The Wii U is slated to release in a little over a month. A lot has been noted about its strong launch lineup, but one feature that is only starting to get the buzz is Nintendo TVii.
The feature was unveiled in September when Nintendo announced the release date for the console. The TVii system has DVR, TiVo and enables viewers to search across a variety of content providers such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, and cable TV amongst others. It also includes Facebook, Twitter, IMDB, and Wikipedia Integration. Miis, online Avatars through Nintendo's Miiverse online program, will enable individual members of the family to create personalized content lists and profile. The Gamepad will enable users to control their DVR to record shows, set favorites, and even tweet reactions to TV programs. It will be included in every Wii U purchase with no extra charge.
In a recent interview with the Seattle Times, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime outlined how he felt that the new interface would essentially become a part of every household member's lives.
"The way that I would say it is Nintendo TV is certainly going to be something that every member of the family picks up and engages in at least once a day. If that helps them get more comfortable with the Gamepad and in the end adds to more games being played, then that's great. But fundamentally it's part of the overall proposition of games, TV plus social," said Fils-Aime.
With the last generation Wii, Nintendo was able to capture the casual gamers with such titles as Wii Sports. With their stated desire to reel in the hardcore gamers with the Wii U, Nintendo still has one audience to conquer: non-gamers. The Nintendo TVii certainly helps bring in that crowd.
Fils-Aime also added that a major advantage of Nintendo TVii is the vast array of content that they have accumulated thanks to strong relationships with content providers.
"Netflix and us have a fantastic relationship. We've got a fantastic relationship with the Amazon video people, a fantastic relationship with Hulu Plus, a growing relationship with the cable companies and dish companies," said Fils-Aime. "Essentially we were the perfect vehicle to drive this type of innovation into the home. Whereas all of the other competitors have maybe an issue from a partnership standpoint that is tough to solve."
He was jabbing Sony, Microsoft, and Apple's rivalries with content providers such as Amazon and Google. Apple is an interesting new rival that TVii creates for Nintendo as there are rumors that the creators of the iPhone and iPad are working on a new TV interface. When asked about Apple, Fils-Aime strayed clear and simply stated that they were all looking at similar business models.
Throughout the interview, Fils-Aime alluded to the fact that Nintendo saw itself as an entertainment company and not simply a video game and hardware developer.
"I think that we already see ourselves as an entertainment company. I think that certainly as we launch the Wii U, as consumers experience Nintendo TV, I think consumers will also see us as a broader entertainment company," stated Fils-Aime.
He also brought up the question of the online service on the Wii U and added the Miiverse was meant to bring together all social networks and help gamers interact with one another.
"I belong to a few different social networks. But on that social network am I going to be posting how, you know, challenging this particular part of this particular Mario game is and asking for help? Probably not," he contested.
He added that he hopes that all gaming conversations will take place on the Miiverse interface and did not see it as a means for monetization.
To end the interview, the Seattle Times brought up the big elephant in the room: the Xbox 720 and PS 4. When asked whether the Wii U could win that console war, Fils-Aime wisely resorted to "Once you talk about what that is, we can probably fend it off." Microsoft and Sony's next generation consoles are still years away and no new information has been revealed about the technological advances those consoles will make.
The Wii U launches on November 18 with 23 titles. There is an 8GB White console version for $299.99 and a 32 GB black console version that comes with Nintendo Land for $349.99.