Nintendo announced today that they will be issuing two updates for their new console the Wii U.
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata stated that update one will come in the spring and introduce users to the Virtual Console. The second will be next summer.
The Virtual Console on the Wii U will be similar to the one on the Wii allowing players to download classic Nintendo games, starting with the games from the NES and the SNES, with possible Game Boy Advanced titles available later on.
The most exciting part is the fact that these games will be able to be played on the interactive Wii U Game Pad, even when the TV is being used for other things. It also looks like you can use the Virtual Console as a social networking platform. You can talk with your friends about the games you are playing, a feature not available in the Wii’s Virtual Console.
The new features that come with the Wii U will not apply to the Wii bought games, but they can be upgraded for the cost of $1 for NES games and $1.50 for SNES games. This is a better option than having to pay $4.99 – $10.99 again for games already purchased.
There will also be a trial campaign, where classic games are being offered for 30¢ a piece for 30 days during July… the details were a little unclear though.
Iwata also announced that there will be new games from old familiar franchises, such as a new Mario Kart, a new Mario game from the creators of Super Mario 3D, and in the style of Kirby’s Yarn, a new Yoshi game.
Of course there will be a new Zelda game as well, and a remake of the almost popular Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, which will upgrade the cartoony style game to 3D. News of a new Smash Bros game is expected to come at E3 later on this year.
Here is a small clip from Iwata’s video that shows the new games that are to be expected.
The look of the new games almost makes up for the lack of games for the Wii U so far. I’m pumped for a new Zelda, pumped for a new Mario Kart, and I have good friends that are very much looking forward to the announcement of a new Smash Bros. game.
Sound off below on what you think of the new titles, and the new updates to the system.