Review: Wii U, is the Nintendo console worth buying?

Table of Contents

1. Design and Finishing:
2. Performance:
3. Usability:
4. Gameplay:
5. Games:
   1. New Super Mario Bros. U
   2. Super Mario 3D World
   3. Mario barth 8
   4. Xenoblade Chronicles X
   5. Zombie U
   6. Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze
   7. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
   8. Bayonetta 2
   9. Super Smash Bros
   10. Hyrule Warriors
6. Conclusion:

Launched in 2012, the Wii U was the first eighth-generation tabletop console to hit the market, bringing as a new feature the GamePad. We tested the console Nintendo (what do you do today 125 years old) to test whether it is up to its competitors, the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One. Still undecided which one to buy? Maybe we can help.

Design and Finishing:

O Wii U followed the design pattern already brought in Wii, being just a white plastic block (in the basic version) or black (in the deluxe version), with no intention of drawing attention, this in turn is completely stolen by the new Gamepad.

O GamePad brings with it beyond the standard controls: directional and analog buttons on the left, analog and A, B, X and Y action buttons on the right, Home, TV and power buttons under the screen, which are deep to prevent accidental presses, and shoulder buttons L, ZL, R and ZR. It has a 6,2” screen with FWVGA resolution (854×480), a density of 158 ppi and a resistive touchscreen technology. In addition to the screen, other news from the GamePad are the front camera, motion sensors, the IR port and the Stylus port (the pen used on the touch screen).

Despite being quite large, the GamePad It's very light and doesn't tire your arms while playing. The analog sticks are very firm and the screen is very responsive even using my fingers, being one of the best resistive screens I've ever used. The console was made to lie flat, however, the deluxe version comes with a pair of brackets in the box that fit on the side of the console so that it can stand up, saving a good amount of space on your shelf.

Performance:

O Wii U, despite not reaching the hardware level of current competitors, it is not bad when running heavier games. Let's go to the specs:

• CPU: Custom IBM Power PC 750 “Espresso” 1.24 GHz with 45nm manufacturing and three processing cores;
• But by the full GPU acceleration tech: AMD “Latte” GPU similar to custom 4650/4670, with fewer texture mapping units and a lower clock of just 550 MHz75.
• RAM memory: 2 GB DDR3 RAM, Hynix memory, which has a maximum writing speed of 12.8 GB/s, of which half (1 GB) is believed to be used for the device's operating system, and the rest (1 GB) for games;
• eDRAM: 32 MB of eDRAM memory;
• Storage: Wii U uses an internal flash memory, having two versions: 32 GB and 8 GB, which after mandatory updates of the operating system has 25 GB and 3 GB free, respectively. It also has 4 USB 2.0 inputs and is compatible with HDDs of up to 2 TBs and SD cards of up to 32 GBs;
• Media: Uses Wii U internal memory and also proprietary optical discs of single layer that holds 25 GBs or double layer that holds 50 GBs with a maximum read speed of 22.5 MB/s, it can also read the optical discs of the Nintendo Wii, but is not compatible with Nintendo Game Cube optical discs, and does not support DVD and Blu Ray playback;
• Internet connection: The Wii U can access the Internet wirelessly (IEEE 802.11b/g). The console has four USB 2.0 connectors – two on the front and two on the back – that support Wii LAN adapters, sold separately, ie for wired networking an adapter must be purchased;
• Wii compatibility: Almost all Nintendo Wii software and accessories can be used with the Wii U;
• Audio: Uses six channels of linear PCM output via the HDMI connector or analog output via the Multi AV Out connector;
• Video: Supports 1080p, 1080p 3D, 1080i, 720p, 720p 3D, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI 1.4, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV;
• Controladores: The Wii U is capable of supporting two Wii U Gamepad controllers, up to four Wii Remote (or Wii Remote Plus) or Wii U Pro Controller and Wii accessories such as the Nunchuk, Classic Controller and Wii Balance Board.

All tested games run directly from the media, without the need to install content on the console's internal memory. Which makes for a great resource for those times when we've picked up a new game and are eager to play it.

Usability:

O Wii U it has some extra features: Access to video streaming (YouTube and Netflix) through applications; internet browser, one of the best I've seen on consoles, mainly because of the freedom that the touch screen provides; access to MiiVerse, which was expanded, and there may be interaction between players even within the games, as can be seen in the games New Super Mario Bros. U e The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD.

The console takes considerable time to turn on. To remedy this flaw, Nintendo included in the system a Quick Start menu. When pressing the power button, the Quick Start appears instantly with the 10 last functions used by the user, so that you can go straight to the application, speeding up the process much more. It is also possible to go to the Wii U menu through the Quick Start. In addition, the console is constantly connected. Being able to receive news even when turned off. In that case, the button Home do GamePad is pulsing in blue, so just press it to check what's new, which can range from news to DLC releases and new games.

Gameplay:

This is the strength of Wii U. Some games play on the screen of the GamePad the same content as the TV, thus being able to turn off the TV to play using only the GamePad or, if someone wants to watch some other programming, you can use headphones (P2 type) so that you do not disturb other people or be disturbed by the sound of the TV. The reach of GamePad it's good, but that distance drops drastically when you have to walk through walls.

Some other games bring different content on the screen of the GamePad. for example the Zombie U, which brings the map and access to the inventory on the GamePad, leaving only the game on the screen. Thanks to that, when accessing the inventory through the GamePad, you can jump out of your chair when a zombie suddenly attacks you.

The sensors of the GamePad allow the use of it for certain gestures: aiming at Zombie U, Resident Evil Revelations, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, among others, can be done through the movement of the GamePad, which makes aiming much more accurate.

Although the GamePad already be comfortable to play various types of games, the Nintendo also made available the Wii U Controller Pro, with a more practical and direct grip. The console also works with all the controls on the Wii. Attention only when buying the game: on the back of the box there is an indication for which controllers the game is compatible with.

O Wii U It also has an emulator Wii native. If you want to enjoy the media of your old Wii, just use the option Wii Menu, so the Wii U will simulate the operation of Wii. In this mode, the Wii U controllers will not work in games. The GamePad will be able to function as a TV, displaying the content and using the camera to recognize the controls (same function as the Sensor Bar).

Games:

According to Nintendo: “Software sells hardware”. This statement proved to be true with the Wii, which despite being inferior to its competitors, Playstation 3 e Xbox 360, in terms of hardware, reached a much higher number of sales. Therefore, I will list the 10 games that in our opinion are essential for any owner of a Wii U:

 

New Super Mario Bros. U

A video game classic, the world's most famous plumber returns in an all-new action-packed adventure and breathtaking sequels. If you just want to finish the game, the challenge will be reasonable, however, if your goal is 100%, good luck. Several parts of the game are really complicated, requiring an old-school hand-eye coordination.

If your goal is fun: get together with 4 more friends to play the phases of this fantastic game simultaneously.

 

Super Mario 3D World

What was good, got bigger and better. Super Mario 3D Land was a success in 3DS, Super Mario 3D World it couldn't be different. Playable with up to 4 players simultaneously, Super Mario 3D World is guaranteed fun.

 

Mario barth 8

Considered the launch of the year of Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 was able to triple console sales, and it was no accident.

To the elders who missed the Super Mario Kart and its high difficulty, finally our requests were answered: Mario Kart is more challenging than ever, with beautiful graphics, the possibility of customizing the Map (characteristic that started with the Mario barth 7), with the possibility of 4 players simultaneously and up to 12 players in a network, the largest cast in the history of Mario Kart, which was recently expanded with new DLCs and more clues than ever: We now have 12 hearts (8 from the original game +4 from the DLCs). The new anti-gravity system also didn't look bad, bringing more possibilities within the game.

 

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Traditional RPG game like only the Japanese can do. Xenoblade is already awaited since its first teaser, hitherto titled “X”, displayed on Nintendo Direct January 2013.

 

Zombie U

Zombie U It's not a game with a fantastic plot or a moving story, but a game that explores gameplay with the gamepad to do what a horror game should do: Scare. In the game, it is often necessary to shift attention from the TV to the GamePad in order to use functions such as inventory, maps and opening locks. That's when the game will make you jump out of your chair putting a zombie attacking you suddenly. I recommend tying the GamePad on hand to reduce risk.

 

Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze

Back to the big screens, Donkey set off on yet another adventure. This time with stunning graphics, mesmerizing scenarios and a difficulty that makes it an unsuitable game for children. More than praised and awarded, the franchise that made the Nintendo taking his first steps in the world of video games came on his greatest adventure.

 

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

More than a remake. A new opportunity to relive the grand adventure of Link across the seas to save her sister. In addition to the resolution in Full HD, new lighting effects have been added to the game. Not to mention the features of GamePad, which serves as the map, inventory, and crosshairs. The Wind Waker is, without a doubt, one of the greatest titles of this great franchise, and its HD version is a more than mandatory title for those who have not had the opportunity to play in GameCube.

Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta is back, but now exclusively on Wii U. With nonstop action, eye-popping graphics and breathtaking scenes, Bayonetta is one of the most anticipated titles in 2015 for the Wii U.

 

Super Smash Bros

Many try to imitate, but none can be as fun as Smash Bros. Playing with 3 more friends is guaranteed fun and a reason for many fights.

Super Smash Bros brings the great names of the franchises of Nintendo in absolutely insane, breathtaking combat. It has always been a reason to gather friends in front of the TV for good hours of gaming, this could not be different.

 

Hyrule Warriors

Last but not least: Hyrule Warriors, the cross over of two of my favorite franchises (The Legend of Zelda e Dynasty Warriors) bringing the intense battles of the Warriors franchise to the Hyrule universe. Hyrule Warriors It's already on pre-sale, and I've already secured mine.

Conclusion:

Without a doubt, when it comes to fun and entertainment in electronic games, the Nintendo know what he does. THE Wii U, despite not having as much firepower as the competitors, knows where to shoot, bringing a very good console to play. Even better, just with friends.

It is not today that the titles of Nintendo are of impeccable quality, which was their great differential in the era 8-bit. Games like the franchise Mario, Zelda e Donkey Kong These are really guaranteed purchases. Many say that the competitors are bigger and deliver more realism and graphics, but the important thing in games is the fun, entertainment and pleasure provided by the experience, and here this is practically true.