If you had been hoping to get your hands on the new Nintendo Wii U console for Christmas this year then we have some bad news for you unfortunately.
Speaking to Forbes recently, President of Nintendo America, Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed that the next-gen console wouldn’t be available until after April 1st 2012. During the interview Reggie also confirms that they will continue to sell the current Wii console alongside the Wii U in stores. He says that Nintendo are confident this will work, and that eventually the Wii U will end up being the one standalone system.
When questioned about streaming content other than gaming to the touchscreen controller, Fils-Aime said that “The messaging comes right from the console. So the programming would need to originate off the console”. Forbes probed a little further and asked as to whether it would be possible to stream Netflix movies to the controller. He responded with “Theoretically, that’s possible”.
We’re already hoping you’ll be able to stream video to the screen on the Wii U’s controller. When you went out of the room to make a cup of tea (how very British), you wouldn’t have to pause what you’re watching because you could take it with you! This would be a great feature, we feel.
Another interesting tidbit from the interview regards cross-console compatibility. Reggie says that they are “considering” developing a Smash Brothers experience that can be played on both Wii U and 3DS. Perhaps you’ll be able to pick up where you left off on the Wii U by loading the game up on your 3DS? Maybe you’ll be able to connect a 3DS to the Wii U as a controller. Who knows!
Has this new information increased your excitement for the Wii U or made you decide it’s a good decision to stick with your Xbox 360 or PS3? Let us know what you think of Nintendo’s plans by tweeting us.
Source: Forbes
Via: Engadget