Wii U Release Date is Here but Consoles Sold Out Before Black Friday
The latest Nintendo console hit stores this week.
The Wii U, a handheld game tablet and controller, was released on Sunday to fans ready to try it out.
Two versions are available: a basic version for $299 as well as a "deluxe" for $349 that includes more memory, a stand and charger for the GamePad and "NintendoLand" game.
The device has already sold out in the U.S. with some units being sold on Ebay for around $500, according to Forbes. The prices for the available units are likely to increase as Black Friday nears.
The Wii U was built to enhance the experience of Nintendo's widely successful Wii console, which has sold around 100 million units internationally. The new device is the latest gaming machine released by the company since Wii debuted in 2006.
Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo's North America president, said in a statement reported by the Washington Post: "The value of Wii U goes well beyond day one. Nintendo will be enhancing the Wii U experience with continuous updates and new services for Wii U owners."
There's still much to be decided on how well the product will be received by consumers who are still interested in seeing how well the "second screen" built into the controller will work.
The Wii U is also set to function with the upcoming Nintendo TVii. The company introduced the Nintendo TVii at a press conference in New York showing its features as a free TV and movie service that uses the Wii U as a controller.
The Nintendo GamePad has a 6.2-inch touchscreen and is designed with features such as showing additional single player content as well as having one player use a TV screen and another use the pad.
A new addition to the "Mario Bros." franchise, around 50 games will be available upon the launch for Wii U by March 2013. Nintendo will try to attract more hardcore gamers with titles such as "Call of Duty: Black Ops2", "Mas Effect III," and "Assassin's Creed III."
It's still too early to see if the new system will help bring hardcore gamers back to the company or whether the Wii will remain in the realm of a family gaming unit.
