Let’s keep it simple: The Wii U is coming. North American launch date: November 18 (Europe, you’re up November 30). Two different models: $299 for a Basic white system: a console with 8GB of memory, one GamePad, AC adapter, sensor bar, and HDMI Cable. $349 nets you a black console with all of the above, but 32GB of memory, a copy of Nintendo Land and to push digital a bit more, a promotion that allows buyers of the more expensive system access to a rebate system for purchases made online. Guess which one I’m recommending. Bet on black, kids. YES, the console is indeed backward compatible with current Wii titles (but forget about GameCube functionality, something missing since the Wii was streamlined into its current incarnation). WIll the console support standard RCA jacks for those who still aren’t set up for HD? Probably, but I’d imagine you’d want to poke around Nintendo’s site to double check (use the first link above, of course)

There’s also TVii, a function I personally will never use, but one Nintendo is targeting at those millions of more connected users and consumers who love watching their favorite shows in a more social manner (I call it “Distracted Viewing” but hey, people seem to love doing this, sooo…):

Anyway, there will be a raft of games on the way from the launch onward, notably some amazing exclusives as well as titles Nintendo-only fans will be thrilled to see- but those (well, SOME of them) are below the jump…

I was originally going to post all the videos here, but it’s a crazy day, so you get to do some work. Just click on the titles to view the trailers while you start poking around the internet looking for a site to pre-order a console from. Here’s a short list of stuff I found cool: Bayonetta 2 (wow!), The Wonderful 101, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (which will be cross compatible with the upcoming 3DS version), ZombiU (my absolute MUST-buy for the system), Rayman Legends (another must!), Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Transformers Prime, 007 Legends, Skylanders Giants, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Assassin’s Creed III, Darksiders II: Death Lives, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge,  Lego City Undercover, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Warriors Orochi 3 HYPER, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Tank!, Tank!, Tank!, The Avengers: Battle For Earth, and a whole lot more.

As I’ve noted previously, not every title will be a mega-hit, but I believe many will do quite well once the word gets out. To those cranky PS3 and 360 owners (as well as a few games journalists) looking down on the console for also getting a few “hand me down” titles released earlier on other HD consoles, you’re all still missing the point. Nintendo fans who’ve never played a game like Batman: Arkham City will be getting the biggest version of the game with a few nice changes only possible with the new GamePad. Also, you have to understand the thrill of any new console will generally help push sales of an already great game, so there’s that.  But whatever. I’m excited and ready to see how this thing rolls. Whee. Here’s another ZombiU trailer to ogle while I dance around the room for a hot minute before getting back to work…