Wii U

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The Wii U console and its controller, the Wii U gamepad. This is the version that was deomanstrated 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 upcomming home console by Nintendo, and the successor to the Wii. The Wii U is Nintendo's sixth home sonsole and will be capable of displaying high-resolution reminescent of Nintendo's competitors, like the Xbox 360 and the PS3.

The Wii U will come with an extraodinary controller, the Wii U gamepad. This new controller's main two features are the embedded touchscreen, and its ability to use said touchscreen for displaying games, even after the television screen has turned off.

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

Backwards Compatibility

The Wii U will be backwards compatible with all Wii games. It will not be, however, capable of playing Gamecube games or peripherals.

However, all games from Gamecube and other consoles before that 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 (formally 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 a launch titles for the Wii U. While neither's release date or price have been announced yet, retailers such as Gamestop already allow preorder for Wii U games and accessories, but not the Wii U itself.