Nintendo revealed Wii U release date, price and hardware specs for the two different models of the Wii U.
Wii U console will hit shelves in Japan on December 8 with Basic and Premium SKUs being available. The Basic model (white) will feature 8GB of internal flash memory, which will be used for storing game data and content downloaded from the Nintendo Network and will retail for roughly £210 (¥26,250), $299 in the US and AU$349.95 in Australia.
The Premium model (Black) will feature 32GB of flash memory for storage with stands and docks, will cost roughly £250 (¥31,500), $349 in the US and AU$429.95 in Australia with 2 years of Nintendo Network Premium.
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.
Both basic and premium will include a HDMI cable, AC adapter for 1080p gaming. Nintendo claims Wii U is 20 times more powerful than its six-year-old Wii console. Nintendo Network Premium offers 10% off software purchases and rewards players with points for buying games. The bundled subscription lasts through December 2014.
Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata also revealed some of the Wii U’s final specs. 1GB of memory is given over to games, with the same reserved for the Wii U operating system, 2GB total, that’s compared to PS3 and 360′s 512 MB.
The Wii U Game discs hold 25GB of data, and the system can use up to 75W of power and 45 watts in power save mode, it measures 46 mm x 172 mm x 268.5 mm in the horizontal position.
Nintendo is also selling Wii U Gamepads separately for ¥13,440. The Wii U pro controller sells for ¥5,040. Additionally, New Super Mario Bros. U and Nintendo Land are launch titles in Japan.
As previously announced, it will support the Wii Mote, steering wheel and Balance Board as well as Wii software, Virtual Console and WiiWare, Wii U Game Pad features a touchscreen, speakers, gyroscope and cameras.
Wii U launches in the UK on November 30, and in order to ensure you get your hands on a unit this year, check out the price and pre-order now.
Take a look at the best pre-order prices below:
Amazon
- Wii U Black Premium Pack 32GB – £299.99
- Wii U White Basic Pack 8GB – £249.99
If Amazon reduces the price of the Wii U between the time of your order and the day it ships you will be charged the lowest price.
GAME
- Wii U Black Premium Pack 32GB – £309.99
- Wii U White Basic Pack 8GB – £259.99
Play.com
- Wii U Black Premium Pack 32GB – £309.99
- Wii U White Basic Pack 8GB – £259.99
- Wii U Black Premium Pack 32GB ZombiU Bundle – £349.99
Zavvi
- Wii U Black Premium Pack 32GB ZombiU Bundle – £299.99
ShopTo.net
- Wii U Black Premium Pack 32GB – £296.86
- Wii U White Basic Pack 8GB – £247.85
- Wii U Black Premium Pack 32GB ZombiU Bundle – £324.85
The console hits Japan on December 8. It will launch on November 18 in the US and November 30 in Europe.
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Source: Nintendo