Andre Yoskowitz
7 Jun 2011 11:14
Nintendo had arguably the best E3 keynote of the major gaming companies, unveiling the Wii U console and a plethora of Nintendo 3DS games, all of which should be released by the end of the year.
The gaming company confirmed the availability of the 3DS eShop and web browser. As a free gift to all gamers, the company is giving away Pokedex 3D and a 3D version of ExciteBike.
Pokedex 3D, which should excite Pokemon fans, let's you scan AR markers to add Pokemon, trade with friends and superimpose any Poke into your pictures.
Access to the Virtual Console is also available now, for $20, for GameBoy and GameBoy Color games.
The highlight of the show, of course, was the launch of Project Cafe, for now on known as Wii U.
Nintendo did not show off the console itself, but instead displayed the incredible new controller, which features a touchscreen and streaming capabilities.
The large controller has a 6.2-inch touchscreen and can work as a standalone gaming device, as well. (Pic via ZD).
As you can see in the pic, there are two circle pads, a regular d-pad, shoulder buttons, rumble, a camera/speaker/mic and gyroscope/accelerometer sensors.
The Wii U controller offers gamers a chance to use the second screen for many activities, including catching/pitching the ball in Wii Sports, or even playing hide-and-seek with other controllers.
If you ever have to leave your HDTV, the controller can be used to continue the game, seamlessly, from a different room on the tablet screen.
Because of the seamless streaming, gamers can transfer the video they are watching on the tablet to the HDTV and enjoy on the larger screen. A full Web browser is included.
The controller also has games, like chess, checkers and few others showed off by Nintendo.
Because the controller comes with a stylus and editing program, it can be used as a graphics tablet for artists.
Finally, because of the camera, the tablet can be used to video chat with others.
Some of the technical specs of the new console include 1080p output, Six-channel PCM linear audio, internal memory with SD card/external HDD expansion. The Wii U is compatible with all Wii games, peripherals.
For the Wii U, Nintendo announced FIFA 12, Ninja Gaiden 3, Tekken, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Ghost Recon Online, Metro Last Light, and Batman: Arkham City.
For the Nintendo 3DS, there was a ton of what should be blockbuster hits for the console, including StarFox 3D, Super Mario 3D, Luigi's Mansion 2, Kid Icarus, Resident Evil, Tetris, Ace Combat, Cave Story, Driver and Tekken 3D.