RSS Feeds NGN on Facebook NGN on Twitter NGN on YouTube
Wednesday April 30, 2025
Header logo
  1. Index
  2. » News
  3. » Wii U

Wii U to release in 2012, Nintendo Network announced

Nintendo confirms new console will launch this year, controller gets NFC function

Posted on
In its Third Quarter financial results briefing, Nintendo has revealed new details about its plans for the upcoming next-generation console, the Wii U.

It has been confirmed the company is planning to showcase the final format and discuss the details of the new hardware at E3 2012, which will be held in Los Angeles in June this year. Nintendo can confirm that they will launch the Wii U in Japan, the U.S., Europe and Australia in time for the year-end sales season.

"For the launch of new hardware, it is, of course, regarded as a sort of requisite not to miss the critical year-end sales season. The company is aiming to firmly complete the development of the entire system and prepare sufficient software so that the Wii U will be at its best at the time of the launch. Needless to say, we have learned a bitter lesson from the launch of the Nintendo 3DS," said Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo.

The Wii U controller will also have a NFC (Near Field Communication) function. By installing this functionality, it will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via noncontact NFC. Adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micropayments.
 
nintendo network icon

Finally, the company announced The Nintendo Network - a service which will cover the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U. The new system is set to bring the digital offerings of the console up to industry standards - including personal accounts per console instead of friend codes, ability to have a marketplace to sell DLC and digital titles, etc.

Nintendo also shared sales data, with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 leading the market throughout last year. The Wii and Sony’s PS3 had similar sales throughout 2011, but the Wii gained an edge for the total sales according to estimates.
2011 video game console sales chart
Comments
Online
There are currently 0 members and 94 guests on the website right now.
Who's On?
Activity in the past 10 minutes:
  • 94 guests
Best News
The Wonderful 101: Remastered in development
Kickstarter campaign begins to bring the game to new platforms

Posted Feb 4, 2020 11:23
NBA 2k18 soundtrack details
The full listing of tracks in this year's basketball title
Jul 21, 2017 17:48
Lego Dimensions gets five new expansion packs
The Powerpuff Girls and Beetlejuice among the represented franchises
Sep 14, 2017 19:33
Nintendo wins copyright case against modchip distributor
Console maker is awarded $12.76 million in damages
Mar 9, 2017 20:18
Just Dance 2018 announced
This year's music game has more than 40 new songs
Jun 13, 2017 00:23
Latest Comments
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered released
Apr 24, 2025 by graim
a nicely done remake, cant believe its been so many years...
PS5 price going up in Europe, Oceania
Apr 15, 2025 by JamesJay
first time ever that console prices going up over...
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Direct Trailer...
Mar 29, 2025 by bartd
surely it will be cross-lauch with Switch 2, but nice of...
Monaco 2 out in April
Mar 27, 2025 by JamesJay
definitely feels like one of those sequels that are way...
Avowed Review
Mar 18, 2025 by Beyu
I like Obsidian but I feel like their RPGs have gotten...
New Game Network NGN Facebook NGN Twitter NGN Youtube NGN RSS