The presentation opened with the sentiment of “creating something unique”. Iwata hopes many of our thoughts this week will be “that was unique”… in a good way, of course.
The book “Alone Together” was cited during the feed. Iwata was concerned with the problem of people being together but separated by the ‘walls’ of their devices.
Nintendo’s goal with Wii U was to create something that helps unite people versus dividing them, whether they’re in the same room or some distance apart. The Wii U is meant to break down the ‘walls’ alluded to above.
Wii U Game Pad shown, inspired by NES nickname in the 1980s.
* Analog sticks are NOT Circle Pads like on 3DS, they’re more akin to the Gamecube / N64 controller. They CAN be pushed down for control. They have also redesigned back and bottom layers for comfort.
* NFC Reader / Writer: Place cards or figures (think Skylanders here) on this. Game Pad can become a fully infared TV remote, as shown.
Differences between Wii-U dual-screen play and DS gameplay are highlighted. Games will be shown at E3 this week. It’s a touch screen that can enhance gameplay in “unprecedented ways”.
The Wii U Game Pad also senses movement with Motion and Gyro sensing. “By using more intuitive motions to control the game, players of ALL skill levels can enjoy the game”.
Wii U will support ALL previous forms of Wii Control.
The Wii U Pro Controller is shown. It is lighter and “more attractive” than the Game Pad.
I should go into why I have “non-specific action figure” in my notes, but… I’m going to leave that one alone. I don’t think any words can describe what was seen there. Here’s a video; I imagine it will make you think “that was…unique”.
** The Wii U Menu is shown at the end of that promo video; it features Mii characters crowding around game logos. The term “Mii Wara Wara” is introduced. It means something in Japanese pertaining to the general noise and commotion created by such a crowd.
The Wii U Menu will show you, your friends, and people playing popular games from your region / around the world.
When you launch the Wii U Menu, the Game Pad will have apps, but the TV will display the menu interface. The Mii characters gather around the games they’re playing, which include ALL the most popular titles at the time, even if you don’t own them.
.
They’re calling this “menu” the Miiverse. It’s a place where Miis from around the world can meet and connect. It can be activated without the need to terminate play.
Here’s a few distinctive elements:
– Mii Communication can occur via text messaging. Hand written notes and doodles can also be shared. Facial expressions can help communicate emotions.
– One can post screenshots and created content from his own game to be viewed by another system and possibly enhance the gameplay experience of the other person.
The engaging concept of Miiverse involves the share of information plus a new degree of empathy between players. Scenes from a Mario game where individuals are reacting to a person dying right by the flagpole were shown.
Players will be able to compete with others online. But with the Miiverse, even in a single player game can offer a sense of “connections” between friends / others.
These social connections WILL be possible outside of the home—later, Miiverse will be available on Nintendo 3DS, PC, and other devices.
The presentation closed with a quote from Miyamoto: “A great idea solves multiple problems at the same time.”
Iwata believes the Wii U has solved the problems posed in “Alone Together” by creating a way that players can interact with one another regardless of whether their experiences are isolated or competitive.
