I've been a Nintendo fan all my life, so it would be very easy for me to say something like, "Well, I'm buying a Wii U because it's a Nintendo console." The truth is, I am definitely getting a Wii U, but I'm not doing it because it's a new platform by a company whose work I enjoy. There are several reasons for my future investment in the console, and I think a lot of gamers may agree and are actually looking forward to the Wii U for many of the same reasons I am.
The Nintendo Network
So far, all we really know about the Nintendo Network is that the Big N plans on delivering DLC for games and digital downloads of retail titles. It was about time, wasn't it? Even though it took Nintendo a while, this is a great prospect, and it's good seeing the company embracing the modern aspect of an online component in consoles. There's probably still a lot we don't know about the Nintendo Network, and that's what gets me excited about it.
One aspect that has me really curious is the online shop element. Will there be a new Virtual Console with a bigger selection of classic titles? I think Nintendo should really start delivering updated versions of their old school offerings. Throw some online multiplayer in titles such as Mario Kart 64 and Mario Party. How about an updated version of Donkey Kong 64 with a strong online component? That would be pretty fun! Also, will the company start delivering more original downloadable titles that gamers actually care about? It's very possible!
It's not all digital content, though. We certainly can't forget about the importance of online gaming these days. Games like Mario Kart Wii and Goldeneye 007 did a decent job of providing online multiplayer for the Wii, and Mario Kart 7 delivers some fun competitive racing for 3DS owners. As Nintendo continues to develop and tinker with the Nintendo Network, let's hope the online factor for the 3DS and Wii U delivers a top notch gaming experience. If Nintendo wants to keep up with the standards in gaming, I think it's going to have to deliver just that.
That crazy tablet controller
You know what? The Wii U's tablet controller looks pretty awesome, and I'm interested in seeing what it does and what types of unique gameplay tropes it brings to the table. I've long been a fan of innovation in gaming, and I've really enjoyed seeing Nintendo change things up with the DS and the Wii (even though there have been some nasty titles released for this console). I'm curious to see how developers use the Wii U's tablet controller, and I hope they throw in some exclusive features centered around the touchscreen device.
I think a lot of the earlier stuff on the Wii U will work around simplifying item management screens by allowing players to access everything right from the tablet controller. While that's pretty nifty, I hope developers and Nintendo get more creative as the Wii U spends more time in the market. Item and stat management right in the palm of your hand are cool little functions, but what I really want to see are some unique and original gameplay enhancements on that tablet controller.
Nintendo franchises in HD
Graphics are usually the last thing I care about when I play a game. Ultimately, I play video games to have fun, and while a pretty-looking game is definitely something I enjoy and appreciate, it's the gameplay that gets me into any specific title. That said, I think it's going to be really cool seeing all of my favorite Nintendo franchises in lush HD. Remember how awesome Super Mario Galaxy and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword looked? Imagine those titles with a little more power behind them. Yeah, it would be a crazy eye-gasm, wouldn't it?
It's also pretty cool to think about the new visual enhancements Nintendo can experiment with to deliver some outstanding-looking titles. I really want to see a new Donkey Kong game take advantage of the Wii U's graphical power. And being the Kirby lover that I am, I can't stress enough how stoked I get just thinking of that super colorful series getting some HD love on the console. It would be true visual candy, and I can't wait to see some of my favorite franchises running in beautiful HD.
If you're a Nintendo fan, the Wii U is certainly worth getting excited over. The Nintendo Network alone already has a lot of potential, and seeing how the company utilizes its new online component will prove interesting right from the get-go. The new controller certainly seems to have the ability to deliver some innovation to a Nintendo console once more. Then there's the myriad Nintendo franchises, which will hopefully make a splash come the console's launch. Yeah, the Wii U is definitely an intriguing piece of hardware, and it has a lot of potential. I'll definitely be picking one up at launch.
