The Next Generation of gaming is here...

Today Nintendo revealed details about their upcoming Wii U console, providing a host of long-awaited information to its expectant fans. Here's a look at what to look forward to. All aboard the hype train!

1. Price Plans & Launch Date

Nintendo have disclosed that the Wii U will launch as 2 different bundles - a basic version will be available for $299 upon release, which will include the system itself (in white) and its signature GamePad, 8GB of on-board memory, sensor bar, AC adapters, and a HDMI cable. Alternatively, a Deluxe Set will be available for $349.99, which will include everything the basic set comes with including 32GB of on-board memory, a console stand, a charging dock for the GamePad, and a membership to the "Deluxe Digital Promotion" which will offer members discounts on digitally downloaded titles. Both bundles will be available on the 18th November this year in the US and 30th November in Europe.

2. Specifications

The Wii U will utilise a Power7 processor, a AMD Radeon graphic card, and will make use of optical high-capacity discs - in laymen's terms, Blu-Ray, although it won't play Blu-Ray movies. It will support SD and external hard drives, and will be able to play Wii discs. The GamePad controller will have the same amount of buttons as controllers on other consoles, as well as a touch screen, although this will not be multi-touch. The system will support 1080p and 3D. The list of supported peripherals will include two GamePads, 4 Wii U Pro controllers, or 4 Wiimotes, and all previously supported Wii accessories. Twelve accounts can be added to the system, and save data can be transferred from Wii consoles.

3. TVii

The newly announced TVii feature will allow users to stream video from sources such as YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu directly to the Wii U GamePad. This function will be available even if the TV that the Wii U is connected to is being used to watch other channels. Nintendo have even hinted that it will be able to play programmes that have already been recorded on TiVo boxes.

4. MiiVerse

Alongside its selection of features, the Wii U will also feature a social network for all players known as the MiiVerse. This will be fully interactive with almost all of the Wii U's games, and will be available straight from release. Nintendo have plans to bring the MiiVerse to 3DS and smart devices further down the line, providing a unified Nintendo experience across a variety of platforms.

5. 50 Games at Launch

Straight off the bat Nintendo have announced that New Super Mario Bros. U will be one of the first games available in the system's launch window, and that Bayonetta 2 will be a Wii U exclusive. Additionally, roughly 50 games have been revealed for release before March 31st, within the first 6 months. These include Assassin's Creed III, Pikmin 3, ZombiU, Rayman Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Darksiders II, Aliens: Colonial Marines, TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 , Batman Arkham City: Armoured Edition, and NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge. Additionally in Japan, the system will launch with Monster Hunter 3 Tri HD, although this will not be seeing a release in the west as of yet.

Full List of Launch Titles:

• 007 Legends
• Aliens: Colonial Marines
• Assassin's Creed III
• Batman Arkham City: Armoured Edition
• Ben 10: Omniverse
• Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2013
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
• Darksiders II
• Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
• EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 13
• Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle Arcade
• Funky Barn
• Game & Wario
• Game Party Champions
• JEOPARDY!
• Jett Tailfin
• Just Dance 4
• LEGO City: Undercover
• Madden NFL 13
• Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth
• Mass Effect 3
• Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Japan)
• NBA 2K13
• New Super Mario Bros. U
• NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge
• Nintendo Land
• Pikmin 3
• Rabbids Land
• Rapala Pro Bass Fishing
• Rayman Legends
• Rise of the Guardians: The Video Game
• Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
• Scribblenauts Unlimited
• Shin'en Nano Assault Neo
• SiNG PARTY
• Skylanders Giants
• Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
• Sports Connection
• TANK! TANK! TANK!
• TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 WII U Edition
• Toki Tori 2
• TRANSFORMERS PRIME
• Trine 2: Director's Cut
• WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Hyper
• Wheel of Fortune
• Wii Fit U
• Wipeout 3
• The Wonderful 101
• Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013
• ZombiU
• Zumba Fitness Core

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