Despite the increasing shift to mobile gaming with devices like the PlayStation Vita
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and Nintendo 3DS XL
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Among all the big names in gaming consoles, Nintendo is definitely among the top favorites. As a '90s kid, I associate much of my childhood with playing Nintendo games. I remember growing up with the...
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, consoles are still very popular devices for playing immersive, graphics-intensive games; and that won’t change anytime soon as long as the major console makers continue to improve with newer generations. Nintendo has been the first console maker to update its last-generation console, the Wii. As a result, we’re now greeted with the Wii U, ahead of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox (720). Luckily for us, we get to review this next-generation console; and for you, since you’ll have a chance to win one at the end of the review!
The original Nintendo Wii brought plenty of new ideas to console gaming. It focused on the movement of the unique Wiimote controllers in order to control gameplay. It enabled some popular, even iconic, titles such as Wii Sports that offered plenty of fun for everyone of all ages. However, the Wii wasn’t perfect, and the Wii U tries to address this as well as add more to the unique gameplay. These improvements, along with other details, are reviewed in detail below.
We’ve got ourselves the $350 Nintendo Wii U Deluxe, which includes 32GB of storage instead of just 8GB offered by the $300 Basic version. Plus, the Deluxe version offers several other goodies, so the additional $50 is worth paying.
The GamePad
The most important addition to the Wii U over the Wii is the GamePad. This device is basically an entirely separate computer that you can hold in your hands, except that it’s a highly advanced controller. Nintendo probably took inspiration from the DS portable console (read our review of the Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Review and Giveaway Among all the big names in gaming consoles, Nintendo is definitely among the top favorites. As a '90s kid, I associate much of my childhood with playing Nintendo games. I remember growing up with the... Read More ) and its dual-screen configuration, then created the GamePad to be used with the Wii U. However, the GamePad has its complexities and therefore, Wiimote controllers are still required for multiplayer gaming on the Wii U. We’ll get into that a bit later.
Now, gameplay with the Wii U isn’t entirely on your TV — the player using the GamePad controller will also be told to look down on their GamePad’s screen for additional gameplay features. This can be useful for a number of different purposes, such as:
- mirroring gameplay onto the device so the player doesn’t constantly have to look at the TV
- additional gameplay information which can be displayed on the GamePad’s screen so that the TV’s display is less cluttered
- additional modes of gameplay, such as hide-and-seek type games where one person hides (the user with the GamePad) and everyone else seeks (who use the TV screen). This type of gameplay would otherwise be impossible as the “sensitive” information would be displayed for all to see.
- the ability for the GamePad user to play his/her own mini-games while the TV isn’t set to accept the Wii U’s video input
The GamePad is loaded with functionality which makes it extremely capable. It includes a 6.2-inch, 158 ppi touchscreen display, along with a camera, microphone, home button, dual analog sticks, a directional-pad, gameplay buttons and triggers, and TV remote functionality. It even comes with a stylus in order to keep the touchscreen fingerprint-free. It is powered by its own Li-ion battery, which you can charge via the included micro-USB charger.
Packaging and First Thoughts
There’s plenty of stuff that comes with the Wii U. When you open the main box, you’ll find that you can pull out two individual compartments, each containing different items. Within the two compartments you’ll find:
- the Wii U console (32GB of storage with deluxe, 8GB otherwise)
- the GamePad
- the power supply
- the sensor bar
- an HDMI cable
- manuals for the Wii U
- Nintendo Land video game (deluxe only)
- a cradle for the GamePad (deluxe only)
- stands for the GamePad and console unit (deluxe only)
It’s all nicely organized, so you’ll easily find everything as long as you open up all the compartments. The rather compact sensor bar is only needed whenever you use a regular Wiimote controller. Also, although a sensor bar is included, Wii controllers aren’t and must be purchased separately. This is crucial if you wish to play with friends. It’s also important to note that only one GamePad can be connected to a Wii U at any time. Although you can have up to a maximum of 5 simultaneous players, only one person can use the GamePad; the others will have to use regular Wiimote controllers.
When I first took the Wii U out of its wrapping, I noticed that it’s rather small for a full-fledged console. The original Wii had this property as well, and Nintendo didn’t change the size but they did pack better hardware into the same amount of space. The front of the unit is rather simple — there’s the power and eject buttons, a slot to insert the game disc, and a compartment to swap out the hard drive if you choose to do so.
The backside of the unit has connections to support different devices, including the sensor bar, a TV via either HDMI or AV Multi Out, and two USB ports. There are plenty of ventilation ports along the sides, and a lone fan in the back to push out hot air. The risk of overheating is minimal as long as the console unit is sitting in a generously open space with good air movement.
Playing with the Wii U
It’s a blast to use the GamePad. You feel like you have a lot of control in your hands — and you certainly do. While it might not be the best controller to use for Wii Sports or Just Dance, it’s perfect for practically any other title. I would say that the controls are placed very well on the device so that all buttons can be easily accessible.
The GamePad is a bit on the heavy side, so while it is possible, it’s a bit hard to hold the device with just one hand. Children may have to hold it with both of their hands — especially because it’s best not to drop it. However, the build quality of the console as well as the GamePad are excellent, as you would expect from Nintendo. The GamePad is a bit more robust, however, simply because of how much it will be handled.
The GamePad brings a slightly different aspect to gameplay from the original Wii. The focus is now not entirely on movement, but more on traditional console gameplay as the Wii U borrows some ideas from the Nintendo DS. The GamePad still incorporates movement via the built-in accelerometer, which is why the Wii U doesn’t need the sensor bar unless you’re also using Wiimote controllers. While you can play all games with the GamePad, it may still be ideal to use the regular Wiimote controller and nunchuck for some titles such as Wii Sports.
Wii or Wii U?
The Wii U offers plenty of gameplay improvements that make it worthwhile to buy or upgrade from the Wii. First, an upgraded graphics processing unit from AMD allows for higher-resolution gameplay with fantastic 3D rendering, which addresses one of the main gripes about the original Wii. The addition of the GamePad also offers plenty of new options for game developers to tap into. While the higher-resolution graphics and GamePad can only be used with newer, Wii U titles; the Wii U is still very capable of playing all your favorite Wii titles using the standard Wiimote controllers. My college dormitory has a Wii U in its lobby for residents to play on, and it’s used daily with a number of fun titles.
The Mii framework allows multiple people to play on the Wii U and have data associated with them across multiple games. You need to create a Mii in order to play on the Wii U, and doing so is pretty fun. The GamePad can snap a picture of you and have the console create a Mii character that looks very similar to you. Of course, you can always fine tune the Mii before finalizing its look.
Pitfalls
While the Wii U is plenty of fun, and the new features keep the console very interesting, there are still a few downsides to consider. Firstly, the GamePad is so feature-loaded — it has to communicate wirelessly with the console in order to send control data and receive a video stream for its touchscreen — it’s essentially a computer in your hands. As such, the battery life of the GamePad is relatively low at just three and a half hours. This may not be ideal for hardcore gamers who have day-long gaming sessions, but other people may find the battery life to be decent enough — three and a half hours of gaming is still a good while. Although it’s not an ideal solution, it’s also possible to use the GamePad while charging it with the micro-USB cable. It’ll limit your mobility, but at least you’ll be able to use it for as long as you please.
Additionally, as the Wii U is still a Nintendo product, don’t expect to get many highly popular titles on the console that can otherwise be found on Sony or Microsoft consoles. Instead, many of the games that will be available are oriented towards children or families, or otherwise include iconic Nintendo characters. The Wii U is still better off in this regard than the original Wii, as there are titles available such as ZombiU.
Should you buy the Nintendo Wii U?
All things considered, the Wii U is still an impressive console that is capable of entertaining gameplay. It’s also great that the Wii U is among the more affordable consoles of the Big Three. I highly value the ability for the Wii U to play the older Wii games, as there are some titles that I wouldn’t quite want to give up. So whether you have yet to own a Wii console, or if you’re looking at upgrading from your original Wii, I would definitely recommend the new system.
How do I win the Nintendo Wii U?
Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form
Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
Explore more about: MakeUseOf Giveaway, Nintendo Wii U.
I would love to win one for my child
Plz send me a Wii U so bad
Please let me have the wii u my wii is broken it won't even turn on and I have nothing to play on and my sister will be leaving to go to basic training in january and my dad will be leaving for a deployment. PLEASE
hope I win
get me one console
are you sure this is real
so i brought the Wii u the other day and thought id do a little review. If any one was thinking of getting one don't listen to all the bad hype it has received. It is an amazing machine it hasn't got the power and graphics of the big hitters that are to come but it holds its own with its own style of beauty and unique game play. Its silent as a ghost while and quite small probably a quarter of the size of a 360. The new pad is awesome its basically a tablet which brings features that complement the console nicely. These features make it appealing as a entertainment system much like the new Xbox one in the fact that it does a load more then just play games. There are two draw backs though that i have ran into though. 1 the start up system updates can take ages so if you buy it as a gift its best to do this before giving it away especially if your giving it to a younger more inpatient person and 2 it does take a little while around 5 to 10 seconds to go back to the main menu from games and apps. The only other thing is the lack of defining games out at the moment but with huge titles in the pipeline plus the few that are out already its a good steal at only £260. It has the ability to become my favorite machine once it grows into its full potential.
I agree 10000% . Problem is I have a PS4 on pre order so my U will be getting used by the wife mostly.
But people don't know what they are missing because the U is an amazing console.
need to win this very badly lol...my son has been begging us for months now.
Woop Woop :) xx
Looks great. Lucky winner will be happy. ;-)
awesome..thanks for the chance.
Oh I really hope I get this. I played the 1st wii with the kids & we had so much fun. It kept everyone off the couch. Then the little one chewed the cord boo . Good luck all. You will have so much fun. fyi they have wii at the local senior center too.
What a beautiful prize. ;)
hope to win.
For me I like to buy Nintendo product because its cheaper, fun and easy to use. Nintendo company always give surprise to game industry and to gamers about their new product. Example Nintendo DS, this is the first portable console game that use touch screen features. After that, Nintendo Wii came out with first motion sensor features for console. Then is the Nintendo 3DS, the first 3D screen game for portable console. lastly the Nintendo Wii U, the first touch screen controller for console.
The new Nintendo Wii U, change a lot in games industry because of the first time touch screen for game controller. So most of the games industry went to Wii U for making games that integrate with touch screen controller.
I have a friend that has Wii U. Then I tried to play the Wii U games. After the result, IT WAS FUN! because some games need to move (just like old wii) and use a touch screen a lot.
I do not have Nintendo Wii U. So if I win, I can save some money that I collecting for buying Wii U games.
Hopefully I'll get this!
Wii U's controller is a bit weird for a console though, but I think it's just me.
Great giveaway! Thank you!
At last Nintendo has come up with something innovative!
let my luck give me support...
Yes! I am sure that I will win a prize this time. (???)
Yes I've been waiting for a new game system for years, this will fulfill my gaming hunger.
Thank you for precise reviews & giveaway.
Hopefully can win.
Good luck everybody....
Hope it's my turn now.
Wii Mii, Wii Mii, pWii's:)
I hope I win! Good luck everyone!
Does a person who has won a previous giveaway has equal chance of winning another one?
I have never owned a gaming console. I wish I could win this one.
this is a great game to have around the house for the family thanks I was not sure if I entered yet sorry if i did but i dont' recall
You others that have left comments have wasted your time, because IT'S ALL MINE HAHAHAHA!
That would make an awesome gift for my son :)
A free new Wii? perfect Bday Present for a boy turning 10 =)
Joined to win! I haven't own any Gaming Consoles! It's a first if i won! ;) Good Luck all!
I played Nintendo since I was a kid....
Love to win this.
Hoping to win a WiiU!!!
Your review just makes me want this system even more so!
my son would love this
My Son really wants one of these, however, I'm on disability and can no way afford one. He'll be graduating from college soon and this would be wonderful to give to him.
I just wish I could do more to show him how proud I am of him!
woot! ok guys now this ones mine
woot! ok guys now this ones mine
Brill giveaway count me in & thanks.
Hoping to win
I really appreciate these reviews
I really appreciate these reviewss
This would be nice. We haven't had a new video game console since our Nintendo 64.........................
I need more stuff. I don't have enough stuff
Yeah !
looks like it would be fun
I would really, really, really, really like to be chosen for this one this time. Please choose me!
GREAT GIVEAWAY.
HOPE TO WIN.
You forget one important thing.
Wii U isnt next gen, it has the same power a ps3 and xbox360 have now.
Its outdated. It may be a new product but on old technology.
Its like building a old timer car, from new raw materials, and saying its the latest newest invention...
So comparing prices to the new ps4 and xbox is ridiculous.
Better compare it to ps3 and xbox360.
Then you come to one conclusion; The Wii U is a outdated piece of hardware, sold as the next new thing, with the only improvement being the controller and HD
So bassicly its a improved Wii... Where you could just use 1 new controller on the console....
Would people bought the ps3 if it was a ps2 in HD? With the psp as a solo controller?
Nintendo will be a third party publisher in the near future. They will only sell games and gaming hardware like controllers.
Like sega they will shift to that spot.
This will be a good thing, because Nintendo has proved to be a superb gameplay developer, but a bad next-gen tech developer.
They have very good ideas on how to reshape gaming, but cant keep up on the tech part.
This shift will focus their power on their strongest point; Gameplay.
The Wii U is awesome. Better graphics, sound, game play, actually better everything than the PS3 and 360, I have all three. (But I have a PS4 on preorder sooooooooo these will all collect dust soon.)
this is good, hoping to get this one for the first time.
Hope to win :) Fingers crossed.
My son has a gaming channel and he is 9 years old. I would love to get him one!
Why make it so hard to enter?
This looks like fun! Hope I win!!
One for the Grandkids.
Thank You.
Amazing! Wow! wow! wow! Thanks!
Hope i win!
would to have one
would be an asset to my life thanks
my kids got Nintendo 3DS but this is much better.
I really really really need this Wife does not let me buy any game systems anymore:(
I really really really need this.
Wife does not let me buy game systems anymore:(
Wow, my kids would love this!
Weird. I filled out the form, submitted it, and it says something went wrong. Yet I still get an email confirming my entry. This has happened everytime I enter a contest. What's the deal?
Make Use Of is really a great resource to me and others of that I am quite sure!You have made me aware of alot that I probably would have never known or learned! What a great service and tool for all of us to have available for our use.I wish to thank you for all your efforts and all that you do for us all!! Thank you very very much!
It's time for me to win!! :-}
I would love one as gaming helps me reduce the amount of morphine I take. Gaming takes me out of the world of pain for a short while. And for that short while I am somewhere else blocking a lot of the intense pain
This is awesome!
I have a Wii fit and never use it. I am definitely a PS kinda gal. But the WIIU might bring me back to playing with the WII again. Who knows.......
Good luck everyone!
I <3 Nintendo. I hope I win. :)
done
I think my kids would love this!
I would love to win this for my sons.
Pick me! Pick me! PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
WIIU!
reminds me of Kung pow a bit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JElywbkSbY
I want! I want!!
Would love to win this for my son!
Let the game begin!
Great review!
Covers all that I need to know so that I can go and get one (or maybe win this one!!)
i'll win this
I'm wondering how it is for little hands? Like my 5 year old's?
never to old for one of this :)
Love this product. Hoping for a win!!
My Grandson would mow the lawn for this forever!!!!
My kids would LOVE this!
I wanna win this giveaway
I'm ready to try this with my Wii console, the grandpa will love it!
Thanks For The Giveaway :-)
Awesome. Stop.
Being an avid gamer and owning every Nintendo major console including portables since the NES, I can't believe it myself but I passed on buying it on launch. It seriously doesn't have the game power making it worth buying at the moment.
Until more games get released you should get the Wii U mini aka Nintendo 3DS XL where Nintendo it putting much more of it's focus on. Of course I won't pass up on trying to win this so TY MUO for the giveaway.
I'm in !!
Good luck to all!
Wii U, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! And please review the next psIV to be release. Thanks so much for this great giveaway
great review makes me really want one cant wait for a mario kart to come out on this it will be amazing
I Have a friend who owns a Wii U. It is a little difficult to hold, but it certainly is worth it for the extra touch screen. And the screen does not even feel small when you are playing. Its more like an extra tool that you use for the game.
If there ever was a time to win it would be now x3 Good Luck everyone
Boy, I want this bad!
Giving this a shot. A Wii U could be a great way to relax at the end of the day.
Wow... nice deal for Giveaway... hope to win it...
well if I win this, it goes to my son but I still want to win
Very nice giveaway, good luck everyone!
Good luck to everybody! Let's see who earns this lucky mushroom! XD
Nintendo is classic.
Thank you
Nice review! You guys are awesome :) Thanks for this. I never stop hoping.
wow awesome ive never owned a console all my life i wish this becomes my first one!
My fingers are crossed! Thank you for the review and giveaway.
WII U.. Nintendo has always come up with new technology.. They Build 1st motion technology game, First 3d gaming handleld which uses parallex for displaying 3D without glasses. & Now this.. A touch screen controller which bind with console & best part is the steaming & interface betwwen screens are Seemless.
Great Give away of the omnth.. 1st 3D XL & then WII U..
Who ever is going to win this is gonna be lucky..
Wanna win this
hope i win
I wish I could win this time....
in it to win it :)