|
E3 2012: Nintendo Direct Pre-E3 Presentation
2012-06-03
Today, during Satoru Iwata's Pre-E3 Nintendo Direct presentation, we were introduced many new features of the Wii U, while reconfirming many of the announcements that have been made over the last year.
 First off, is the new Wii U GamePad. A few changes have been made since the previously announced version. These changes include analog sicks that can be pressed down for an added method of control, slightly moved buttons and new grips on the back to make it more comfortable, the NFC reader / writer, and a new TV control button. Motion and Gyro sensors are also integrated into the GamePad and unlike many other motion controllers, it doesn't need to be directly in front of the TV to work.
Many features of the GamePad's screen has also been announced. As we knew from before, the screen can display everything that is showing on the TV in real-time, but can also display completely separate information for many other options. The touchscreen can also bring up a web browser, which can be used without displaying the information on the TV, but it can still send information to the TV on command. It will also make use of the drawing options like the 3DS.
 The cameras on the controller also allow full video chat with other people on the Nintendo Network. The video showed that the controller being placed near the TV, but I expect that it should be able to work any distance, and was just used in that fashion to show the range of its capabilities.
Another new function of the GamePad is the TV Control Button, which can be used even if the Wii U is off. This makes the GamePad a fully independent infrared TV Remote. This means everything can be done with the Wii U GamePad, instead of having to search for the TV's remote control.
 The Nintendo network was briefly introduced, but the new MiiVerse was the largest part of it that was explained. Unlike the Wii, the system's equivalent to the Mii Plaza will be the first thing that shows up when the system is started. There, it will connect to Mii's loaded on the system, those of friends, and even those of other people in the area that plays the same games and speak the same language as the player. Here everyone can talk about the games they are playing, and will allow the user to communicate with like-minded gamers. Currently it is named the Mii Wara Wara, named after the sound the crowd of Miis make.
 It was also shown how the MiiVerser will interact with games. Not only does it provide options for multiplayer games, it will allow users to interact during single player games too. People can ask for help, provide support, and poke fun at your downfall (which will most likely be the most popular use). It is unknown of how much others will be able to see of your game, or if it will be only a list of friends that will be able to use some of these features.
The chatroom was also shown, both using the Wii U GamePad, and other devices like PC and phones. At launch, it is expected to be only available for the Wii U, then spread to the 3DS and other internet enabled devices later. This chat can be used via the touchscreen keyboard, or using the stylus to write the message freehand. Players are also able to share screenshots they made.
 The new Wii U Pro Controller was also briefly announced. This new controller is similar to the Wii's Classic Controller Pro, but it has been given quite the face-lift. In many ways, the new controller looks very close to the Xbox 360's controller, in both shape and design, but only a few placement changes make them different. For games that don't require the touchscreen, this should allow gamers familiar with that controller to pick up this one without much of a learning curve.
The Wii U and it's GamePad has also been shown in both Black and White colours. It is unknown if both will be available at launch, but with how popular the different colours are for the 3DS, it is very likely.
Sadly, there was no mention to how many GamePads will be simultaneously supported, or what controllers will be included with the Wii U system. Since some games will use the Wii MotionPlus controller and the GamePad together, I hope at least these two will be bundled together.
 There was also no mention of the system's horsepower, and like last year's E3, it just focused on the new controller and its new features. This year's E3 will mainly show off the games for this system, so hopefully we will have a better idea of what it can do then. It also appears that Wii U will be the final name for the device.
Satoru also noted that E3 will mainly about the Wii U, so a 3DS conference will be held at a later date. The main conference will be happening June 5th at 9AM PT / 12PM ET, so stay tuned afterwards for more information on what else Nintendo has to announce.
Also, check out here for even more images features in tonights presentation.
>>Everthing we know about the Wii U
|
