The first Next-Generation Console is here…in about a month. While we’re still wondering what Sony and Microsoft are even going to call their new consoles, Nintendo has decided to beat them to the punch and be out the door with a whole new console at least a year ahead. While graphically it doesn’t bring anything new to the arena, the promise of dual screen gameplay might be an intriguing draw for consumers. So the gaming media rallies around the old juggernaut to see if they can repeat the wild launch success that was the Wii.

Wii U Up Front Facts

Compiled from various articles around the net, IGN presents a bullet pointed run down of all the facts and figures about the Wii U.

http://www.ign.com/wikis/wii-u/Wii_U_Trivia

Wii U Price set at $299.99

Price point was one of the major draws for the purchase of the Wii, but was also what almost killed the 3DS. Hopefully, Nintendo has hit the sweet spot again.

http://kotaku.com/5942907/the-wii-u-comes-out-on-november-18th

Wii U Launch Line-Up

A comprehensive list of all the Wii U launch titles from first day to 4 months later broken up via publisher.

http://kotaku.com/5942965/heres-the-game-lineup-for-the-wii-us-four-and-a-half-month-launch-window

Overwhelming Demand in US

Demand is so high for these consoles, that Gamestop has had to start restricting pre-sales to members of its PowerUp program.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-24-gamestop-us-halts-wii-u-pre-orders-due-to-overwhelming-demand

Nintendo TVii

An interesting addition, Nintendo hopes to position this console as the all in one home entertainment unit. Cashing in on the buzz surrounding “second screen viewing” is a bold move that could pay off very well.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/nintendo-announces-nintendo-tvii/

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/nintendo-tvii-supported-by-all-major-us-canadian-cable-and-di/

Old Spice Muscle Music – Interactive Ad

True to their over-the-top and internetty style, Old Spice presents an interactive advertisement starring the intense, comedic muscle man, Terry Crews.

http://vimeo.com/47875656

Rekordelig: Swedish Cider – Viral Commercial

With an interesting twist, this ad plays out like a “Funny or Die” sketch before giving viewers the big reveal. Turns out being Swedish is all about cider.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JUpe46hzY8&feature=player_embedded

Red Bull: Human-Powered Freerunning Machine – Viral Video

Red Bull’s ads have always been a “go big or go home” affair. And they certainly brought that attitude with them in this Rube Goldberg device video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MiYtvbK4JY

Game sales drop 20% in August

The NDP Group reports that total industry-wide sales have continued their depressing decline. Though one analyst sees light at the end of the tunnel, claiming that these figures show signs that maybe the industry is once again stabilizing.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-06-video-games-sales-drop-20-percent-in-us-for-august

Valve Enters the Hardware Game

In a surprise move, it seems that software maestro Valve is going to be jumping into the hardware manufacturing arena. How the ever-popular developer will fair against the old giants of the industry is now the question.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-04-valve-jumping-into-the-hardware-game

Facebook Marketing Statistics

It may come as no small surprise that Facebook is a valuable asset to marketers these days. How valuable though is something that might be a little surprising.

http://socialmediatoday.com/kevin-jorgensen/840506/facebook-marketing-statistics-you-need-know

SimCity Disasters Trailer

The #1 simulation based game, “SimCity,” is back with a whole new PC release, which means those wacky and often inopportune disasters are coming with. In true SimCity fashion, EA turned to Eyestorm to create a custom narrative and trailer for their open world game. So we peppered it with a dash of dark comedy, a spritz of fiery meteorites, a measure of groundbreaking earthquakes, and a few sprinkles of explosions, producing a fun romp showcasing the disasters that will wreak havoc upon innocent sims. We had a “blast” with this one and hope you’re blown away by it too. To check it out, Click Here.