The Wii U’s tantalising glimpse of true traditional AAA gaming untethered from the TV is enough to make even the most stalwart home console devotees wonder at the possibilities. The Vita purports to be a AAA console away from your home console but largely fails to deliver while tablet games still largely lack the depth and sheer scale of their homebound brethren.
Enter the Wii U, a console with a minuscule power draw of just 33W, the MaxPlay adaptor which allows the Wii to be plugged into any car lighter socket and Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry who were not just motivated enough to try it out, but also rolled their own completely mobile solution using a Prius battery.
The Promise of Portable AAA Gaming
The Wii U’s innovative design offers a unique proposition in the gaming world. Unlike traditional consoles that are tethered to the TV, the Wii U GamePad allows for off-TV play, providing a glimpse into the future of portable AAA gaming. This feature is particularly appealing for gamers who want to continue their gaming sessions without monopolizing the household television. The GamePad’s screen is large enough to provide an immersive experience, yet compact enough to be comfortably portable.
The PlayStation Vita, while marketed as a portable AAA console, often falls short in delivering the full console experience. Many of its games are scaled-down versions of their console counterparts, lacking the depth and complexity that gamers crave. Tablet games, on the other hand, are often designed for casual play and do not offer the same level of engagement as traditional console games. The Wii U, with its ability to deliver full-fledged console games on a portable device, stands out as a unique and compelling option for gamers.
Innovative Solutions for Mobile Gaming
The Wii U’s low power consumption is another significant advantage. Drawing just 33W, it is incredibly energy-efficient, making it feasible to use in a variety of mobile scenarios. The MaxPlay adaptor, which allows the Wii U to be plugged into any car lighter socket, opens up new possibilities for gaming on the go. Imagine being able to play your favorite AAA games during a long road trip, without the need for a traditional power source.
Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry took this concept a step further by creating a completely mobile solution using a Prius battery. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential for truly portable console gaming. By leveraging the Prius’s battery, they were able to power the Wii U and enjoy a seamless gaming experience on the move. This kind of ingenuity highlights the untapped potential of the Wii U as a portable gaming device.
The Wii U’s portability is not just limited to car trips. With the right power solutions, it can be used in a variety of settings, from camping trips to outdoor gatherings. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for gamers who want to take their gaming experiences beyond the confines of their living rooms.
Expanding the Horizon of Portable Gaming
The Wii U’s potential for portable gaming is further enhanced by its extensive library of games. From iconic franchises like “The Legend of Zelda” and “Super Mario” to third-party titles, the Wii U offers a diverse range of gaming experiences. This extensive library ensures that gamers have access to a wide variety of games, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Moreover, the Wii U’s backward compatibility with Wii games adds another layer of value. Gamers can enjoy their favorite Wii titles on the go, without the need for additional hardware. This backward compatibility extends the lifespan of older games, allowing them to be enjoyed in new and exciting ways.
The Wii U offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of portable AAA gaming. Its innovative design, low power consumption, and extensive game library make it a compelling option for gamers who want to take their gaming experiences beyond the confines of their living rooms. With the right power solutions, the Wii U can be used in a variety of mobile scenarios, from car trips to outdoor gatherings. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the Wii U stands out as a unique and forward-thinking console that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in portable gaming.
Source Eurogamer
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