Wii U Release Date Review Round up: 'Potential of Console is Untapped' Says One Critic

The Wii U launches today. Strong sales are most likely but does the system's quality hold up? Early reviews tend toward the positive, but most remain cautious.

IGN

IGN remarked on the quality of the GamePad 's asymmetrical gameplay and stated that it created an intriguing sense of isolation. Writer Nic Vargus stated that the GamePad maintained the players engaged in the controller even when they weren't playing on it. However, he did note that Nintendo's attempts to appeal to the hardcore still do not work yet. He complains about poor voice chat which does not allow players to plug the microphone into the Pro Controller. If a player wants to plug in for voice chat, they have to plug into the gamepad even if it is not in use. He also complained about the processor and the lack of information Nintendo has provided. Ultimately however, Vargus stated that flashes of brilliance were evident but the potential of the system was untapped to this point.

Techland

Techland marveled at all the possibilities at work with the GamePad and noted that "It's also kind of liberating having that second screen in more traditional games, making information you'd normally pause the game to access available at a glance, say the map view in Arkham City, or the list of combo moves in Ninja Gaiden 3." The publication did note that the GamePad's battery life is short and that there were some synching problems in the music between the TV and GamePad. Ultimately, Techland writer Matt Peckham stated that it showed more potential than the Wii did back in 2006.

Popsci

Popsci's Colin Lecher stated that he was satisfied and that the console never felt gimmicky, but he was essentially making an investment for when and if the better titles came out that used the console's full potential. He also noted that great games such as Batman:Arkham City and Mass Effect 3 were improved by the Wii U.

ABC

ABC's Dan Milano stated,"Take Nintendo's best-selling handheld, their best-selling system (Wii), the graphics of their competitors and mash that up with latest developments in tablet technology. And in many ways it is, combining the best of the last five years in an incredibly unique and well-designed package." However, he did note that the battery life, lack of a second GamePad and misuse of the touch screen held the console back from being a truly revolutionary console.