Rumors about the Wii U have been in full force these past few weeks, and we’re still months away from E3.
CVG is reporting today that Nintendo is considering changing the console’s name. The site states that “serious discussions are ongoing at the highest level in the US and Japan as to whether the firm should cut its losses and give the console a different name.”
There was quite a bit of uncertainty last year when Nintendo first revealed Wii U. Some were under the impression that Nintendo was simply creating a new controller for their current home system and weren’t planning on launching a new piece of hardware.
Likewise, there has been confusion about the 3DS. The company has been placing red box stickers on game boxes to show that the software is for a new handheld and isn’t compatible with the DS. A tagline has also been added to TV spots: “This is not DS. This is Nintendo 3DS.”
Perhaps Nintendo will be looking to avoid another round of confusion with Wii U. The name is obviously extremely similar to Wii, and the two consoles maintain similar appearances.
EXPLORE, BEFRIEND AND BATTLE POKÉMON IN POKÉPARK 2: WONDERS BEYOND
Join Pikachu and your favourite Pokémon characters on a journey to save the trapped Pokémon as PokéPark™ 2: Wonders Beyond comes to Wii™
26th January, 2012 – Join the quest with Pikachu and his friends to save the missing Pokémon and discover the mystery of an enchanting new world in PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond, available exclusively for Wii across Europe from 23rd March 2012. As Pikachu and his Pals, solve the mystery of the missing Pokémon and save them from Wish Park. Only you can find out who or what is behind the disappearances in order to save the rest of the Pokémon.
Control one of four Pokémon characters in PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond, Pikachu and the Unova starter Pokémon Oshawott, Snivy and Tepig, all with unique abilities that will help you in your quest. Each of Pikachu’s Pokémon Pals’ unique skills could prove vital if you are to save the missing Pokémon from the trance of the mysterious world: Pikachu’s Electric moves can help you to activate devices on the way; Oshawott has the ability to move through water; Snivy can move faster and jump higher than the other Pokémon, and Tepig can destroy obstacles on your quest.
Tomb Raider is one PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 title that won’t be made for Wii U.
Crystal Dynamics Global Brand Director Karl Stewart explained that the studio wouldn’t be interested in simply porting the game. If they were to develop a title for the console, they “would build it very differently and would built it with unique functionality.”
Stewart said:
“When we started developing the game we made a conscious decision that it was all about building the game for a platform and making sure the game was specific to that platform. Given that we’ve been working on the game quite a while before Wii U was announced I think it would not be right to try and port it across. If we started building a game for the Wii U we would build it very differently and we would build it with unique functionality.”
Thanks to Jake for the tip!
This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:
Nintendo eShop
Mutant Mudds™ – Armed with a heavy-duty water cannon, Max must vanquish his nemeses, the Mutant Mudds, by blasting and hovering his way across the soiled landscape to seek out mysterious Water Sprites. (For Nintendo 3DS™)Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ (demo version) – Join Mario and Sonic in the world’s greatest sporting competition. With more than 50 playable events, the Olympic Games have never been so much fun. This demo is now available on Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS)
Rumors regarding a summer/early fall release for Wii U can now be put to rest.
During an earnings conference in Japan, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that the console will ship this holiday season in North America, Europe, and Australia. It seems that the company is planning a worldwide launch.
Thanks to ehead and 4Him for the tip!
