Wii U hits Japan December 8, priced above competition
updated 08:44 am EDT, Thu September 13, 2012
Nintendo Wii U starts to get shipping dates
Nintendo used is Wii U Direct Presentation to mark December 8 as the official launch date of its next-generation gaming console. The starting price for the Wii U of ¥26,250 puts it in at around $US330, which places it slightly higher than the current Sony PS3 and Xbox 360 in Japan. Nintendo says it will be offering the console in two versions, one a basic set and the other a premium set.
The more expensive premium bundle will come in black, be fitted with 32GB of flash memory, come with a GamePad, two power adapters and an HDMI cable. By comparison, the basic bundle will come in white and carry just 8GB of flash memory plus one GamePad. According to Nintendo, buyers of the premium option will also receive a Nintendo Network Plus membership offering 10 percent off digital downloads.
The Wii U is Nintendo’s first high-definition console and is said to be about twice as powerful as the current Xbox. It’s processor is paired with 2GB of RAM, which is split between game and system memory. Its proprietary gaming discs hold up to 25GB of content, but the centerpiece of the new console is its GamePad accessory, that will offer gamers dual-screen console gaming experience. North American launch dates are expected to be announced in the next day.
