It has been a while since a new videogame console has generated any hype. The PS3 and XBox have been out for over 6 years, and the original Wii is starting to resemble an Atari 2600. But this year Nintendo is trying their hand at a new console launch, and doing so without any competition. The new high definition Wii U, launched to much fanfare last week, is expected to be one of the hot holiday gifts this year, but good luck finding one... until now.
To celebrate Cyber Monday, GameStop is now shipping the Basic 8GB Wii U ($299) and is also accepting orders for the harder to find Wii U Deluxe 32GB ($349), which they currently expect to ship within the week. There's no telling how long they will accept orders but the links are live now here so put your order in now to avoid potential disappointment (or over-paying) later:
Both consoles are said to be backwardly compatible, supporting all your current Wii games. The Wii U Basic Set includes a white Wii U console with 8 GB of internal storage. The basic set comes with one white GamePad controller, AC adapters for both the console and controller, a sensor bar and HDMI cable.
The black Wii U Deluxe Set is configured with 32 GB of internal storage. It has all the elements of the Basic Set, plus a console stand, GamePad charging cradle, and a stand that holds the GamePad vertically on a table. The Deluxe Set also comes with a copy of Nintendo Land.
Nintendo is running a promotion whereby those who purchase the Deluxe set will be enrolled in the Deluxe Digital Promotion, a loyalty program that awards gamers points for each digital download, and lets users redeem those points for future downloadable content from the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo said the promotion will run through 2014.
More than Just Fun and Games
A new feature Nintendo discussed at its September press briefing is called TVii, a content delivery system for the Wii U console. Owerns will be able to use the Wii U GamePad controller's touch screen to browse content from virtually any programming source including cable and satellite TV channels, plus online on-demand content from sources including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, and recorded TiVo programming. The GamePad lets users visually scroll through content, similar to some iPad and tablet apps. This is going to be delivered to Wii U owners at some point in the near future as it was not ready in time for last week's launch.
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