Wii U at last year’s show
Last year, Nintendo created quite a stir at the Electronic Entertainment Expo when it unveiled, for the first time to a public audience, its next-generation game system – the Wii U. The system is basically made up of two parts – there’s the main unit that sits on the shelf, like the normal Wii would, and then there’s tablet controller which comes with dual analog sticks, a high definition touch screen, buttons and seamless interactivity with your television.
Throughout the tech demo, Nintendo revealed the many uses for the Wii U in numerous games, like using it to pitch a ball into someone’s glove, or flicking ninja stars at targets that scroll onto the screen. Wii Fit-style uses are also revealed, so you can see your weight in secret or keep track of personal items.
In addition, several third party publishers announced that they were on board with the Wii U, including THQ, who is bringing Darksiders II to the system; WB, who’s working on a modified port of Batman: Arkham City; Tecmo, who wants to bring Ryu Hayabusa’s blood-spilling Ninja Gaiden III to the platform; and Namco, who’s on board with a new Tekken title.
Despite all these announcements – and an interesting showcase on the E3 2011 show floor with various tech demos – the excitement faded shortly following the announcement, due to the lack of any genuine games for the system. Sure, a Zelda HD demo was teased, and looked mighty impressive on the little tablet, but it was non-interactive, save for multiple camera views. It left people wondering if Nintendo really meant business with this new device.
Now’s the time for Wii U details
Now, fast forward to a year later. The company is ready to come out of the games with a slew of new information for the Wii U. Though it stated that it’s not likely to reveal a price and release date at the event, don’t be surprised if it changes its mind, especially if Microsoft hints at its new Xbox hardware that’ll be revealed officially at next year’s event. With that, we ask the question…
What will Nintendo announce for Wii U at E3 2012?
The answer – plenty. Nintendo won’t hold back on showing some of the games for the system at this year’s event, which means you can expect even a longer line at their booth, winding around corners and even outside the door. They’ve already confirmed two big titles will be showing at the event.
Confirmed Mario and Pikmin
The first is the latest Mario game, and while details are being carefully hidden we expect an experience that will truly show off what the Wii U can do. Furthermore, it’ll be a launch title, marking the first time that the plumber has debuted his game with a system launch in what seems like ages.
As for the second, it’s none other than Pikmin, a strategic action series that first got its start on the GameCube a long time ago. With the Wii U, you can expect a new item management system to be put in place, along with dazzling new graphics that will bring the Pikmin’s world to life – and make them look even better than ever. You can also expect some new tricks to be implemented into the game, and possibly even online multiplayer.
Never-before-seen games
In addition, Nintendo will announce other big projects in the works for the Wii U. While Super Smash Bros. is still a ways off (it should be announced and shown off at E3 2013), we will possibly see a new game in the F-Zero series, as well as a possible new entry for StarFox and his team. There are also rumors that Metroid will once again be making a comeback, with Retro Studios firmly at the helm, practically guaranteeing that it’ll be a new release in the Prime series.
Third parties out in force
Third parties will also be out in droves with their software. Ubisoft has already promised a number of Wii U titles that they’ll have on the floor, including the possible ports of Assassins Creed III and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, as well as the teased exclusive Rayman Legends, among other games. WB should have its version of Batman: Arkham City ready to go, complete with exclusive new features (and villains?) to intrigue players.
Darksiders II probably won’t make the trip, but do expect THQ to announce an official release date. And EA will reveal a few key titles, including Medal of Honor: Warfighter, Need For Speed: Most Wanted 2, and possibly even Battlefield: Bad Company 3, which has been heavily rumored from the camp over at DICE. (Since Danger Close is working on Warfighter, this certainly makes sense.)
Expect big Nintendo service announcements
In addition to games, Nintendo will also ramp up services for its Wii U. It’ll introduce an eShop that will launch day one with the device – something the 3DS could’ve easily used during its debut – complete with classic SNES and NES games to buy, as well as possible Nintendo 64 modified games that work with the Wii U in special ways. In addition, expect the team to announce various services for the system, including Netflix and HBO Go, so that users can watch their programming either on their TV or through the comfort of their tablet device. ESPN should clearly be on board as well.
Finally, look for Nintendo to re-introduce its Network for online play. The friend code system will be done away with in favor of a new log-in and name set-up system, so you can find buddies without needing to add in codes. Expect new multiplayer features to be introduced, along with digital copies of games and Wii classics that can be downloaded for dirt cheap – and modified for play with the Wii U.
There’s a lot that Nintendo will introduce this time around for the Wii U, and we can’t wait to see it all unfold. Expect a full report shortly following the press conference!
