Wii U controller/console combo: revolutionary or more of the same?

Wii U Unveiled at E3

Wii U controller or console or both? Nintendo unveiled the successor to its Wii game console on Tuesday at the Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 2011.

The Wii U controller is a white touchscreen device with advanced graphics that resembles an iPad and other tablets. It can detect motion and has a directional pad, analog sticks, shoulder buttons, a microphone and a camera that can be used for video calls.

The new Wii device itself can broadcast high-definition video and comes with the controller for an as yet undetermined price next year. The console will have 1080 HDMI output and upgradeable memory using SD or USB technology.

"Up until now, home console games had to occupy the TV screen in order to be played," said Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. "The new controller for Wii U, with its 6.2-inch screen built in, means you won't need to give up your gameplay when someone else comes in the room to watch a TV program."

For example, a game being displayed on the TV screen can be sent to the controller itself if a television show needs to be watched by others. A gyro and accelerometers are built-in the Wii U controller so it can be used for aiming at targets during games.

Some of the games demonstrated at E3 to showcase the capabilities of the new Wii U controller and console include "Ghost Recon", "Ninja Gaiden" and "Aliens: Colonial Marines." "Tekken", "Assassin's Creed" and "Batman: Arkham City" are also slated for later release.

Nintendo will count on its new Wii U controller to revive sagging sales of its older Wii game console amid stiff competition.

Posted by Melanie Mendoza on Wednesday June 08 2011, 6:06 AM EDT. Ref: AP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Shopping. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0