The holidays are upon us, and that means there is tons of shopping to be done. One of the items to most likely pop up on peoples list this year is Nintendo’s brand new HD console: the Wii U. There is much to be said about this new console, and I’m going to see if it’s worth the trouble of getting.

The console itself fronts interesting specs:

• High definition graphics processing unit (GPU)
• Multi-core CPU
• Compact and only 3.5 pounds
• Compatible with Wii games and accessories
• Energy efficient

The Wii U also comes in two different sets; the basic set and the deluxe set. The difference between the two is more aesthetic. Deluxe is colored black, while the basic is white; the deluxe also has 32GB storage, and the basic has 8GB. Deluxe also has a gamepad stand and cradle, a Wii U system stand as well as a copy of “Nintendo land” in the box. Both are priced differently, deluxe $349.99 and basic $299.99.

Nintendo’s biggest point with this new console is their innovative tablet like controller; the Wii U Gamepad. The screen on the gamepad is a pretty good size, and is the center of it all. Though the controller looks clunky and heavy, it’s actually lighter than expected. It is pretty big, but it forms perfectly to the hands, fitting just right. The Gamepad is also equipped with a stylus on the top, as well as a Mic and camera for video chat. There are also 2 analog sticks on either sides, and a built in gyroscope for motion controls like the Playstation 3 controller. The Gamepad can even read cards for quick and easy purchase of online content.

So the big question on most people’s minds: Is it as good as all the hype implies? Surprisingly, it is. The graphics look good for an HD console, and the controller works well with most games. With the addition of the touch screen, the fluidity of game play is less hindered in most games that usually would have you pause for inventory. This also opens many great opportunities for real time strategy games; those kinds of games usually don’t work well on consoles, but with a different screen at your disposal for different commands it could to add an extra layer of depth to games.  The extra screen also opens up the possibility of porting DS games to the big screen, which is a very appealing idea, but it hasn’t been addressed yet by Nintendo.

Nintendo has stated that the Wii U launch titles are the strongest titles yet for a Nintendo console. While they are good, with games like New Super Mario bros. U and ZombiU, it’s definitely a little underwhelming compared to the past launches. Almost all the titles are just ports of games from other consoles, with only a few exclusive games. Although, it has been stated Nintendo will have more games to add to the virtual console games, all ranging from the NES to the GameCube, so that is something great for the future.

At the moment, the Wii U is kind of hard to come by since its launch, considering it’s the holiday season. Though it may not be worth all the trouble right now, the Wii U is definitely a worthy competitor on the console market and worth a try.