We're playing the Wii U here at Kotaku. We've got this new Nintendo console. And as we play, we're scribbling down a lot of thoughts, big and small, pro and con.
We thought we'd just start keeping a running list of them. That's what you'll get here, with links to our larger impressions pieces. Check back later. We'll have more (and will mark any updates clearly for repeat readers).
Love
It can sometimes be confusing. Mock me all you want, but I am sure that new Wii U players will, like me, sometimes look at the wrong screen. But as you get the feel for it, it's really quite refreshing to have a secondary view. With some games, that second screen—the one in your GamePad controller—simply duplicates the visuals on your TV and lets you decide whether it's more comfortable to look at the TV or down at your hands.
But I already am really enjoying the added map and inventory views I can get on the GamePad in single-player games. And multiplayer games that let one player do one thing on a GamePad while others do stuff on the TV feel very good: they free up TV screen real estate; they allow for different types of control inputs and interactions to influence one game (you tap out some blocks on your screen and I'll use a controller to make Mario jump on them on mine, for example). This is not just DS gaming super-sized. It's something different that feels like it's brimming with potential. —Stephen Totilo
Who knew we wanted this? Sony? Apple? Nintendo's delivering nicely here. Our Jason Schreier's loving it. I've already figured out how this will let me play console games in rooms I don't have a TV in. —Stephen Totilo
Seriously. The Wii U GamePad charge cord and the charge cord for the Pro Controller both easily reach from my wall or console to my couch. Eight-foot cords! I think I'll be using that Pro Controller cord on my PS3 the next time my DualShock is running low on juice. —Stephen Totilo
The importance of this cannot be overstated. The Wii U's tablet controller is light, ergonomic, and roughly 1,000x more comfortable to hold than any portable system I've ever used. When switching between the Wii U and, say, my Vita, or my iPad, I can't help but miss the GamePad's ridges and buttons. It's delightful to use. —Jason Schreier
The launch game Nintendo Land is essentially set in a theme park where Mii characters dress up as Mario, Samus or other Nintendo heroes. High-definition graphics help sell that concept by letting you actually see the seams of these costumes, and even the LittleBigPlanet-esque stageplay prop aesthetic of the virtual playing fields. The Zelda game looks like it is being played in a world that was sewn together; the Balloon Fight game looks like it's been crafted with curtains. This is a lovely development for those of us who already loved the standard-def artistry in the Wii's Kirby's Epic Yarn. —Stephen Totilo
Our video editor is smitten. —Stephen Totilo
Hey, this Zelda co-op game in Nintendo Land is hard to solo. I keep getting the hearts beaten out of me. But look at that skull on the ground. That's wasn't there last time. I'm going to shoot at it. It gave me a heart! That's nice. Later... the game is loading up a new Zelda level and it's mentioning something about those skulls which—oh!—they show up where I last died in the level. So they were my skull. I was scavenging my corpse. What is this, Demon's Souls? Great idea. —Stephen Totilo
I'm going to need Kotaku music expert Kirk Hamilton to test this but I could swear that some of the nifty Wii U music I've been hearing this week plays in concert across my TV speakers and the speakers on the GamePad with different instruments playing out of the different speakers. For example, I think one piece I heard put its violins on the GamePad. Most of the rest of the instruments were playing from the TV. If my ears weren't deceiving me, that's really cool. —Stephen Totilo
Remember when I raved about the innovative virtual keyboard that Valve brought to Steam's Big Picture mode? This is even better. Instead of having to navigate by controller, you just pop out the GamePad's stylus and tap away at the virtual keyboard in your lap. Crazy-useful for entering WiFi passwords and typing in usernames. —Jason Schreier
Hate
Plugging the Wii U in is no big tragedy. The thing needs electricity. Plugging the GamePad's charge cable into the wall separately? Annoying, especially considering that the GamePad needs a re-charge after or even during long sessions of play. Two sockets aren't enough for the Wii U, though. The system will support external USB drives for added storage. If those have to be powered drives (I'm honestly not sure), then there goes socket number three. Ugh. —Stephen Totilo
Because you didn't demand it... Wii U games, like Wii games, will sometimes suggest that you take a break. Just to rest the eyes and breathe fresh air, I guess. Nice try, Nintendo. It didn't work last time, either. —Stephen Totilo
I keep looking for a Wii U game that will let me turn off the screen on the GamePad to save power. Just let me turn off those nifty second-screen options if my battery light is blinking, please? I haven't found one yet. —Stephen Totilo
I guarantee you that the first time you hear it, you'll think your phone is ringing. —Jason Schreier
Note: There's plenty more to say and we will add to this as we keep playing. Please be aware that there are some things we simply can't write about yet. Some of the launch games we have are embargoed by their publishers until closer to launch day, meaning we can play them but not cover them yet. Some of the Wii U's basic functionality, such as MiiVerse or Wii backwards compatibility has not yet been activated by Nintendo. So there will be more loving and hating to be done. You'll also begin to see reviews from us starting Thursday, the 15th with a full hardware review on launch day, Sunday the 18th.