Today, Nintendo Co., Ltd. in Japan has announced crucial launch information for the upcoming Wii U console. Please keep in mind that this information should only be applied to the Japanese hardware, as many times PAL and NTSC-U regions have different launch dates, pricing, bundles, and available launch titles. You can look forward to the North American Press Conference to take place September 13, 2012 at 7:00 am (PT)/ 10:00 am (ET).
THE CONFERENCE IS NOW OVER. SOFTWARE CONFERENCE WILL HAPPEN LATER TONIGHT. (ARCHIVE)
Special thanks to Cheesemeister for providing live English updates!
Details revealed:
Wii U Launch Date: Saturday, December 8th
Wii U Launch Price:
(Keep in mind that the exchange rate is not always an indicator of price in PAL/NTSC-U regions)
Black 32GB Premium: ¥31,500 (¥30,000 before tax)
White 8GB Basic Set: ¥26,250 (¥25,000 before tax).
New Super Mario Bros. U: ¥5985
Nintendo Land ¥4935
Pro Controller: ~¥5000
Gamepad: ¥13,440
Hardware Information: Wii U supports full HD 1080p, uses a “GPGPU.” Main mem: 1 GB. System: 1 GB. Total: 2GB.
Games use only 1 GB of main memory. System memory is for OS. Game discs 25 GB, 22.5 MB/s.
Ships with HDMI cable.
The Wii U consumes up to 75 watts of electricity.
Typical power usage is 45 watts. Wii accessories can be used, as can Wii games.
You can import your Virtual Console and Wii Ware games from the Wii.
Headphone jack is on top of the Gamepad.
Plays games and video.
Low latency means you won’t feel lag while using the gamepad.
Multiplayer is possible using a GamePad and several Wii remotes. Dual-screen play possible.
Play without the TV possible.
Miiverse is the system-level social network interface. Includes vertical stand.
Gamepad stand will be made available separately for Basic owners.
Both bundles include one Game Pad and AC adapters
Launch Games:
New Super Mario Bros. U (both retail & digital on launch day)
Nintendo Land (standalone – not a pack-in)(both retail & digital on launch day)
More Wii U software will be showcased at 11 pm Japan Time
Misc. Details
Nintendo Network Premium provides points for purchases, 10% back on digital purchases.
Nintendo Network Premium runs through 12/2014. Premium includes controller stands.
The Nintendo Network Premium discount point program is available only with the Wii U Premium Set. Aimed at heavy downloaders.
Special thanks to Cheesemeister for providing live English updates!
