Wii U

File:Wii U console and controller.jpg

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

The Wii U is Nintendo's seventh home console – and the successor of the Wii – released on November 18 in North America, November 30 in Europe and Australia, and December 8, 2012 in Japan. The primary feature of the Wii U is the Wii U GamePad, which features a 6.2-inch touchscreen. This screen can be used to provide different views into the game's world, and titles featuring Off-TV Play can be displayed entirely on it, leaving the television free to be used for something else while gaming.

The GamePad has the buttons of a standard controller, with dual analog sticks, triggers and D-pad, plus a front facing camera, microphone, Near Field Communication capability, gyroscope and accelerometer. It is able to function as a universal TV remote control that does not require the Wii U to be turned on.

The Wii U is backwards compatible with Wii software and controllers, meaning Wii games such as the New Play Control! versions of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 can be played on the Wii U. In addition, some games require the use of a Wii Remote, even if only for the additional players. GameCube games and accessories will have limited compatibility in the future.

Aside from its unique controller, it also has 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 "hardcore gamers".

Pikmin games

Pikmin 3 is made for the Wii U and was released in mid-2013. Pikmin 3 displays the ability to display a overhead view of the gameplay map and use the Wii U GamePad for control, in addition to using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk as in the New Play Control! Pikmin titles. Unlike these games, however, Pikmin 3 features Wii Motion Plus capability.

Nintendo Land, a launch title for the console, features 12 mini-games based off Nintendo franchises; one of these is Pikmin, and its mini-game is called Pikmin Adventure.

While not a Pikmin game, the Wii to Wii U System Transfer Tool features a Pikmin animation for both copying from the Wii and copying on the Wii U.

Trailers

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Gallery

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  A black Wii U.

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  The Wii U GamePad.

• Gamepad.jpg

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

External Links

• Nintendo Wiki's article on the Wii U
• Official Wii U Website
• Details of Wii U Features
• YouTube video showing the Wii to Wii U System Transfer Tool