Wii U launches overnight (+ 49 photos)

Nintendo's latest device finally reaches Aussie shelves
The following photos are from the Wii U midnight launch at EB Games' Swantson St store in Melbourne.

The following photos are from the Wii U midnight launch at EB Games' Swantson St store in Melbourne.

  • The following photos are from the Wii U midnight launch at EB Games' Swantson St store in Melbourne.
  • The poster says it all.
  • Getting ready to play with a new idea from Nintendo.
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight launch attendees trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • A wild Pikachu appears!
  • Some caricature fun at the midnight launch.
  • Well, why not?
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • It's-a me, Mario.
  • Activities at the midnight launch.
  • It's on like Donkey Kong.
  • It's on like Donkey Kong.
  • It's on like Donkey Kong.
  • Midnight creativity.
  • The youngens stayed up for this one, too.
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight launch attendees trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight madness.
  • The concentration... even Ash Ketchum made the trip form Pallet Town.
  • A wild Zubat appears... over and over again.
  • Zelda was there, too.
  • Pikachu again.
  • Mario is a ladies' man.
  • The king of old-school.
  • Getting in the spirit.
  • So many Zubats.
  • Mario seems to have a lot of friends.
  • Midnight launch attendees trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • Midnight launch attendee trying out the Wii U and its new GamePad.
  • As I said, a ladies' man.
  • Counting down to the launch.
  • Nearly there!
  • Worker holding the first Wii U pack.
  • Almost...
  • The first customer - bragging rights earned.
  • The first customer - bragging rights earned.
  • The first lot.
  • Purchase complete.
  • Customers getting their hands on some products.
  • Lining up...
  • Something for the school holidays... hopefully
  • Purchase complete.
  • Zelda.
View all images

Nintendo's latest gaming console has hit Australian retailers.

The Wii U is a device that couples the traditional on-screen gaming experience with a portable GamePad controller that has its own screen.

The new GamePad houses a 6.2-inch (16:9) touch screen, with traditional button controls, including two analog Circle Pads, on either side. It will remind gamers of an oversized Sony PS Vita.

In addition to the GamePad, Nintendo has also introduced a Wii U Pro controller which resembles Microsoft's Xbox 360 controller.

Only two GamePads can be connected to the Wii U at one time, although the local multiplayer experience can be boosted by connecting the Pro, or tradition Wii Remotes with(out) Nunchuk.

The Wii U console itself features a single self-loading media play, and has a video output that supports up to 1080p.

The console also features four USB 2.0 connector slots and an SD memory card slot, both of which can be used to increase storage capacity.

The console is available in a $349.95 white-themed 'basic pack' that includes the Wii U console with 8GB of internal memory, a GamePad, GamePad stylus, AC adapater, GamePad AC adapter, and HDMI cable.

There is also a black-themed 'premium pack' with an RRP of $429.95, which has a 32GB console in addition to all of the other basic pack inclusions, although also features a sensor bar, cradle and stand for the gamepad, as well as a stand for the console. Nintendo Land software is also on offer.

Additional GamePads, Pros, Remotes (and Nunchuk), and cradles and stands can be purchased separately.

Launch titles include Nintendo's Nintendo Land and Super Marios Bros. U, as well as popular third party games, including FIFA 13, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and ZombiU.

Other confirmed games include: Smash Brothers, Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon Online, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Night, Tekken, Ninja Gaiden 3, Madden 13, Driver, Lego City Stories.

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Tags: product, XBox 360, Nintendo Land, FIFA, Black Ops II, call of duty, sony, hardware, Super Mario, Nintendo, gaming, launch, PS Vita, Wii U, Microsoft
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