillar’ was also unveiled for the first time and is a way Nintendo plans to bring together gaming, tv and movies. Called “Nintendo TVii” the built in package will bring together your DVR, video on demand services and live TV right on your GamePad, which acts like a program guide and also allows you to choose and stream from Netflix, your personal DVR or switch to a tv channel of your choice.

During programming the GamePad will also display social information and allow you to share your viewing experience to Facebook or even tweet about the show you’re watching right from the GamePad. Sports fans will also have a more immersive experience with updates and stats available right at their fingertips. Recommendations and favourites can be set for multiple members of the family which can instantly update you what is new for you.

Nintendo TVii will be built in to every Wii U console and will have no upfront cost or monthly fee for use. It will only be available in the United States and Canada to start.

Games were of course displayed, including NintendoLand and New Super Mario Bros. U, both of which will be available on launch. The Metroid level of NintendoLand was showcased and played live, showing one player on the ground fighting multiple enemies while a second player played using the separate screen of the GamePad to provide aerial support.

A new challenge mode was shown for New Super Mario Bros U which has time challenges as well as specific goals to complete, like completing the level without touching the ground. Gamers can play as their Mii characters as well.

Other games shown and announced include:

– Lego City Undervocer (Nintendo) [lego man preorder bonus while supplies last]
– The Wonderful 101 (Nintendo)
– Wii Fit U (Nintendo)
– Game & Wario (Nintendo)
– Pikmin 3 (Nintendo)
– SiNG Party (Nintendo)
– ZombiU (Ubisoft)
– Assassins Creed III (Ubisoft)
– Rabids Land (Ubisoft)
– Sports Connection (Ubisoft)
– Just Dance 4 (Ubisoft)
– Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2013 (Ubisoft)
– Rayman Legends (Ubisoft)
– The Avengers: Battle for Earth (Ubisoft)
– Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Activision)
– Bayonetta 2 (Sega/Platinum Games) – Wii U exclusive
– Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed (Sega)
– Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Capcom) – Wii U and 3DS (March 2013)
– Tank! Tank! Tank! ()
– Batman: Arkkam City Armoured Edition (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)
– Scriblenauts Unlimited (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)
– Mass Effect 3 (Electronic Arts)
– FIFA 13 (EA Sports)
– Madden NFL 13 (EA Sports)
– NBA 2K13 (2K Sports)
– Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge (Nintendo)
– Darksiders II (THQ)
– Skylanders Giants (Activision)
– Transformers Prime The Game (Activision)
– Wipeout 3 (Activision)
– 007 Legends (Activision)
– Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U Edition (Namco Bandi Games)
– Toki Tori 2 (Two Tribes)
– Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (Disney Interactive)
– Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (Gaijin Games)
– Trine 2: Director’s Cut (Frozenbyte Inc.)
– Nano Assault Neo (Shin’en)