Wii U launch hits Nintendo shares

by **Mixed** Sat Oct 20, 2012 12:44 am

Nintendo stock has plunged 5% on the Tokyo market despite the much heralded unveiling of the Wii U, the successor to its hit Wii video game console.
The demonstration of a prototype at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the gaming industry's annual convention in Los Angeles on Tuesday, appeared to leave investors disappointed and sceptical.
The Wii U will broadcast high-definition video and feature a touchscreen controller that can detect motion and interact with what appears on a television display.
"Up until now, home console games had to occupy the TV screen in order to be played," said Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.
"The new controller for Wii U, with its 6.2-inch screen built in, means you won't need to give up your gameplay when someone else comes in the room and wants to watch a TV programme."
The white touchscreen controller, reminiscent of Apple's iPad and other tablet computers, can broadcast standard-definition video but also features a directional pad, microphone, dual analogue sticks, speakers, two pairs of shoulder buttons and a front-facing camera, which can be used to make video calls.
The console itself will use proprietary high-definition optical discs, 1080p HDMI output and internal memory that can be upgraded with USB and SD technology. No other technical specifications were provided.
The prototype controller was demonstrated during the convention in several ways: displaying a player's inventory in a Legend of Zelda game, offering an alternative way to play a chasing game, being used as a shield from incoming attacks in a first-person shooter game and showing the image of a teed-up golf ball on the ground before it was struck to a putting green depicted on a TV.
Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America president, said the system was named the Wii U because it is "unique, unifying and maybe even utopian".
Nintendo said the Wii U will be released between April and December next year and will be backward-compatible with Wii games and controllers.