Nintendo Direct (Japan) - live stream/blog

Streaming live video by Ustream

- WaraWara Plaza is what you see when you power on.
- Game icons are surrounded by players talking about each game.



- You find out what other players are playing at powerup. GamePad has Channel-like UI. - entire Wii U deluxe box weighs 4.25kgkg - once again, Dragon Quest X Wii U beta test registration is included in the Deluxe version
- GamePad stand is just for playing, not charging
- first you have to create a Wii U user account, with a Mii associated with it
- up to 12 accounts per system
- Game settings, save data tied to user accounts. Browser bookmarks, play history as well.
- Video chat, other networking services require Nintendo Network ID
- Nintendo Network ID needs username, password, mail, date of birth and gender.
- Your Nintendo Network ID can be tied to your ID on 3rd-party network services
- Your Nintendo Network ID can be used to exchange contact information as the Friend Code was.
- Nintendo Network purchases by one user can be played by other users on same system
- Nintendo Network to be usable on other Nintendo game systems, PCs, smartphones.
- Browser, Miiverse, eShop require a network update
- WiiWare and VC software transfer explained on website
- suspend a game like NSMBU and search information via web browser
- On-screen keyboard, cellphone layout, stylus written input. Change to TV mid-game
- Browse other videos on the GamePad while streaming one to the TV
- add a spoiler checkbox, so that you won't ruin things for other players while posting on Miiverse
- Post game screenshots to the Miiverse community. Read response comments with advice


- You can follow other players you see in the Miiverse boards and register them as friends.
- Miiverse is supported in all Wii U games, though the implementation depends per game. No additional work from devs needed for basic implementation.
- In certain games, leave situation-specific comments and read others' thoughts there.
- In the case of NSMBU, you will see comments from others players plus their reactions to the levels.
- The same is the case for Nintendo Land. Though it will involve the Nintendo Land Plaza.



- You can draw on the GamePad and share the scribblings overlaid on the video feed.



- Video chat with registered friends is called Wii U chat. Has off-screen play.



- XING and Nintendo co-developed karaoke software Nintendo-JoySound Wii Karaoke U
- Over 90,000 songs, purchase tickets for certain lengths of time during which to use. Features online leaderboards. User settings. Regular karaoke videos, Mii performances.



- Use the built-in mic or use the Wii U mic accessory. Bundle with Wii Karaoke U trial disc.
- Director Takemoto. Two planners. 1280x720 resolution in NSMBU
- Source lighting from fireballs, star lifts. Contiguous world map like SMW, unlike SMB3.
- Forks in the road let you choose different worlds to move to. New characters. Wanted to include a flying feature, is easy to control for new players.



- Flying squirrels called Zunguri
- Nabbit steals from Toad. You have to chase him down to return the item to Toad.
- Spit out balloons with Baby Yoshi, even while flying.
- During off-screen play, use R button in place of Wiimote flips. Buddy play to add blocks.
- Wanted to create fun, self-explanatory gameplay for buddy mode. Staircases, reach stars.
- Die a few times and you'll be asked to post your frustration on Miiverse for others.
- With Mii Mode: Miis also appear in simultaneous multiplayer. 3 main modes.
- Boost Mode, Coin Battle Mode. Also: edit coin locations in stages w/ stylus.
- Challenge Mode: set your own game rules and present them as challenges to others. Replays.
- NSMBU has many new features incl. GamePad and Miiverse. Lots of modes to enjoy.