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[Reluctant-Hero]

Gamestop.com has them new for $50. Link

Be careful! I ordered a "new" copy from GameStop.com last week and it arrived today. But much to my dismay, it was a "gut" copy. Meaning it was opened for display purposes in one of their retail stores, had a price sticker stuck to front of the case and the game disc in a paper sleeve.

If you don't mind this and just want a copy of Xenoblade, then it's not an issue. But imagine if you had ordered it as a gift to someone else, terrible.

 

[Glass Joe]

I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo were holding off for the eShop to get some solid support before pumping there own games in there. However, how long will they wait and are they going to just start from scratch again? And how about Gamecube games? It would be awesome to have the old VC games functioning with Miiverse as well. Once can dream.

There's a lot of games to convert if they're going to do it. And it really depends on what they've decided. Hopefully no Virtual Console at launch means that they're planning on letting existing game owners update their files, much like how iphone games get patched. If they do this, they probably figured this had to be put on the backburner for a bit. Money-wise, there really isn't any to be had in offering free updates (other than convincing owners like me to buy other stuff I missed out on before, and convincing Wii owners to upgrade to U). It would be important for loyalty and I wish they would say *something*, but getting their console and other U services running right in 3 regions I'm sure is time consuming.

That's my hope. If they're going to make us start over, seems like they would have started trickling out stuff already, unless they don't want the bad press until after the holiday season.

 

[Pharros]

I wouldn't recommend to hold your breath guys, EVERYONE (including me) thought that GBA games were no-brainers for the 3DS VC, nearly two years and they're nowhere to be seen (unless you're an ambassador ), just look at the VC now, aside from a few suprises it's shit, and it doesn't seem any probable that it will change anytime soon.

So true. Remastered HD N64/Gamecube/Wii games on VC with gamepad and miiverse

Spoiler

and achievement, voice chat

support is all I'm asking for...

Spoiler

lol

There's a lot of games to convert if they're going to do it. And it really depends on what they've decided. Hopefully no Virtual Console at launch means that they're planning on letting existing game owners update their files, much like how iphone games get patched. If they do this, they probably figured this had to be put on the backburner for a bit. Money-wise, there really isn't any to be had in offering free updates (other than convincing owners like me to buy other stuff I missed out on before, and convincing Wii owners to upgrade to U). It would be important for loyalty and I wish they would say *something*, but getting their console and other U services running right in 3 regions I'm sure is time consuming.

That's my hope. If they're going to make us start over, seems like they would have started trickling out stuff already, unless they don't want the bad press until after the holiday season.

For some reason I feel like they are not going to do the converting thing. I could be wrong but that would be my guess. Perhaps I underestimate Nintendo, but like you said, the amount of work to convert them all, plus adding the necessary features along with integrating the two eShops to work together with those releases just seems like far too much work. But IFFF by some miracle from the gods they added features to VC games like I've stated above, I would double dip. Or in the case of some games, dip for the 5th time.

 

[LiveFromKyoto]

Just got mine! Spent about 35 mins. updating and I was good to go.

Loving the heck out of it so far, Nintendo absolutely nailed it with this controller. Played a bunch of Mario on remote play, this is the future. It looks fantastic, I am 99% sure anybody knocking it for being "not HD" doesn't understand how HD view distances actually work, and has never actually sat down with this controller. it looks crystal clear and perfectly smooth.

I'm surprised how much of a killer feature RP feels like. I see myself buying more games on this than my trusty PS3 going forward because of it. Plus, I can play violent games without freaking my girlfriend out. Call of Duty + Ninja Gaiden, here i come. It's just too bad EA wasn't more on board, this thing was made for a Dead Space game.

I'll join in with the criticism of loading times within the OS being absurd though - they're just menus! How is the OS not optimized for its own fixed architecture?

The look, sound and feel of the OS is great though, I'll give them that. Hopefully they release a 2.0 that integrates Wii support and speeds things up.

So far I've got Nintendo Land, Mario & Tekken, and I'll hopefully be getting Batman for Christmas. My kid brother's going to get one with Mass Effect & Assassin's (shh, don't tell him) so I'll give those a spin when he's done with them.

Not too worried about the release schedule the next few months, the launch has more awesome stuff than I'll ever get through.

 

[Dreamwriter]

What are these Y cables I keep hearing about and why are they so important?

It's a cable that lets you plug your hard drive into two USB ports instead of just one, so it has access to twice the electricity. Nintendo really cheaped out with the power that the Wii U USB ports put out, so many portable hard drives don't work if they are powered by the USB port. Those drives then need to get more power from somewhere else - the Y cable lets you get it from a second port, or a powered USB hub will also do the trick. If your hard drive comes with its own power adapter, then it's good to go.

 

[EDarkness]

Really? Aren't the lack of clicking analog sticks a problem?

And the anemic COD online community is disappointing. Hardly anybody plays objective games. Hopefully it will pick up after Christmas.

I never understand this argument. Maybe people just don't like to play those modes. I play online, but I have no desire to play other modes. Team death match is perfectly fine.

 

[Dreamwriter]

I just read all wii stuff is compatible with the Wii U so im curious why the Wii U pro controller is $50 but the classic pro controller is $20, doesnt seem like a big difference between the two, can anyone confirm the classic pr controller works fine with the Wii U cause if so id like to save myself $30

There are two reasons the pro controller is more expensive: first off it's got a wireless radio and controller chip in it, whereas the Classic Controller Pro depends on the Wii Remote dealing with that stuff, as it's just an accessory for the Wii Remote. And second, the Wii U Pro Controller has an 80 hour rechargable battery built-in, while the Classic Controller Pro is designed to leech power from the Wii Remote, which uses two AA batteries.

 

[mujun]

I'm surprised people are so high on the system. I'm pretty lukewarm on it myself.

 

[Alcibiades]

Be careful! I ordered a "new" copy from GameStop.com last week and it arrived today. But much to my dismay, it was a "gut" copy. Meaning it was opened for display purposes in one of their retail stores, had a price sticker stuck to front of the case and the game disc in a paper sleeve.

If you don't mind this and just want a copy of Xenoblade, then it's not an issue. But imagine if you had ordered it as a gift to someone else, terrible.

Return it, demand a factory-sealed copy, and contact Nintendo about how their exclusive retail partner for Xenoblade sold a handled disc with a vandalized case as "new." Freaking hate Gamestop.

 

[LiveFromKyoto]

I'm surprised people are so high on the system. I'm pretty lukewarm on it myself.

It's black and shiny, the controller handles incredibly well, and I can curl up in bed with a full-blown console in my hands. What's not to like?

 

[Skilletor]

Which explains that 90% of the people who point at it, or just plain hate it, are people who wouldn't even consider buying one no matter what, if I didn't own one I would be afraid of even picking up one, because the hyperbole here on GAF is gigantic, people calling some of the ports lazy or unplayable are just ridiculous. If the system is so awful and the ports so mediocre, the why I'm being able to really enjoy it?

I think it's just a case of different standards, honestly. NG3:RE has one of the worst framerates in any action game I've ever played, but I've seen some people who say they don't even notice. I'd imagine the same thing is going on with other ports. I can't believe that the reports of shitty framerates are overblown given my experience with the console.

Especially when we have digital foundry reports which objectively state the opposite of what some people are saying.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-batman-arkham-city-wii-u-face-off

It's a bit of both. Some people are high on the new console smell. Some people are haters. Some people have no agenda and are just stating what they're seeing and the haters and new console smell people run with that based on whatever agenda they might have.

 

[BowieZ]

Well that didn't take long...

... most of my friend list haven't been on in the last 6-7 days :-/ Miiverse activity is anemic too. Weak.

I'm online every day for hours. In the last 12 days since AU launch I've put in 130+ hours. About 10 hours a day lol.

 

[mujun]

It's black and shiny, the controller handles incredibly well, and I can curl up in bed with a full-blown console in my hands. What's not to like?

+look and size of the console
+interesting new take on the controller
+Nintendo franchises
+quiet
+cheap
+online stuff might be cool (can't use any of it as I don't have any means to plug it in at this point)
+feels well built and designed

-terrible battery life on the controller (major gripe for me as I hate recharging stuff and have to keep it plugged in is a hassle with my living sitch)
-only one launch game I was interested in (Zombi U) and it is a game I have a love hate relationship with
-slow to do anything, menus, loading games, etc
-low storage for a 2012 system
-don't like the controller versus ps3/360 ones. Feels really hard to pull off normal controller stuff due to the size and layout
-extra layer of stuff to do with the controller in regards to sound, storage, etc, not sure if it's worth the hassle for me when I'm not very interested in potential touch screen applications

Subjective list of course. Still it really doesn't stack up well vs the 360 or PS3 imo.

 

[Ydahs]

Nano Assualt is so damn good. Currently ranked 44th worldwide in the Epsilon cluster, number one in Australia

 

[Rich!]

Just installed the homebrew channel on my Wii U's Wii Mode.

Feels good man

 

[Kevtones]

Man I really like Darksiders II on the Gamepad. I didn't like the first game but this is scratching the Zelda itch and then some.

 

[Clay Davis]

Still a bit confused about this in the UK. 10 days after launch and it remains the case that few supermarkets are carrying it in-store - select branches have a couple of games and a smattering of consoles, but beyond that, nothing. Most Asda / Tesco stores don't even acknowledge its existence.

Not sure why Nintendo has allocated stock in such an odd way. These are, like it or not, the biggest gaming retailers in the country. There's a reason you'll find a small core queuing big city outside Game stores for the latest CoD or FIFA while hundreds arrive at Asda in the back end of nowhere.

it's clear they don't understand the market any more. what other reason could there be for their seemingly ignoring supermarkets. it's sure as hell not a stock issue with almost all stores now have plentiful stock.

 

[NateDrake]

Man I really like Darksiders II on the Gamepad. I didn't like the first game but this is scratching the Zelda itch and then some.

Darksiders II is a great game. Have been loving every minute of it. Much better than the first in terms of exploration, dungeon design, etc..

 

[Clay Davis]

Darksiders II is a great game. Have been loving every minute of it. Much better than the first in terms of exploration, dungeon design, etc..

dungeon design isn't that better in my opinion. the big difference is the combat, the rest feels like a step back in comparison to the first game. a small step mind, but a step back nonetheless.

 

[masud]

It's black and shiny, the controller handles incredibly well, and I can curl up in bed with a full-blown console in my hands. What's not to like?

Yo what's your nnid? I wanna send you trolling Raptor pictorials.

 

[Kevtones]

Darksiders II is a great game. Have been loving every minute of it. Much better than the first in terms of exploration, dungeon design, etc..

Definitely, and the RPG elements/exploration hit the right notes. The combat is actually my only complaint - its a bit easy although I'm still way early.

With THQ in doubt, I'd love to see Nintendo swoop in some shape or form for Zelda.

 

[EDarkness]

dungeon design isn't that better in my opinion. the big difference is the combat, the rest feels like a step back in comparison to the first game. a small step mind, but a step back nonetheless.

How so? I played the first game and feel like the dungeons in this game feel better to run around in.

 

[Clay Davis]

How so? I played the first game and feel like the dungeons in this game feel better to run around in.

they felt more focused in the first game, more organic. it's a minor complaint and one that I know isn't shared by a lot of people, but the dungeons in the sequel felt more forced and padded. as I said, it's a complaint not shared by many people.

 

[Fox Mulder]

I'm surprised people are so high on the system. I'm pretty lukewarm on it myself.

I can see why people are enjoying it, it's not a horrible console.

It's just little things like a slow OS and no games coming for most of 2013 that has me down on it.

 

[elostyle]

I can see why people are enjoying it, it's not a horrible console.

It's just little things like a slow OS and no games coming for most of 2013 that has me down on it.

Do you guys have the console?

 

[Freezie KO]

no games coming for most of 2013 that has me down on it.

No games for most of 2013. Trade in your systems now.

 

[Fox Mulder]

Do you guys have the console?

Lol, only trolls or people that don't own the console could possibly find faults with it.

 

[madmackem]

I can see why people are enjoying it, it's not a horrible console.

It's just little things like a slow OS and no games coming for most of 2013 that has me down on it.

The slow os is totally overblown for me, it takes no longer than my xbox does to switch between things.

 

[Kevtones]

Yeah th OS has been pretty great for me. One quibble is the lack of auto-finish for the browser.

 

[Richie]

Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing Transformed.

Trine 2

I don't like combat, I hate the damn man eating plants. Also hate those damn red lizard things that come out of the boiling pots FUUUUU those things

Most Excellent game should not be missed on Wii U if you have not played it yet on other platforms

go digital with your NSMBU and ZOMBIU or you'll kick yourself later

Batman IS AWESOME.

I'm playing that right now and it is a fantastic game. I beat Arkham Asylum on the PS3 and decided to wait to get the Wii U version of Arkham City. The game is gorgeous and the Gamepad implementation is outstanding. Having Alfred talking to you through the gamepad speakers while you're on missions is so incredibly immersive. My only regret is that I bought it on disc. I didn't think that WB was going to release it digitally, so I couldn't wait and I got the disc version. Looks like this game is now getting an eShop release. *grumble*

Thanks a bunch! (plus to all of you who commented further on Batman) Heh, I forgot to address downloadable games in my first post; thanks to Joel's participation on GAF, not to mention it being the multiplatform game which shines the best on Wii U, I had Trine 2 on mind for sure.

Albeit rather indifferent toward SEGA, Sonic's favorable reception and low price makes it a tempting purchase...Will look into it.

Very much glad to hear Batman's issues have been blow out of proportion. I was watching Giantbomb's stream and when everyone went "framerate issues ahoy" I didn't think it was that bad, if any. Don't think I'm gonna mind it at all. Any other game in the launch that was a PS360-only goodie until now?

You guys think there many be any discounts on the eShop soon? Not having to switch discs to play games sounds even better taking the Gamepad in account, but I can get pretty much all the games for less at retail...

 

[mrklaw]

Noooooooooo.



Who is telling the truth?!

The other guy I think. I read the description which was rubbish but the reviews seem to give better info. Sorry :/

 

[mrklaw]

I'd like my activity feed from miiverse to bubble up to the home screen or wara wara somehow.

 

[Fox Mulder]

The slow os is totally overblown for me, it takes no longer than my xbox does to switch between things.

I don't see how that is even possible, but great that it's fine for you.

The OS is slower than any interface I'm used to on devices like my smartphone, ipad, and 360. The same complaint has been made in numerous reviews and videos around the internet as well.

I'm down on it because I wanted more at launch. I love NSMBU, but it's not a long game. There's not even much in the eshop right now. The first time I pop a HD Mario Galaxy type 3d game in this will be great.

 

[Van Owen]

OS is terribly slow. No defending it.

Game library is alright if you haven't played any of the games months ago on other platforms. If not, ehhhhh...

 

[madmackem]

OS is terribly slow. No defending it.

Game library is alright if you haven't played any of the games months ago on other platforms. If not, ehhhhh...

It isnt for me, going from app to app on 360 isnt much quicker and if live isnt playing well that day it can be even slower.

 

[BGBW]

Only slow thing is the Plaza for me. Takes a while for all the Miis to come on down. It seems that the WiiU caches a few off them because when I changed some router settings and thus my WiiU was offline for a brief moment it still showed some. Of course the next time I turned it on their was no cache downloaded so I reverted back to the default icons.

I'm not switching apps all day but accessing the browser or Miiverse doesn't seem like a burden/

 

[DCharlie]

I'm doing my JP machine update now....

... talk to you guys in March 2432 when it finishes!

(MH pack, Mario, Nintendoland)

 

[JaxJag]

Playing ZombiU it really makes me realize how much better the offset analog placement of the 360 controller is. Nintendo really should have copied that, and maybe some analog triggers would of been nice.

 

[DaSorcerer7]

I'm doing my JP machine update now....

... talk to you guys in March 2432 when it finishes!

(MH pack, Mario, Nintendoland)

lol, is your nnid going to be DCharlie?

 

[mrklaw]

I'm doing my JP machine update now....

... talk to you guys in March 2432 when it finishes!

(MH pack, Mario, Nintendoland)

That's better. Doesn't feel like a launch without DCharlie

 

[Kandinsky]

That's better. Doesn't feel like a launch without DCharlie

Was gonna say the same thing

 

[Eusis]

Playing ZombiU it really makes me realize how much better the offset analog placement of the 360 controller is. Nintendo really should have copied that, and maybe some analog triggers would of been nice.

I think symmetrical tends to work best to be honest, especially with how important it is to use the right stick. I think I'd prefer the Dual Shock style though, buttons aren't blocked by my thumbs if I wanted to use my index finger one one of them, and I find it's easier to deal with it that way for D-Pad games.

Although, I wouldn't be surprised if becoming somewhat antagonistic to the asymmetrical design had to do a lot with Microsoft just fucking up the D-Pad in about every way imaginable on 360, because the GC's issue was just being too far in, and the original Xbox controllers were just fine there.

 

[JaxJag]

I gotta say though, I think the system is better than it's getting credit for. Granted, the OS is one of the slower operation systems I've used on a device in a while. But I gotta think Nintendo will be able to speed that up with patches down the road. I also think the friends list needs to be implemented completely differently, having to launch an app to check friends is pretty annoying.

But ZombiU, the way it uses the pad adds tension to that game unlike any other console on the market can.

I do wish there were more games available, but hopefully that changes soon with at least some indie surprises in the coming months.

 

[nofi]

I think symmetrical tends to work best to be honest, especially with how important it is to use the right stick. I think I'd prefer the Dual Shock style though, buttons aren't blocked by my thumbs if I wanted to use my index finger one one of them, and I find it's easier to deal with it that way for D-Pad games.

Although, I wouldn't be surprised if becoming somewhat antagonistic to the asymmetrical design had to do a lot with Microsoft just fucking up the D-Pad in about every way imaginable on 360, because the GC's issue was just being too far in, and the original Xbox controllers were just fine there.

I actually really like the Wii U's controller (and analog sticks) - they're perfect considering the massive screen in the middle.

 

[PhantomR]

I gotta say though, I think the system is better than it's getting credit for. Granted, the OS is one of the slower operation systems I've used on a device in a while. But I gotta think Nintendo will be able to speed that up with patches down the road. I also think the friends list needs to be implemented completely differently, having to launch an app to check friends is pretty annoying.

But ZombiU, the way it uses the pad adds tension to that game unlike any other console on the market can.

I do wish there were more games available, but hopefully that changes soon with at least some indie surprises in the coming months.

YES, I fully agree. I would like the friends list to be better integrated into Miiverse. I find that I have to go back and forth between Miiverse, Friends List, and my game in progress when I shouldn't have to do that.

I would also like to see the Join Game button that's available for 3DS, make its way over to Wii U.

 

[Madouu]

Only slow thing is the Plaza for me. Takes a while for all the Miis to come on down. It seems that the WiiU caches a few off them because when I changed some router settings and thus my WiiU was offline for a brief moment it still showed some. Of course the next time I turned it on their was no cache downloaded so I reverted back to the default icons.

I'm not switching apps all day but accessing the browser or Miiverse doesn't seem like a burden/

For me it's the settings tab that is really slow to open, the rest isn't bad and I don't mind it much but it is nowhere near optimal. It needs serious improvements.

Overall it hasn't hampered my enjoyment of the system at all though.

I actually really like the Wii U's controller (and analog sticks) - they're perfect considering the massive screen in the middle.

I like it too, but then again there isn't one single console controller I've tried and didn't like.

 

[mujun]

Do you guys have the console?

Oh no, how should I answer? I feel like I might be being led into a trap...

Yes, I have a Wii U. White, got it with Zombi U last Saturday as I live in Japan.

 

[?oe?oe]

no games coming for most of 2013 that has me down on it.

We only know Q1 games. I guess that's most of the year.

 

[elostyle]

Oh no, how should I answer? I feel like I might be being led into a trap...

Yes, I have a Wii U. White, got it with Zombi U last Saturday as I live in Japan.

No, not a trap, just curious as the system seems to have many faces. I think I had my personal aha-moment with off tv play.

 

[suavelicious]

I think that is due to the gamepad having less lag than most tvs. and I am not sure how they could rectify that. Unless Nintendo puts a setting in the OS to let the user add lag to the gamepad, so that it lines up with your tv. But that probabaly wouldn't be a good idea for the general user base.

If it is really bad, make sure your tv is in game mode, and you dont have any processing effects on, like motion smoother etc.

thx, going to look at my tv's settings...