Nintendo has announced availability and pricing of their upcoming Wii U console. While the Wii successor finally brings the HD and bundles a 6″ touchscreen tablet-esque controller, I figure Nintendo’s hardware days are numbered… and the sooner they pull a Sega and go software-only, the better. But before we ever get our hands on iPad Metroid or Xbox Zelda, we have the Wii U to contend with this fall — landing November 18th at $300-$350, dependent upon configuration.
Following in the footsteps of Sony and Microsoft, the new Wii U expands their video offerings under the “Nintendo TVii” banner — featuring access to a variety of content and meta data. And, given that Wii-pad, not only do you get a remote control, you’ve acquired a “second screen.” In addition to the requisite streaming services, like Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant, the Wii U appears to go real time with a guide and sports stats. Perhaps less relevant, in sheer numbers, but way more interesting is Nintendo’s new relationship with TiVo.
Details are scarce at the moment, as neither TiVo nor Nintendo care to discuss the specifics. However, we know there will be some interaction between the Wii U and a TiVo DVR. At the very least, we see the ability to schedule TiVo recordings via the Wii-pad. Additionally, Nintendo provides the capability to initiate playback of a TiVo-ed recording. But here’s where things get murky… Based on the very limited intel, it seems the Wii U can also receive streamed TiVo recordings from a DVR in the home. If accurate, is this direct TiVo-to-Wii? Or does it require a TiVo Stream intermediary? Is playback limited to the television or can the Wii controller stand-in for an iPhone or iPad, enabling video throughout the house? Or is the Wiipad merely a souped up TiVo remote? Curiouser and curiouser…