Nintendo’s new game console, the Wii U, sold out in retail during its first week out on the market. The main feature of the new console is the GamePad, a large controller that includes features like a screen and motion control. It also allows you to play games without the use of the TV.

Best Buy employee Andrew Buckley believes that the Wii U deserves its popularity.

“It’s … a very powerful gaming system,” Buckley said. “It [has] a faster processor than the PS3 or the Xbox 360. It’s able to do a lot more than the old Wii. Plus it has all the hot titles like ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Assassin’s Creed.’”

Electronics store Vintage Stock employee Andres Sanchez also thinks that the games are going to be a positive addition to the Wii U.

“The [old] Wii is really great, but the games are more for little kids,” Sanchez said. “[The Wii U’s] games … look really nice.”

Freshman Patrick Gambill agrees that the Wii U is a step forward for expanding the gaming community.

“I think it’s great Nintendo released another console,” Gambill said. “I hope that it appeals to a lot of different audiences.”

On the other hand, senior Alex Reeves has doubts about the Wii U’s long term success.

“[The Wii U] has potential but Nintendo’s lack of third party support will make the potential go to waste,” Reeves said. “[The Wii U] relies a lot on local multiplayer [playing with someone in the same room], and I think that online multiplayer [playing with someone else over the Internet] is better.”

Sophomore Emily Koeckeritz is curious about the future of the Wii U.

“I’m interested in seeing where Nintendo is going and whether this will be a failure or a success with the new features,” Koeckeritz said.

The Wii U is similar to the old Wii, but there are several new features. The GamePad controller is new, but old Wiimotes from the original Wii can still be used with the Wii U. In addition to the GamePad’s motion control, it also has a front-facing camera, a microphone, a stylus and stereo speakers.

The graphics are also a great addition to the Wii U.

“It [has] graphics that are as good as the Xbox 360 and the PS3,” Buckley said. “And it will blow the Wii out of the water graphic-wise.”

The Wii U is available as a basic set, which is white and has eight gigabytes for $299.99, or a deluxe set, which is black and has 32 gigabytes for $349.99.