If you are wondering what’s there in store for you in the eighth generation video game consoles, you should check out the technical specifications of the recently launched Nintendo Wii U. Read on…
Earlier in May 2011, Sony Corporation CFO Masaru Kato revealed that the company has already begun working on the successor to the PS3 console – tentatively named the PS4. Even though arch rival Microsoft hasn’t revealed any such plans, it is believed that the successor to Microsoft Xbox 360 is also in the pipeline and will make it to the stores sometime in 2012 or 2013. That leaves us with Nintendo, a familiar name in the world of gaming, which has always made it a point to highlight the fact that its consoles are meant for the entire family, and not just hardcore gaming fans. (Interestingly, Nintendo was the first company to bring motion gaming to our living rooms with its Wii-mote!)
New Nintendo Wii U
A pioneer in the field of gaming at one point of time, Nintendo has not been in news much over the last couple of years – at least not as much as Sony and Microsoft have been. But just when it seemed like Sony or Microsoft will be the first to launch their eighth generation gaming consoles, Nintendo took everybody by surprise by announcing its upcoming home video game console – the Wii U. {It was announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 (abbreviated as E3 2011) held between 7th June – 9th June, 2011, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.} A successor to Nintendo Wii, the newly introduced Wii U happens to be the lone eighth generation video game console as of today, and will continue to be until either Sony or Microsoft come up with some competition for it. (See history of video game consoles for more info on previous generation video game consoles.)
Nintendo Wii U Specs
An all new controller sporting a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls is undoubtedly the USP of Nintendo Wii U. While that screen may make you feel that it’s a tablet from Nintendo, the fact is that Wii U is just a game console for all those gaming freaks out there. Armed with this controller, you don’t really need a television for a complete gaming experience as you get to play games on the screen of the controller itself. At the same time, this controller comes with a range of other features including the accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, rumble feature, a sensor strip and a stylus on board. Given below are the details about technical specifications of Nintendo Wii U.
| Nintendo Wii U Tech Specifications* | |
| Feature | Details |
| Size | 1.8 inches (height), 6.8 inches (width) and 10.5 inches (length) |
| CPU | IBM Power-based multi-core microprocessor. |
| GPU | AMD Radeon-based High-Definition GPU. |
| Storage | Internal flash memory, SD card, SDHC Card, USB storage device |
| Audio Output | AV Multi Out connector. Six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI |
| Video Output | Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. HDMI, component, S-video and composite cable compatibility. |
| Connectivity | 4 USB 2.0 connector slots |
| Controllers | Other than the new Wii U controller, the new console supports all WiI controllers and input devices – Nunchuk controller, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro as well as the Wii Balance Board. As many as 4 Wii Remotes can be connected to the device at one point of time. |
| Others | Built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, stylus, etc. |
*These are Nintendo Wii U official specs which were released by the company itself. However, the company did make it a point to add that they are still working on it, and thus these specifications are subject to change.
While Wii U release date is still under covers, it is confirmed that the console will make it to the stores in 2012. The Wii U console which was showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 on 7th June, 2011, was a prototype version of the device; and it would be least surprising to see a totally different product at the actual launch in 2012. Even the games which were shown at E3 2011 were console-sourced (from PS3 and Xbox 360), with Nintendo US CEO Reggie Fils-Aime stating that it was too early to show Wii U HD footage. Rumors suggest that Nintendo Wii U price will range between US$600-US$650, but again it’s a bit too early to comment on the same. However, one thing is for sure – the fact that it is the first eighth generation video game console and the list of games it will have to offer are bound to help Wii U make it big within a short span of its launch.