Techno World: Nintendo's Wii U Revolutionizes Gaming

On November 18, the "Big N" (Nintendo) released their sixth home console-the Wii U. Not to be confused with the Wii (which debuted in 2006), the Wii U is an entirely new console that features a tablet like controller called the GamePad and high definition graphics-a first for Nintendo.
The new console will feature many different services that other platforms already offer, like online voice chat, leader boards, and accomplishments, as well as new ones such as the social network called Miiverse and Nintendo TVii, among others. You can also use many different controllers, including the GamePad, Wii remotes, the Classic Controller, and the Pro Controller, which has been said to resemble an Xbox 360 controller.
When you power on your sleek and shiny Wii U, the first thing you will see is something called the WaraWara Plaza, which shows groups of Mii characters huddling under game icons. These Mii's represent your online friends and other gamers in the United States playing the same games as you. The user interface will be displayed on the GamePad, which is used to launch games and other applications; you can toggle between the two screens.
Games are clearer, crisper and more fluid on the Wii U than on other platforms. For example, "Assassin's Creed III," the popular game from Ubisoft, runs at 1080p/60fps on the Wii U versus 720p/30fps on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, and it has other features such as a second screen for displaying maps and weapons for easy wielding.
The Wii U comes in two bundles and is completely backwards compatible with Wii games and accessories. The basic bundle, which will run you $300, comes with a white 8GB Wii U, the GamePad, AC adapters for each, an HDMI cable and a sensor bar. The deluxe bundle, at $350, comes with a 32GB black Wii U, the GamePad, AC adapters for each, an HDMI cable, a sensor bar, console stands, a GamePad stand, a GamePad charging cradle, the game "Nintendo Land" and a Nintendo Network Premium account.
I purchased a 32GB Wii U on launch day and can say that Nintendo has once again revolutionized the way we play games and interact with our television. The GamePad introduces a new way of gaming called "asymmetric gameplay," meaning the person with the tablet controller can a have a different view than the other players on screen.
The GamePad, with its 6.2 inch resistive touch screen can also be used to play Wii U games without a TV. My brother came in wanting to watch TV as I playing. Before, it was an issue, but now it's not. With a simple setting, the game can be played entirely on the GamePad while my brother enjoys TV.
The Wii U is a huge step for not only Nintendo but gaming in general. Within a year after its announcement at E3 2011, Nintendo's competitors announced similar features that mimic the GamePad's unique functionality.
Overall the Wii U is a solid and powerful entertainment machine that offers intuitive controls, controller variety, HD graphics and asymmetric gameplay. Be sure to find me in Miiverse and online at Nintendo ID: dave_quatroxx.