Nintendo Expands the newly launched Official Wii U Website + First GameStop Pr..

Gamers eager for information on the upcoming next gen console -- correct that -- Nintendo's new and upcoming first of the next generation gaming consoles: the Wii U -- will find the current info at the official Wii U Home Page including everything from details on the launch to the incredible collection of launch titles and more! And all that they need to do is point their magical web deciphering interface of choice at the URL that is linked above!

The official release date was announced today for 18 November 2012, and details of the two base version packages of the new next gen console -- the big difference being their color and internal storage size... Hey! The Wii U has color-coded internal storage! Whoa!

The official home page for the Wii U comes with a convenient countdown to release day timer -- cool that -- and a collection of the related videos that have been released so far. Included in the main menu for the site are official event details and the 4-1-1 on pre-ordering this beast with its video-screen-equipped controllers. We must say that we have not been this excited about the launch of a Nintendo Console since the mad frenzy that surrounded the release of the Nintendo 64, so this is pretty cool!

Forgetting for the moment that the Wii U is not exactly the most sexy of designs from the outside looking in, the new environment that has been built that encompasses not only the Wii U user Interface but also several destinations, social offerings, and a killer selection of launch titles more than makes up for the unsexy form factor, somehow giving it instant sexy without even blinking! Very strange that.

Video Game Retail Giant GameStop has already launched its Official Wii U Pre-Order Page on its site -- and the news there is that not only can you pre-order the beast TODAY, but members of GameStop's PowerUp Loyalty Reward Program will only have to form over $25 as their deposit for pre-ordering the first next-gen console -- gamers who are not PowerUp Rewards Members will have to plop down $50 smackers.

In addition to that exciting news, GameStop has confirmed that it will be featuring a trade-in discount for gamers making the switch to Wii U as their primary console, with the following trade-in discounts already set up:

-- $140 off for trading in any PlayStation 3 Slim model
-- $115 off for trading in any Original (Phat) PlayStation 3 model
-- $115 off for trading in any Slim Xbox 360 model
-- $90 off for trading in any Original (Phat) Xbox 360 model
-- $90 off for trading in any PS Vita model
-- $90 off for trading in any Nintendo 3DS model
-- $50 off for trading in any Original Wii model

While there is nothing official at the moment there is a rumor that there will be a package deal in which gamers who pre-order or purchase their Wii U (either model) at GameStop will have the opportunity to purchase discounted additional video-screen-equipped Wii U controllers at the same time. When more information is released on that Gaming Update will keep you in-the-know!

In addition to sporting its built-in touch screen on each of the Wii U GamePad controllers, they also feature as standard equipment an accelerometer and geomagnetic sensor for state-of-the-art motion control, a front facing camera and microphone for even more interactive game play, and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality which allows the GamePad to interact with supported items such as cards and figurines.

In addition to all the great features mentioned above, the Wii U GamePad also contains the same buttons, analog sticks, and controls pad you would find on a traditional controller, so it will feel almost the same but give you way more than you are used to experiencing when you play your Wii! Err... U... Wii U!

The Wii U GamePad connects wirelessly and seamlessly with both the console and the television, and its built-in touch screen, motion controls, and a full complement of buttons and control sticks built right in nicely transforms gaming while it introduces new and better ways to play.

With the Wii U GamePad the action can now flow seamlessly between the GamePad and the television, and it will open a new window into gaming worlds that can extend beyond the TV and completely surround players. Its intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces mean Wii U can be home to games for everyone in the family, from the latest games for the most avid gamer to fun and innovative new games for those looking for more casual pick-up and play experiences.

Wii U extends beyond games with built-in wireless connectivity to get you online quickly and easily. Players with broadband Internet access will find new ways to connect with other players over the Internet in Miiverse, communicate in real time via the video chat feature with other friends and families, and access new downloadable games and additional game content from the Nintendo eShop. And the Wii U GamePad controller puts it all right at your fingertips.

Wii U also offers Nintendo TiiV to make TV more simple and fun. This service enables users to find, watch, and engage with TV shows, movies, and sports, all from the Wii U GamePad. Users can search for programs across Wii U Video Entertainment, TV Channels, and their TiVo DVR. The service is available in US and Canada at launch for users with a wireless internet connection.

Gaming Update will be staying on top of the news about the Wii U as it is released, because hey, we have your back!