Nintendo released a broadcast, spoken in English by Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata, detailing many of the new functionalities of the upcoming Wii U console. Nintendo looks to one-up its previous console in innovation with regard to how users interact with the games they play. These new features range from how the games are played to how the user interacts with others.
The first big development shown was integration between the Wii U screen and your television screen. Nintendo is looking to add more layers of interactivity with their new controller, improved since prototype stages shown before. One of the uses for the Wii U screened controller included showing a golf ball on a tee while the open golf range was on the television. They also touted their concept of ‘asymmetric’ gameplay where players in the same game could interact but with dissimilar goals and views.
Iwata stressed the use of gyroscope technology that would use intuitive motions rather than relying on button presses to shave down the learning curve for those less familiar with the mechanics of gaming. As was with the original Wii, Nintendo looks to be creating a system based around accessibility rather than raw power, even though they have made improvements to the graphical hardware included in the Wii U, allowing for higher integrated graphics.
The other big announcement was the new Miiverse; essentially a hub for communications between players on their consoles. Here players will be able to talk with one another, discuss content, and join each other to play games. Though not many solid details were given about Miiverse, it is known that there will be some intercommunication between Wii U and 3DS users. Expect to learn more about this service as the show continues.
Some additional news about the Wii U include its improved dual thumbstick arrangement, allowing for a more traditional controller feel. The other being that the Wii U will support backwards compatibility with Wii games and the Wii controller.
(Via Electronic Theatre)