Nintendo Unveils Wii U to Counter Rival Consoles

Nintendo, a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan, has unveiled its new videogame console, which is called Wii U, at the E3 trade show in Los Angeles.

Wii U is expected to be launched at the end of next year. However, Nintendo did not reveal the pricing.

Wii U will feature a set-top box similar to the first generation consoles. It has a 6.2 touchscreen tablet with dual analog circle pads, a D-pad, buttons, and rumble support. It also includes microphone and speaker, accelerometer, gyroscope, and forward-facing camera which communicates with a 1080p HD set top box.

An accelerometer and a gyroscope were also built into the new controller for motion to play a role in the new device.

The Wii U can also broadcast high-definition video, make video calls, and browse the web.

This is going to be able to create what I call a new format or new structure of entertainment, Nintendo Chief Executive Satoru Iwata told the Wall Street Journal in an interview prior to the E3 presentation. By taking advantage of this new structure of entertainment, great new ideas can be popped up by developers.

He also said at the event: For Nintendo, the goal of innovation is to provide something for everyone. I believe our new platform represents a major step in reaching our goal.

Nintendo America president Reggie Fils-Aime defined the Wii U as a system we will all enjoy together, but also one that's tailor-made for you.

The original Wii was a huge success when it hit the market in 2006, selling 20 million units in its first year. However, Wii has recently faced fierce competition from rivals such as PlayStation 3.

Nintendo anticipates the new console will generate a novel genre of gaming. The new Wii U will be compatible with old Wii games, controllers, and other offerings, like Wii Fit.