Wii U

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The Wii U console and its controller, the Wii U gamepad. This is the version that was demonstrated and showcased at E3 2012.

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The Wii U gamepad being used to display a level map in Pikmin 3.

The Wii U is the most recent home console by Nintendo, and the successor to the Wii. The Wii U is Nintendo's sixth home console and is capable of displaying high-resolution graphics similar to the Xbox 360 and the PS3.

The Wii U comes with a new type of controller, the Wii U GamePad. This new controller's main features are the embedded touchscreen and its ability to display games featuring Off-TV Play Support, after the television has turned off.

You are allowed to play the games with a Wii remote, or a new upgraded version of it that has the wii motion plus built in. You can now have up to five players. The Wii u will also come with features such as nintendo TVii, Miiverse, and Internet.

This console has many launch titles from first party developers and third party developers. Some first party developer games are: New Super Mario Bros. U, Pikmin 3, NintendoLand, and more . 'Some third party developer games are The Amazing Spiderman: Ultimate Edition, Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition, Zombie u, COD: Black Ops II, Darksiders II, Assassin's Creed III, and more.

The Wii U, aside from its unique controller, will also have a secondary controller (sold separately) called the Wii U Pro Controller. This controller features the same button layout as the gamepad, but on a more compact design with no touchscreen, for use by the more "core gamers."

Due to the Wii U's processing power and overall performance, the Wii U arguably holds the place of the world's most powerful console once it launches, with capabilities surpassing that of the Xbox360 and PS3.

Backwards Compatibility

The Wii U has backwards compatibility with all Wii games. It is not, however, capable of playing Gamecube games or allowing the use of Gamecube peripherals.

However, many games from the Gamecube and earlier consoles will be available for purchase as virtual console titles.

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Another shot of the controller.

Pikmin 3

In 2007, Miyamoto first hinted about the possibility of Pikmin 3. Finally, after 5 years of showing nothing, Pikmin 3's Wii U adaption (formerly a Wii title) was shown at E3 2012. It was the first official game ever announced for the Wii U. Pikmin 3 was showcased to be able to display the Wii U's primary functionalities, from displayed stunning HD graphics, from enhanced gameplay options and mechanics, even to the use of the gamepad's addition screen.

Pikmin 3 is currently set to be released in the Spring of 2013 in Japan, August 4th in America, and the 25th July in Europe.

Trivia

• Not including the Gamecube versions of Pikmin and Pikmin 2, the Wii U can play all of the Pikmin games.