We were invited to Nintendo Wii U Experience NYC, to learn more about (and play with!) the new Wii U home console, which introduces the Wii U GamePad, a controller with a 6.2-inch touch screen.

Note: I was invited as media to Nintendo Wii U Experience NYC. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

In addition to the 6.2-inch touch screen and dual analog sticks, the Wii U GamePad also includes traditional buttons for gaming and the ability to function as a TV remote. Users can change channels or adjust the sound, whether they are playing games or just watching TV. Players can move games from the TV to the GamePad. Different players can enjoy different experiences in the same game, depending on which controller they opt to use.

Also, Nintendo is working with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and YouTube to bring video experiences to Wii U that will take advantage of the integrated second-screen experience.

With so many cool features of course my son was ready to test it out. Learning how to use the touch screen was a breeze. After a basic lesson on where to aim and how to shoot his ninja stars my son was racking up the points.



Not only did we get major hands on time with the Wii U GamePad but we also were able to play some of the new games including Nintendo Land, Super Mario Bros., Pikmin, Wii Fit (actually he just stood on the board, I was the one who played the game), Sing and Just Dance 4

My (our?) favorite of the bunch were Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros. U

• Nintendo Land, a Wii U game set in a virtual theme park with a dozen attractions inspired by fan-favorite Nintendo franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong. Nintendo Land used the GamePad to bring new life to a range of single-player and multiplayer experiences.
  
  Nintendo Land introduces new dynamic of asymmetric game play, where the images being displayed on the GamePad are entirely different than what is seen on the TV. This creates a completely new cooperative and competitive opportunities and enables novice and advanced players to enjoy games together and not be forced to play above or below their skill level.

• New Super Mario Bros. U is a new side-scrolling adventure that introduces new transformations for Mario and the ability for players to play as their Mii characters. The game also introduces the new Boost Mode, which can be used to add blocks, to help players avoid enemies, enable Mario to discover secrets or allow multiple players working together to perform a speed run in record time.

As I watched my son, I was really impressed that you can play games so many different ways using the Wii U GamePad. No changing controllers!



After all that serious game playing and research it was time for us to have some fun. During our tour of the event my son made some friends and they led us to the fun time game....Just Dance 4!



I wasn't sure if my son could follow along but he amazed me. Not only did he catch on learning the dance moves quickly but he danced better then me!



After a while I was too tired to keep up and let him dance his little heart out, till it was time for us to leave. Clearly I need to look into getting the Wii U GamePad and a few games for him....and myself.

Learn more about the Wii U experience, visit - www.e3.nintendo.com

Learn about Nintendo, visit - www.nintendo.com