Wii U

Nintendo is known for its accessibility, ever since the release of the Wii in November 2006. The design and motion gaming allowed for people who usually don’t game to be able to, using fun, interactive, and social games.

Now, five years later, Wii finally revealed specs about the Wii U which is due to release in 2012 (somewhere between April and December – yeah, big time window). It will be the first of the next generation consoles, beating Xbox and PlayStation by at least a year.

Finally unveiled during Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2011, the Wii U features 1080p HD graphics, on level with the other competing consoles. The major difference? A tablet style controller.

This controller not only has a 6.2-inch touch screen (single touch), but also a camera for video chat, more buttons than a standard WiiMote, and so much more. One of the most promising features is the ability to use it while someone watches TV, viewing and playing your game on the controller’s screen.

The video released during E3 which shows the Wii U controller pictures the Wii U controller as your inventory during RPGs, a sniper scope for close-up shots, throwing stars for battling games, Backgammon, and even a drawing tablet. Has there been a more diverse console accessory? Don’t think so.

The design of the controller resembles a combination of the DS, Game Gear, and tablet in one. It’s flat with motion sensors, triggers, and more.

So far, the games announced are LEGO City Stories, Super Smash Bros, and Pikmin. It is listed on Amazon without a price, but pre-ordering should be available by October 2011.