So I Bought a Wii U…

Yep, I finally caved in folks. I went and bought the one console that had provoked a permanently raised eyebrow whenever I thought about it, and not in a good way.

Ever since the announcement of the Wii U, I’d always had extreme doubts about it. I couldn’t help but feel like it was just another quirky gimmick that Nintendo were pushing out whilst Sony and Microsoft are busy planning and developing their next move. I’d forked out a hefty amount on the Wii when it was released way back when (2006, to be precise), and that had since become little more than a dainty, white dust catcher next to my TV. It was a shame that a console like that could be released after both the Xbox 360 and PS3, yet have a much shorter lifespan than the two of them. The Wii just had that amazing effect which went a little something like; ‘Wow, I’ve never seen that before! I want one!’, which was then followed a few months later by ‘Pfft, I’m bored now. I think I’ll put my Xbox 360/PS3 on.’ Admittedly, it was an effect which profited Nintendo quite a bit, but I’m pretty sure that they always wanted more.

And so we now have the Wii U: The HD successor to the Nintendo Wii and the latest quirky gimmick that Nintendo are hoping will capitalise on a relatively dormant console market. It’s also now mine, too. Life is hard when you’re a slave to consumerism.

Unsurprisingly, given the amount of time that they’ve had to perfect the formula, I think that Nintendo have got it right this time. The Wii U has a unique DNA that reeks of ‘Games Console meets Tablet Computer’, with the synergy of this leaving the user feeling pretty smug when they’re browsing the internet whilst sat in their recliner. Or is that just me? All jokes aside, I really do like my Wii U. I don’t have to move any furniture in my bedroom if I decide to play on it and it feels like a really good gadget. I do hope that Nintendo take a page out of Microsoft and Sony’s book by giving this console the time and effort that the Xbox 360 and PS3 both had. Those consoles were the benefactors of innovation after their release dates, with streamlined versions as well as software updates all contributing to the overall product. The Wii U is the Wii’s junior by 6 years, and my hope is that Nintendo can look at this console and do more for it than they did for the Wii in the next 6 years. It has so much potential and I just hope that they fulfill it.

To wrap all of this up, I would just like to say that the only reason I bought a Wii U was because I wanted to play on ZombiU. I have done ever since I stared longingly at the people who were playing it at the Eurogamer Expo 2012 back in September. Those bastards certainly looked like they were enjoying themselves. Now I’m the bastard and I want to impart this bit of knowledge to the rest of the world: If you’ve got plenty of disposable income, are susceptible to impulse purchases and a massive fan of zombies, go out into your local game retailer and look at the Wii U bay. Get the attention of one of their bright-eyed sales assistants and exclaim ‘I’ll take a Premium Black Wii U console with ZombiU please!’ Don’t tell your wife/husband or girlfriend/boyfriend that you’re thinking of buying a new games console. In fact, hide it from them once you’ve purchased it and enjoy the delights that it has to offer in the most self-centred of ways. Whilst you’re at it, you could even add me to your friends list? My Nintendo ID is TheRenegadeLobe, so feel free to add me my new Wii U buddies! I assure you that you’ll have one hell of a time.

Toodle pip!