Nintendo Aims at Second Screens with Wii U and New TVii Service
By emeadows
September 17, 2012
September 17, 2012
- Nintendo is set to release its next-generation console in the U.S. on November 18. The Wii U proves that Nintendo has more than just videogames in mind for its future.
- “It has always been our goal to maximize consumer value with what we include in the hardware purchase,” says Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America. “It’s not just a high-definition console that will change the way people play. Wii U is the only game console with a seamlessly connected, fully integrated second screen.”
- The Wii U will include the Nintendo TVii service, which is “akin to Microsoft’s efforts in program discoverability on the Xbox 360” in that users will be able to stream programming from Netflix, Hulu and other services to their TV, including live streaming with a cable subscription, explains Variety.
- “The service will be the most useful for those who continue to pay for cable or satellite TV, along with other on-demand services, making it very comparable what Microsoft’s Xbox provides today,” explains AllThingsD in a related report.
- All of this will be managed through the Wii U tablet-like controller, which functions as a second screen online device once programming has started.
- The Wii U’s GamePad can be used as a second screen device. “Additionally, short video segments, or thumbnails, can be viewed from the device, which can be shared with friends via Twitter, Facebook or the Wii U’s social network called Miiverse,” writes AllThingsD.
- Nintendo will launch two version of the system. The Basic will cost $300 and the Deluxe will cost $350.
No Comments Yet
You can be the first to comment!
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.