If you're wondering what kind of horse power Nintendo's packed into its first High Definition console, we've got the answers now straight from the source. While the console is launching in 2012 there's plenty to glean from the playable demos and officially release info. The little white box is approximately 1.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide and 10.5 inches long.
The Wii U's tablet-esque controller holds a 6.2 inch, 16:9 touch screen with traditional buttons. Instead of analog sticks, Nintendo's equipping the tablet controller with two Circle Pads. The rechargeable controller (woo! Sorry Nyko) includes a Power button, Home button, directional pad, ABXY buttons, L/R and ZL/ZR shoulder buttons. The controller also comes with a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble features, camera, micropohone, stereo speakers, sensor strip, and stylus.
Up to four Wii Remotes can be connected in addition to the tablet controllers. The console supports previous Wii peripherals, controllers, and games and comes with an IR bar. The hardware itself includes another self-loading media bay with support for Wii U and Wii discs. The new Wii U discs reportedly have capacities in line with Sony's Bluray discs. The console supports 1080p, 1080i, 720 p, 480p and 480i output resolutions and works with HDMI, component, S-video and composite cabling.
The Wii U's audio output uses an AV Multi Out connector. Six-channel PCM linear output runs through HDMI. The console will come with an internal flash memory drive and supports expansion with SD memory cards or an external USB Hard Disk Drive. Four USB 2.0 connector slots are included and the console is fully backwards compatible with Wii games and Wii accessories.
The real meat and potatoes of the Wii U: IBM is supplying a Power-based multi-core microprocessor chip.
No word on graphics chips. Nintendo is typically very reluctant to talk about the inner components of their hardware and would rather show us how the controller and console work to create an expierience for gamers. We went hands on with the Wii U today so look for video and Josh's hands-on preview.
E3 2011 continues tomorrow and Game Revolution's coverage will go even further. Stick with us as we bring you the hottest news, previews, and impressions from Los Angeles.
