Nintendo unveils Wii U launch line-up; strongest in history

This morning, Nintendo has unveiled its launch-day line-up for its latest console, Wii U. While the buzz for the console has probably not been as strong as it deserves, the line-up is actually the strongest line-up we’ve seen for any console in history. Here’s why:

Never before have six triple-A titles been present for the launch of a console, and certainly not two of the biggest third-party franchises in history. That’s right, both Assassin’s Creed III and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 will be launching alongside the Wii U on November 18th.

In addition, you can expect re-releases with enhanced Wii U functionality with Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition and Darksiders II. There are also the first-party titles like Nintendo Land and Super Mario Bros. U and huge sports franchises like EA’s Madden NFL 13 and FIFA Soccer 13.

With a smattering of both first- and third-party titles ranging from action-adventure titles to casual titles as well as a bunch of sports games, Nintendo’s launch is set to be the strongest in any console’s history. In total Nintendo is going to have 23 titles available on launch, with an total of more than 50 titles to be available within the launch window (Nintendo is calling their launch window anytime between launch and March of next year).

This means that, in addition to having nearly two dozen titles at launch, you can expect games like Pikmin 3, Game & Wario, Wii Fit U, 007 Legends, and Rayman Legends, to name a few.

We have to applaud Nintendo on crafting such a strong launch for a console that was beginning to wane in the fear that there wouldn’t be many great titles for the platform at launch. Of course, we can expect new and fantastic ways to interact with our games, but without the games to do it, it would all be a lost cause. Our excitement for Wii U has been renewed, and now we’re even more excited about its launch less than eight weeks away.

Check out the full list of releases on launch day:

  • New Super Mario Bros. U
  • Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
  • Nintendo Land
  • Sing Party
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
  • Skylanders Giants
  • Transformers Prime
  • Wipeout 3
  • Scribblenauts Unlimited
  • Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
  • Game Party Champions
  • Epic Mickey 2
  • FIFA 13
  • Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
  • Tekken Tag Tournament 2
  • Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper
  • Darksiders 2
  • Assassin’s Creed 3
  • ESPN Sports Connection
  • Just Dance 4
  • Rabbids Land
  • Your Shape
  • ZombiU