Nintendo's Wii U Released; Here's Where You Might Find It

Sure to be on many families' Christmas lists this season, Nintendo's Wii U video game console hits store shelves Sunday.

The first of the next-generation of video game consoles and the successor to the original Wii, the Wii U ups the ante on its predecessor by offering full HD graphics and a touchscreen, tablet-style controller that offers a second screen to add extra immersion to video gaming.

For families who invested a small fortune on the original Wii — fear not. All your old games and accessories should work on the new console. 

The system comes in basic ($299.99) and deluxe ($349.99) models, and the latter includes the NintendoLand game, a 32 GB hard drive (versus the basic system's 8 GB), a vertical stand for the system and a charging cradle for the touchscreen controller.

Locally, several retailers should be carrying the Wii U and its games — at least while supplies last. Games available at launch include the aforementioned NintendoLand, New Super Mario Bros. U, ZombiU and Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition.

If sales of the original Wii are any indication, however, don't expect the system to sit on shelves for long. Given that some stores offered fast-selling pre-orders on the Wii U, the quantities available to the public today at some stores might be limited. Here's a list of local stores that should be stocking the system today, assuming you're quick enough to snag one:

• GameStop (in West Oaks)
• GameStop (in Twelve Oaks Mall)
• Best Buy (on Haggerty Road near Eight Mile Road)
• Best Buy (in West Oaks)
• Target (on Wixom Road and Grand River Avenue)
• Walmart (in Novi Town Center)
• Sam's Club (on Wixom Road and Grand River Avenue)

Let us know if you pick up the Wii U. Where did you find one? How do you like it?