That video chat is actually really impressive. Less than two weeks away now. I'm really starting to feel the excite.

Yeah, seems Nintendo is finally getting their s**t together with some of this network stuff.

I've updated the first post with Wii transfer info. Looks like it'll be available at launch, and everything, even leftover Wii Points, gets transferred.

Well Pikmin's probably not out until at least Spring now.

I'm continuing to keep the first post updated with new info, by the way. There's a bunch of info about the OS and apps out there now.

But Nario, if you're not getting one on day 1....who am I gonna have on my friend list? I'll be so lonely!

Double Post because my Walmart started getting Wii U games in today!

I got to hold Zombi U and NSMB U. They are now taunting me. EIGHT MOTHERFUCKING DAYS! (and a few hours, depending on where you live in the US)

Also, I guess hobo will have to be my first friend when he gets his in December.

Oh, right. It's JP that doesn't get it till December.

You know, our preorders worked in a really weird way and I'm actually wondering if I'd be able to get away with getting mine when it arrives without anyone getting in trouble.

To clarify, our pre-orders are treated as layaway and we don't scan serial #'s, so for all intents and purposes, scanning that UPC doesn't point out a sales block...which means I should technically be able to take mine home on the 14th, which is when we're getting our consoles in-store.

8 days? That's crazy. I won't be getting one at launch, but I really do want to try Zombi U and I want Nintendoland badly. What I'm REALLY looking forward to is the eshop. The new interface is perfect for people taking a new mechanic, putting it in a DLable game for like $10, and letting me enjoy it. Hoping for the best there.

Nintendo officially confirmed something anyone should have been able to figure out: The Wii U GamePad will NOT support Wii games in any form.

They are, however, working on a Wii U Virtual Console that will.

They confirmed that a little while back (well except the new VC part). Disappointing, but not surprising, especially given how they've implemented backwards compatibility.

That is VERY disappointing. You mean, my Wii downloads aren't tied to an account, and can be re-downloaded on the Wii U? Oh, come on, every smartphone does that.

I swear, if Xbox 720 and/or PS4 pulls off a stunt like this, there will be chaos. And I won't be lifting a finger.

Plus side to the way they're handling BC: Wii homebrew should be possible from day 1, so I think it balances out.

Honestly I don't care that much. Given how awkwardly-implemented backwards compatibility has been on 360, PS3 and Vita, I'm A-OK with everything working on day one - it's no better than on the Wii, but no worse either.

Other Wii U news: Nintendo TVii has been delayed slightly, to December. And the list of day-one eShop games is:

Little Inferno
Trine 2: Director's Cut
Chasing Aurora
Mighty Switch Force: Hyper Drive Edition
Nano Assault NEO

Only one has been priced right now - Chasing Aurora is $14.99. "A number" of retail games will also be available, and so will a demo for Rayman Legends.

WII U GET!

I've only had it at home and set up for about 30 minutes and the first thing I've done is download the system update (which is MASSIVE). Srsly. I'm still not done.

What I can say as of right now is that the GamePad is ridiculously comfortable in my hands. It doesn't feel unnatural at all.

Granted, I haven't gotten to the gameplay yet, but you can rest assured I'll be posting a lot over the next few days.

FWIW, I'm enjoying the hell out of this system!! I've been jumping between NSMBWIIU, ZombiU, Nintendo Land, and Might Switch Force.

I'm almost done with Might Switch Force (no interest in those Hyper levels, but have almost "parred" all the rest). Great frickin' game with great Virt music.

I can see why ZombiU is polarizing, but I'm in love. It's first person survival horror done SO well. One particular part in the game literally had my heart racing. That never really happens. It was a panicked moment that led up to something big (if I was able to pull it off), and my heart was about to fly out of my chest. And I pulled it off.

NSMBWIIU is exactly what you'd espect I guess, but it's the closest thing to SMW that we've gotten since SMW. I'm enjoying this more than NMSBWII, so I'll definitely finish it. The extra modes are cool too.

Nintendo Land is probably the best living room multiplayer game since OG Mario Cart. Only Nintendo can get 4 adults to stand up and yell at the screen and each other.

I'll be buying more downloadable games as I finish these. I'm also stoked for Sonic Racing Transformed and the other downloadables, but I'm trying to not get too many games.

The system is slow as hell, but that's a small complaint for how much I'm enjoying it. MiiVerse is addicting. Did a video chat, and that was fun.

Nintendo TVii is now available in the US and Canada; just tap the TVii button to get it, no system update required. .

Wii U news from today's ! (copy-pasted from News Thread because it's probably more relevant here)

Updates:
- System updates planned for spring and summer will increase loading speed and bring new features.
- Smartphone access to Miiverse (first via browser, then apps later) is coming around the time of the spring update.
Virtual Console:
- The Wii U Virtual Console will also arrive around then, bringing NES and SNES at first, then more, like GBA, later.
- Games will cost the same as on Wii. If you already own a game on Wii, it will cost $1 (NES) or $1.50 (SNES) for the updated version.
- VC games work on both screens, feature restore points and fully customizable controls.
- To celebrate the Famicom's 30th Anniversary, a VC game will be available each month for only 30c, starting with Balloon Fight today with a new game every 30 days thru July.
Games:
- New Mario and Mario Kart games will be shown off at E3 alongside footage from Super Smash Bros.
- The Kirby's Epic Yarn team is creating a new game in that style, starring Yoshi, and it looks f**king gorgeous.
- Atlus is developing a Shin Megami Tensei / Fire Emblem crossover game.
- Monolithsoft is working on a followup to Xenoblade.
- Nintendo is making a brand new Zelda that breaks from the traditional formula (less linear, more players).
- They're also remaking Wind Waker for Wii U and it's out this Fall.

Today is a f**king great day to be a Nintendo fan.

Dust.

Although Gamefly did just mail Lego GTA.

I'm starting to feel the decision to wait a while for my Wii U purchase has been a smart move. Where are the games????????

For what it's worth, Tank! Tank! Tank is free on the shop right now.

And the My Kong mode is only $2, down from like $10(?) as a launch sale.

I finally have one! Nintendo Land is a hoot with the kidlets!

I'm looking forward to Pikmin 3 later this week! It'll be the first full Wii U game I've bought since December.

Yeah I'll be grabbing it too. I'm ashamed to say I have not played a Pikmin game... ever.

So this Pikmin 3 is so cute I need a sick bucket when I play... It's damn fun though.

Bought a Wii U, just so I could play Pikmin 3 (been waiting 9 years for the game, and it sounds absolutely amazing).

My Nintendo ID is: DJNario