Wii U: Nintendo gives release details for Japan, US and EU

News by Staff Contributor

Published on Sept. 13, 2012

Just months ahead of the console's international launch, Nintendo has announced the Wii U's release date, price and launch software line-up.

Wii U's Launch

Console launches on December 8 in Japan; on November 18 in the US; and November 30 in the EU and Australia.

Will come in two bundles, Basic and Premium.

Basic includes a white console with 8GB of memory, white Game Pad, AC adapter and HDMI cable for ¥26,250. It'll cost $299 in the US and AU$349.95 in Australia.

Premium includes a black console with 32 GB of memory, black Game Pad, AC adapter, HDMI cable, a console stand, a Game Pad dock, and a Nintendo Network Premium subscription through December 2014 for ¥31,500. It's $349 in the US and AU$429.95 in Australia.

European pricing wasn't confirmed: Nintendo said to check with local retailers.

Launch and "launch window" software has been fully detailed.

The biggest software hit is Bayonetta 2. Although undated, it's a Wii U exclusive.

Nintendo today confirmed Wii U's launch dates, software line-up and global pricing in a string of Nintendo Direct webcasts.

The console hits Japan on December 8. It will launch on November 18 in the US and November 30 in Europe.

The console will come in a couple of bundles - a Basic and Premium set. Basic has a white console and Game Pad, along with 8 GB harddrive. The black Premium set comes with a 32 GB hard drive, stands and docks, and Nintendo Network Premium.

Nintendo Network Premium offers 10% off software purchases and rewards players with points for buying games. The bundled subscription lasts through December 2014.

The Premium bundle will cost ¥31,500 in Japan and $349 in the US. It'll cost AU$429.95 in Australia

The Basic set will cost ¥26,250 in Japan, $299 in the US and AU$349.95 in Australia. Both bundles include an HDMI adapter and basic AC adapter.

Nintendo didn't confirm EU launch pricing, saying instead that consumers should check with local retailers. UK retailers are going with prices ranging from £210-£280.

On the accessory side, Nintendo will offer the Pro Controller in black and white, five colours of Wii Mote, three colours of Nunchuk, a console stand, a Game Pad dock, and a Game Pad stand. Game Pads will come in white and black, and cost ¥13,440 in an AC adapter dock set.

Launch and "launch window" software was fully confirmed. New Super Mario Bros. Wii U, Rayman Legends, ZombiU (and Premium ZombiU bundle), FIFA 13, Mass Effect 3 and Nintendo Land will lead the console's launch line-up.

Nintendo dropped a major surprise by confirming Bayonetta 2 as a Wii U exclusive. A short trailer was shown, but there was no date on the game.

It was confirmed that Pikmin 3 will launch in 2013. Black Ops 2 was also confirmed as coming to the machine. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will launch in the US and EU for Wii U next March.

Specs revealed: almost

Nintendo also went further into Wii U's hardware specs today, but fell short of confirming CPU and GPU details.

The system is capable of outputting at up to 1080p resolution; it's Nintendo's first HD effort.

Wii U will have 1 GB of system memory and 1GB of game memory for 2GB total, allowing for smooth transitions between games and menus.

The console uses 75 watts of power, he revealed, but just 45 watts in power save mode. It measures 46 mm x 172 mm x 268.5 mm in the horizontal position.

As previously announced, it will support the Wii Mote, steering wheel and Balance Board as well as Wii software, Virtual Console and WiiWare.

The Game Pad features a touchscreen, speakers, gyroscope and cameras.

Nintendo Japan talked up MiiVerse, Nintendo's extended social network, which company president Satoru Iwata hopes will bring people together and will interface with games.

Wii U was first announced under the codename Project Cafe just prior to E3 2011, where it was given a proper debut, named, and shown off with a The Legend of Zelda tech demo, and third party support. The Big N then went almost silent on it until the Las Vegas Consumer Show and more overtly at E3 2012, confirming extensive third-party support, and introducing overhauled and renamed GamePad and Pro Controller.