Is Nintendo TVii the Wii U's "Killer App?" | IGN

Scott Lowe:

Nintendo TVii is now available for the Wii U. Announced in September and suffering a minor delay last month, TVii is Nintendo's latest effort to pry control of the living room away from Microsoft and Sony, whose respective consoles have become the centralized entertainment hub for millions of consumers. In many ways, Nintendo TVii seeks to succeed where Logitech's Revue with Google TV failed — unifying streaming and broadcast video services into one cohesive user experience with relevant web-derived data and social media built-in. With game support slowly ramping up, could TVii be the Wii U's unexpected "killer app?" We go hands-on to find out.

[1upgamer99]

Looks great, and easy to use. Sports fans should love this.

[Sarobi]

I didn't think I'd use this feature must but.. during the Clippers game I seen people dropping comments on certain plays so I joined in. Overall its pretty neat

[H4all]

i don't think it's support all country TV channel..
some country must be sick to use this app..

[Jadedz]

The fact that the Wii U gamepad functions...
As a tv/cable box remote, makes it a lot less simple for me (I got way too many remotes for different electronics).

I distinctly remember an interview where Miyamoto-san mentioned, ''we want consumers to use the Wii U everyday, like it's apart of their regular lifestyle'' (might not have been stated in those exact words). After owning the console for about 2 weeks now - I have to say, Nintendo set the bar for what I envision as next gen gaming's progression.

''Moar Graphics'' isn't all I want from a next gen console.

[Wolfbiker]

I use my Wii U Gamepad everyday even if its not for gaming.

[t0mmyb0y]

Same. Can be watching shows on PS3 and I want to check email or google something, just pick up the pad.

[LOL_WUT]

''Moar Graphics'' isn't all I want from a next gen console.
But you're okay with gimmicks are you not?

I too think this is a nice app but, it certainly doesn't make it a "killer app".

[bullymangLer]

you probably think the Nintendo 3ds is a "gimmick" dont you .. . (: . . .. .

[Jadedz]

I enjoy a nice looking game
Everyone does, but gameplay will always triumph over the former (for me, anyways).

Why are you implying that the word ''gimmick'' is a bad thing? I haven't used my tv set for a while now, because off tv play is really all it's cracked up to be.

Valve's Steam box is slated to release next year, smart tvs are becoming more popular, smart phones are able to connect to tvs and are able to play console type games.

In this day in age, you need to differentiate yourself from the competition, or else.

[PopRocks359]

@LOL_WUT

So it doesn't if the game plays like shit? What kind of person thinks this way?

I suppose Microsoft putting ESPN on a gaming app wasn't a gimmick? Or Sony's magic wand gizmo? Gimmicks are not exclusive to Nintendo as you try to make it seem.

[DivineAssault]

its cool but nothing to flip out about.. Then again, im not a big TV watcher so im sure others will enjoy it much more than i will.. I want GAMES damnit! exclusives too, not just ports with additional gameplay mechanics..

[metroidfusion2]

Stop bitcching and whining and wait just like for any oothher console it takes time so stop crying ya lil baby

[ianblake]

i tried this is cool and everything .. but a regular remote controller is faster and more easy and effective

[Darukain]

Very true... but it's nice not having to get up to grab the remote to change the input, and then picking up another remote to change the channel.

[wiiulee]

the wiiu itself is its own fantastic system...the complete system...tvii is a part of it...and its def great....keep it up nintendo..

[3-4-5]

Nintendo needs an Attack of the Show / X-play type show just for the Wii U.

Less cheese and more facts though.

[cee773]

tv is so lame now on demand and internet is the future

[Thepcz]

wiiu unifies them on the controller. so, you really cant complain.

unless you are a troll, of course

[cee773]

I was simply voicing my opinion this feature is useless to me because I Dropped cable only internet for me I can watch all the TV shows I want when I want I'm not into all the reality TV crap I'll take internet over TV any day its a neat feature non the less but it don't apply to me so I don't care much for it

[gamern4g]

That is very usefull function, using it a lot.