16 Wii U and GamePad details from Nintendo's E3 stage show
After releasing early details about its Wii U over the weekend, Nintendo gave the world a more in-depth look at the Wii U hardware from its stage here at E3 2012. It's pretty clear that the Wii U GamePad is a huge departure from what we're used to: it's got a touchscreen, NFC, controls your TV, speakers, a stylus and more.
Nintendo has confirmed that the Wii U is coming out this holiday season. Follow us as we give you a tour of the Wii U's take on what next-gen gameplay looks like.
Posted on location at E3 in Los Angeles, California. All photos taken by Raymond Wong for DVICE.
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The revised Wii U GamePad is a little wider, but the touchscreen size looks to remain at 6-inches (diagonal). (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
It doesn't look like the physical Wii U console has changed at all since last year's E3 debut. No surprise vertical stand for this console. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Nintendo showed off a glossy black Wii U GamePad. No word on what colors the Wii U will launch with. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Best news of all is that the Wii U console will support TWO Wii U GamePads. Phew. Nintendo dodged a bullet there. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
The stylus slips right into the GamePad. Players can use it to draw on the touchscreen or draw out messages and doodles to send to other Miis in Miiverse. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
On the right side are the typical A/B/X/Y buttons along with the relocated Start/Select (+/-) buttons that should be easier to reach. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Nintendo listened and has ditched the Circle Pads in favor of true analogs with third-button click (just like on the Xbox 360 and PS3), which is a first for Nintendo. A D-pad is below the left anlog and that square button is the NFC button switch. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Moving on to the rear of the controller, there's ZL/ZR buttons. The entire Wii U GamePad is wireless. Nintendo has yet to detail whether it'll take batteries. Last we heard it has a lithium ion battery inside. We're still waiting on how many hours the GamePad will last on a single charge. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Also on the back are some new grips that should make the GamePad easier to hold during sweaty gaming sessions. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Located on the top of the controller are L/R buttons and an IR transmitter for controlling the TV via the dedicated TV button. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
The Wii U GamePad also has a built-in accelerometer. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
And a gyroscope. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Let's not forget rumble feedback. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
And here's a volume switch. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
A built-in camera and mic will allow for video chats between friends and family. It's just like Skype — Nintendo style. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
Although the Wii U GamePad has its own stereo speakers, it also has a headphone jack for personal listening. Sounds great to us. (Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE)
