Only one tablet is used per console (technical limitations
apparently preclude the use of more), so any multiplayer games use Wiimotes for
all other players. This actually opens up some pretty interesting options for
multiplayer games. Having one player with access to a different controller and
their own private screen hidden from their peers actually makes for some pretty
interesting game play. The Wii U Gamepad is decent quality. But it's a good
size, the display is nice, and for simple casual games like Nintendo
Land or the New Super Mario Bros. U,
it's great. the overall experience is rewarding.
Including placeholders for various third party services –
specifically, Youtube, Hulu, and Amazon. At time of writing these services are
not online, but bulletins on the console state that they will be activated at a
later date. Now don’t get me wrong, Nintendo consoles are just that, video game
consoles – not media centers, not supercomputers, just video game consoles. And
that’s the whole point, that's part of the reason why the original Wii was successful
– instead of bogging itself down in details or trying to do everything, as Microsoft
and particularly Sony attempted to do with their respective consoles, Nintendo
set out to make a machine that played video games and, in doing so, made a
simple, easy-to-use piece of technology that was convenient. And if you're the
type that enjoys streaming movies onto your Xbox 360 or setting up a music
library on the PS3, you may be pleased to hear that Nintendo is taking its
first tepid steps in that same direction. The additions of the above services
certainly don't take away from Nintendo’s new gaming system.
So in summary, the new Wii U is fun, works well (especially
for a new product on launch day!), has great graphics and is a must have,
especially for any fans of Nintendo.
