The Wii HD rumors are true! (For once…) At this year’s E3, Nintendo announced its next console: Wii U. The system’s major innovation is its new controller with a touch screen that can be used
to stream video content, but will it be enough? Should Nintendo be worried about connectivity
between the PS3 and PSVita stealing their thunder a year before they even launch Wii U?

Direct Link: Famicom Dojo Podcast 04: Ooh! Wii U

Complete show notes at FamicomDojo.TV:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/4

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It seems like it’s the year of the handhelds at E3 2011, with Nintendo and Sony both debuting their newest portable poster-children.

“Wii U”

The Wii U isn’t as much of a portable handheld as it is a new console with a portable accessory. It’s controller works in tandem and separate of the Wii console as a sort of super-controller to both interact with Wii games, and act as it’s own Wii screen separate from a television complete with a touch screen. Supposed release of 2012. (and yes, I’ll probably not be the first to make the “weeeee-ooooo” ambulance siren sound effect)

Playstation Vita

Sony’s Playstation Vita looks to be the evolution of the PSP, complete with multiple touch screen capabilities, built-in front and back cameras, multiple motion control axis, and 3G and Wi-Fi in certain models with the “near” function to find other Vita players in the vicinity. It was hinted at a few months ago under the codename “NGP”, but was formally unveiled at E3 this year. Will it it prove to be a more versatile successor to the PSP, or end as a flop like it’s predecessor? We’ll see at the end of 2011 when it releases for around $249US.

The trailer is pure excitement and features the return of Jen Taylor as Cortana and Steve Downes as Master Chief. Chief is awakened in a panic while in cryonic sleep to see the already ravaged UNSC ship Forward Unto Dawn being torn apart. As he jets to where the bridge of the ship once stood, Chief looks out into the maw of the monster planet Unicron.

Unicron first appeared in the 1986 Transformers The Movie and has reappeared in several TV series and comic spinoffs of that franchise. What business the Chaos Bringer has with a Spartan from Reach is of complete mystery, but I’m sure if Cortana can help Master Chief open the Matrix, everything will be all right.

Halo 4 launches on XBox 360 in late 2012. The Unicron action figure will be available as an Amazon exclusive later this year. [Read the rest of this entry…]

If you’re seeing this, then either the world hasn’t ended, or you were left behind.

At least you’ll have Nintendo’s next console to keep you entertained!

Check out some idle speculation about what we’ll see at E3, but most what Nintendo needs to do to keep its fans happy:

What are your thoughts about Nintendo’s next system? Leave your comments below!