Nintendo Reveals Launch Date and Price for Wii U in Japan

From X-bit Labs: Nintendo on Thursday revealed the first launch details regarding the Wii U video game console. The device is set to become available in Japan on December 8, 2012, in two versions: Premium black as well as Basic white. Additionally, the company unleashed the final specifications for the Wii U and the first videos from actual games designed for Nintendo Wii U.

Nintendo Wii U is based on a custom IBM Power microprocessor equipped with 1GB of system memory as well as a modern custom AMD Radeon HD graphics processing unit with high-definition graphics and video support that is equipped with 1GB of graphics memory. The consoles come with 32GB or 8GB of NAND flash storage and an optical drive to read custom discs.

Game-play videos from the first titles for Nintendo Wii U proof that the new graphics processors support high-quality graphics features like complex geometry, HDR rendering, adaptive antialiasing (yet, pretty simplistic), depth-of-field, high-resolution textures, complex reflections and refractions as well as complex physics processing using GPGPU technologies. Going forward the quality of graphics in video games will likely increase as game designers learn how to use the new GPU.

The main feature of the game console is its unique Wii U GamePad controller with 6.2" touch-screen that also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers that can be used to play both classic Gamecube/Wii games as well as specially designed titles that take advantage of the screen. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories.

Nintendo Wii U will be initially available in two bundles:

The Premium black bundle will include Wii U console with 32GB of NAND flash storage, Wii U GamePad with Stylus, one charging stand and one play stand for Wii U GamePad, vertical stand for the console itself, one HDMI cable, one AC adapter for Wii U and one Wii U GamePad AC adapter. The recommended price for Japan with taxes included is ¥31500 ($405, €314).

The Basic white bundle will include Wii U console with 8GB of NAND flash storage, Wii U GamePad with Stylus, one HDMI cable, one AC adapter for Wii U and one Wii U GamePad AC adapter. The recommended price for Japan with taxes included is ¥26250 ($338, €262).

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