Nintendo Announces Wii U To Be Released In 2012!!

This just might change things. Nintendo announced during its E3 2011 keynote address that its Project Cafe is known as the Wii U, a successor to the original Wii headed to stores in 2012. The console features a 6.2-inch touch pad controller that can stream game content between itself and the console, play games on its own, offer video chat and more. The new controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analog Circle Pads. This combination removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world. The rechargeable controller includes a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. It includes a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble feature, camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip and a stylus. During their E3 presentation, Nintendo showed a wide array of scenarios the new controller can be used for. Perhaps my favorite is the ability to transfer what you’re playing from the TV to the screen on the controller! That means the next time someone wants to ruin your fun by stealing the TV from you, you can simply move all the fun to the screen you hold in your hands! This functionality is only the start, though. Various in-game views can be achieved and publisher EA noted exciting possibilities like moving the play selection screen in Madden off the big screen and onto the privacy of your controller. If you play Madden with friends, you know how awesome this would be. Unfortunately, Nintendo has yet to release any details on pricing or exact availability (sometime in 2012), but I’m guessing we’ll probably see the Wii U hit the market with a $349.99 - $399.99 price tag or somewhere thereabouts. As for the new controller, I can see those being marketed for between $79.99 - $99.99, easy. If you will notice in the video, Nintendo shows the Wii U being controlled with regular old Wii controllers. This means the new controller won’t be a necessity for all games, thus leaving room for the new controller to be a luxury (though one will obviously come with the purchase of a Wii U). You can purchase all of your Nintendo Wii U cables right here at ConnectZone. Check out our selection in the HDMI Cable tab. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook. What are your thoughts on the new Nintendo Wii U? Let us know if the comments below.