The Wii U

[BlueBMW]

9.25% at checkout for me.  Though my state has no income tax.

[KingDrool]

Just got to play New Super Mario Bros U at work. I can say without hesitation that it was insanely fun. We played five-player rush mode, where the person holding the pad gets to lay down platforms, stun enemies, and help or hinder the other players. After I got done, I realized how fun this is going to be, giving the pad to my 2 year-old son (who's an iPad junkie), and letting him cause chaos while the rest of my family tries to get through each level. Great stuff.

The pad itself feels really nice. It took me a moment to get used to how big it was; smaller than an iPad, bigger than a Kindle. But it's just another instance of how Nintendo knows controllers. Within moments it felt like the most natural thing in the world. I really liked it.

They were just booting up ZombieU as I left, but I had to get back to work, so I didn't stick around to check it out.

[TheClash603]

9.25% at checkout for me.  Though my state has no income tax.

I lived in TN for a summer and it was like heaven.  NY taxes are absurd.

I should've preordered my Wii U in a state with cheaper taxes...

[TR0N]

The reason they region lock these things is it is easier than ever now to import games from other regions.  Some countries have a distinct price advantage, specifically the US.  If a European gamer were to import all of its Wii U games from the US, due to currency exchange, the European gamer would save a fortune.

Not saying I defend it, but that's the logic behind region locks.

That's most likely nintendo bs excuse yet sony let the PSP,PS3 and vita be region free so i still think it's lame on nintendo part.

[soop]

I have to say, it does look damn nice.  But teh games!  Teh games!

I dare say we'll all be getting one when they release the 30th anniversary Zelda game.

[TheClash603]

The reason they region lock these things is it is easier than ever now to import games from other regions.  Some countries have a distinct price advantage, specifically the US.  If a European gamer were to import all of its Wii U games from the US, due to currency exchange, the European gamer would save a fortune.

Not saying I defend it, but that's the logic behind region locks.

That's most likely nintendo bs excuse yet sony let the PSP,PS3 and vita be region free so i still think it's lame on nintendo part.

I agree with you from a gamer standpoint that it sucks.  However, from a business perspective, Sony is the last place I would look if I was trying to find smart management.

[Nando]

One a slightly more positive note

http://kotaku.com/5946726/the-wonderful-surprise-hiding-in-the-wii-u-launch-line+up

"This fall, the Wii U is actually going to be a good console for... downloadable indie games.

This is weird, folks. We're in Nintendo-Does-What-Nintendon't territory."

[glazball]

@jlued686
Mind if I ask where you work?  I'm jealous you're getting to play Mario U already!  I preordered it along with my console, and I can't wait to see Mario in HD.

The thing about Wii U I'm most upset about is I'm reading that all of N's first party games will only run in 720p, not 1080p.  (I don't know about 3rd party games.)  But c'mon Nintendo!  Rayman Origins runs at 1080p on my PS3 (and looks gorgeous I might add) and there's no reason a 2D platformer like Mario U shouldn't do the same.

[KingDrool]

@jlued686
Mind if I ask where you work?  I'm jealous you're getting to play Mario U already!  I preordered it along with my console, and I can't wait to see Mario in HD.

I work at the corporate HQ for a large retail chain.

[glazball]

  Large retail chain that rhymes with Lameflop by chance?  Can't imagine any other any other corp offices that are gonna let their people play games.  Maybe Toys R Us ?

  The reason I suspect Gamestop is they often will sell opened games as "new" which really pisses me off.  I hear too many stories of employees that take new games home, etc.

  Anyways, still very jealous!  I have a suspicion that the Wii U will be like the Dreamcast at launch.  Sure, we all know there's bigger, badder systems coming, but for now it will shine brightly and be a blast to play.  A big part of me though realizes N isn't going to want to compete much longer hardware-wise with Sony and Microshit, and this may likely be their last console before switching only to software like Sega.

[Nando]

  A big part of me though realizes N isn't going to want to compete much longer hardware-wise with Sony and Microshit, and this may likely be their last console before switching only to software like Sega.

Highly unlikely, they've said that's not their goal. Their franchises stand out not only because they have good game play and a hell of a lifespan, but because you can only get those experiences on Nintendo systems. The minute you "water them down" they are no longer "special."

They probably have the Wii U setup for a long shelf life though, think PS3. I'm still on the fence about the 3DS.

[KingDrool]

  Large retail chain that rhymes with Lameflop by chance?

Nope.

[RegalSin]

Seriously show me somethinng on Wii U that is worth it. A controller is not worth anything, We all said the same exact thing when the  N64, Saturn, PSX, ro something simular. I want to know what is so the 411, aboutt he Wii U, what is so great? They could probably make the gamecube handheld right now if they wanted, so what is so magnificant about this game system? Show me, RegalSin wants to know, RegalSin has to know..bbbbbbzzzzzz

[MotherGunner]

While we're at it, let's say part of a bridge collapsed and there are two vehicles about to fall over into the water below:  One is a truck-full of Wii U's and the other is you Regal.  One will bring joy to many, one will not.  Understanding that the needs of the many outway the needs of the one, what is the most logical salvage operation in this situation?  

[glazball]

Highly unlikely, they've said that's not their goal. Their franchises stand out not only because they have good game play and a hell of a lifespan, but because you can only get those experiences on Nintendo systems. The minute you "water them down" they are no longer "special."

They probably have the Wii U setup for a long shelf life though, think PS3. I'm still on the fence about the 3DS.

  I hope you are right Nando, I really do.  But things do change, not always for the best, and I fear the worst.  Doesnt matter what their stated goals are.
  Admittedly, I REALLY hate motion controls, the main reason Wii was successful because really, it was just a gimmick for Twilight Princess that N made into an entire console.  I hate to pander to Regalsin, but the Wii U really offers nothing new.  I'm not too impressed with the GamePad and all the first party titles have already been done before (New SMB, Pikmin).  If people shun the Wii U and it flounders kind of like 3DS did, N's hardware days could be numbered.

  Re: 3DS - my 8 year old stepson has one (grandparents bought it for him at launch) but he always keeps the 3D effect off.  I'm thinking "shit, I would have killed to have 3D games at 7 and 8!"  Having played Mario 3D Land and others myself, you really have to center the screen in front of your face and keep it centered which isnt always easy.  It looks great though But I dont want to digress into a 3D tech discussion lol...