Wii U

Wii U Hardware

The new Wii U™ console introduces the Wii U™ GamePad, a controller with a 6.2-inch touch screen that redefines how people interact with their games, their entertainment and one another.

Launched

November 18, 2012

Appearance

The new console features a compact design that will make it a natural addition to any home entertainment setup.

Price

$299.99 for Deluxe Set

CPU

IBM Power®-based multi-core processor

Size

Approximately 1.8 inches high, 10.6 inches deep and 6.75 inches long.

GPU

AMD Radeon™-based High Definition GPU.

Weight

Approximately 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)

Storage

Wii U uses an internal flash memory (8 GB with the Basic Set; 32 GB with the Deluxe Set) for data storage. It also supports external USB storage.

Wii U™ GamePad

The Wii U GamePad controller removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world.

It also offers a new way for viewers to engage with their favorite entertainment. The GamePad incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio LCD touch screen, as well as traditional button controls and two analog sticks. Inputs include a +Control Pad, L/R sticks, L/R stick buttons, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, Power button, HOME button, -/SELECT button, +/START button, and TV CONTROL button.

The GamePad also includes motion control (powered by an accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor), a front-facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, a sensor bar, an included stylus and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality.

It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and weighs approximately 1.1 pounds (500 g).

Media

Wii U and Wii optical discs.

Networking

Wii U can be connected to the Internet via a wireless (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) connection. The console features four USB 2.0 connectors – two in the front and two in the rear – that support Wii LAN Adapters.

ideo Output

Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI™, Wii Component Video, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.

Audio Output

Uses six-channel PCM linear output via HDMI connector, or analog output via the AV Multi Out connector.

Wii Compatibility

Nearly all Wii software and accessories can be used with Wii U.

Energy Efficiency

Wii U utilizes specially designed power-saving features to lower its energy consumption.

Open Source Software

The Wii U console includes open source software.

Other Controllers

The Wii U console is capable of supporting two Wii U GamePad controllers, up to four Wii Remote™ (or Wii Remote™ Plus) controllers or Wii U™ Pro Controllers, and Wii™ accessories such as the Nunchuk™, Classic Controller™ and Wii Balance Board™.