Information overload hit the web a few days ago when Nintendo revealed a slew of new launch details for the Wii U. With a $299 price of entry and a November 18th launch date, the oncoming release of Nintendo's next piece of hardware finally feels like a reality. We learned about new exclusives, television functionality, and additional third-party support—all of which you can read about here.
With this news finally out in the open, one question plagues the minds of many gamers (the rest of which clearly don't care): Should I pick up one of these bad boys on launch day? The answer to that question depends on what kind of gamer you are and what you're looking for.
You should pre-order a Wii U if…
1. You only game on Nintendo consoles.
While the Nintendo-only demographic is growing in smaller and smaller increments amongst hardcore gamers, there's still a crowd of you out there. As such, games like Mass Effect 3, Assassin's Creed 3, and Darksiders 2 will feel like a breath of fresh air to those who have remained loyal to the Wii's pathetic lineup of third-party titles for the past five years. In addition, those who have remained Nintendo-faithful all this time will almost certainly eat up New Super Mario Bros. U and the healthy selection of Ubisoft titles that will be available at launch.
2. You NEED to have the latest tech.
Some of us just love our gadgets. There may not be too many games at launch that will hold your interest, but owning the system's crazy new tablet controller and seeing that shiny Wii U console in your entertainment center makes it all worth it. Nothing more to say about that.
You should wait on the Wii U if…
1. All you're looking for is the next big Mario, Zelda, or Metroid.
This is the camp I find myself in, and probably the same position many of you find yourself in as well. While NSMBU is technically a Mario title, it's not the next major 3D entry that we're all waiting for. We know it's coming, along with the likes of Zelda, Metroid, and other hallmark Nintendo franchises, but they won't be available day one. As such, it's hard to justify purchasing the console now, when it's easy enough to wait until some really compelling games arrive for the hardware. Who knows? Nintendo may be forced to drop the price by that time anyway, and let's face it, being an "ambassador" is totally overrated.
2. The "launch window" software has your interest piqued.
So games like Pikmin 3 and Bayonetta 2 have you drooling all over yourself in anticipation? Awesome! Now clean yourself up and learn to remain patient. There's no need to go rushing out on November 18th to pick up a Wii U because these games won't be available at launch. And while Nintendo has listed them as "launch window" titles, just remember that this time frame extends all the way to March. By that time, the Wii U launch craze will likely have settled and you'll be able to pick one up at your own convenience.
You should completely dismiss the Wii U if…
1. First-party Nintendo franchises don't interest you.
Maybe you felt burned by the Wii, or perhaps you've been a Sega fanboy all your life and you've been avoiding Nintendo-banded consoles like the plague. Either way, you don't need me to tell you that the Wii U isn't—and likely never will be—for you. How a gamer could possibly not be interested in a new Zelda or Metroid is beyond me, but I know there are some of you out there that couldn't care less. And you know what? Samus hates you too!
2. You're adverse to innovations in game control.
So motion controllers aren't your thing? I understand. What about touchscreen input? I see… Clearly whatever is new and different from the standard controller doesn't appeal to you, so there's absolutely no reason why you'd like Nintendo's upcoming console because that's what the hardware is all about. Heck, there are still some of you out there that won't even touch a controller because mouse and keyboard is the alleged "optimal" way to play. To each his own.
Will you be picking up a Wii U on launch day? Let us know in the comments below.
