Think the Wii U is not for U? Think again!

Nintendo’s next-gen console successor has had some success itself. After all, it launched far earlier than either of its competitors, and is a pretty solid offering to the consumer. Its ability to match up the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 in terms of power and its innovative Game Pad controller make it a worthy contender and a praiseworthy successor to the Wii.

But in just a couple of weeks, the Wii U will have to face off against both the Playstation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One. Built to be even more powerful than their predecessors, both consoles easily outmatch Nintendo’s console, and I’m sure you are wondering: will it be the end of the Wii U? Will it face a similar fate to the Wii, both incapable of running the hottest multiplatform games at optimum levels and remaining unappealing to both developers and hardcore gamers? After all, Nintendo has made some baffling choices that have supported these assumptions.

Well, I’d have to say it’s both a yes and no.

Yes, the Wii U will fall behind in terms of power and hardware. Yes, it can’t possibly run next-gen games made for the PS4 & Xbox One. But no, it’s not going to be unappealing. No, Big N’s seemingly-questionable choices aren’t a mistake. Here’s why:

The hardware.

Back in June 2012 Reggie Fils-Aime explained why power isn’t everything. Nintendo has always been about fun, about the experience. The Wii U is provides both fun and the power to process what’s needed to have fun without having to go overboard.

This is possible because fun games aren’t determined by their graphics; they are judged by their gameplay. That’s why classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Brothers, Contra, Metroid, The Legend of Zelda are so fun and memorable. Graphics are just a tool to enhance gameplay, not dictate it, and the Wii U has managed to balance this with its present hardware offering.

Moreover, when the difference between the latest games that exist on both current-gen and next-gen consoles (see the video comparison of Battlefield 4 & Assassin’s Creed 4 for yourself) isn’t glaringly noticeable, then why should the Wii U need more powerful hardware? It does what it has to do, and does it well enough.

Launch games

Mass Effect 3, Assassin’s Creed 3, Batman Arkham City, Darksiders 2, FIFA 13, Tekken Tag Tournament 2. These aren’t merely big games to sate the appetite of gamers across multiple genres; they’re proof what the Wii U is capable of from day one. More than its signature family friendly, casual party games, it can also handle several of the current console generation’s latest and greatest titles. It is console for everyone, with a unique control method.

The GamePad

This is what makes the Wii U. Comparing the GamePad to smartphones, tablets, and even Nintendo’s own Nintendo DS / 3DS is both inevitable and understandable. But do yourself a favor and take a step back. Look at it from a different point of view.

The GamePad is a new input method that enables us to interact with games in creative and exciting ways. It’s not a tablet or smartphone replacement, or even a standalone console. It’s a tool to interact with the games. ZombiU is a prime example. It’s not just about on-the-fly inventory management, a GUI free game screen, door hacking, area scanning or other things the GamePad lets you do there. It’s about how gameplay flows so seamlessly, even though you’re using two screens. They don’t distract or confuse you while they work in tandem with each other. Given the Wii U and the GamePad’s capabilities, I think it’s only a matter of time until we see new, creative interactions between the GamePad screen, the television, the accelerometer and the gyroscope. That’s the fun new gaming experience that the Wii U promised.

The Kinect 2, with its better recognition and technology can be a threat. But it remains to be seen what kind of games can be made with that technology. Microsoft has even admitted that the promising Illumiroom feature would to be too costly to be mass produced. As for the Playstation 4, we’re still waiting to see how the additions to the DualShock 4 and Playstation Camera can make its games more interactive and fun to play with.

If you’re still wondering what the Wii U is all about, try out the demo unit at your local store or go to a friend who has one. To completely grasp the concept of the Wii U is to experience it personally. After all, fun is to be experienced before it can be fully understood & appreciated. With new and exciting exclusives like Wii Party U, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, The Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3 and New Super Luigi U and a whole load more, I think you’d be missing a whole lot of fun without a Wii U.