Nintendo intends to release its next-generation Wii U video game console on Sunday, November 18, 2012, a media report claims. At present it is unclear whether the console will become available on that date worldwide, but the current details point to Japanese launch of the console.

The information reportedly comes from email circulated among staff at a game store in Japan, the Akihabara-based Media Land, one of the most popular video game shops in Tokyo, which was obtained by WiiUDaily web-site. Although the information about the Wii U launch on November 18, 2012, has not been officially confirmed, the release of a new game console in November makes perfect sense.

Earlier this year Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo, said that his company would release highly-anticipated Wii U game console, in its key markets in the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan for the year-end season, which means that the novelty will be available this year across the world.

Last year executives at Nintendo confirmed that Wii U will cost more than the original Wii and would be aimed to both core gamers as well as casual gamers. Unfortunately, Nintendo is still quiet about exact pricing of the new console.

Nintendo Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support high-definition graphics and generally performance demanding games that can run on consoles like Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3. The system itself is based on a custom IBM Power microprocessor as well as a modern custom AMD Radeon HD graphics processing unit with high-definition graphics and video support. The main feature of the code-named Cafe game console is its unique controller with 6.2" touch-screen that also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers that can be used to play both classic Gamecube/Wii games as well as specially designed titles that take advantage of the screen. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories.

Tags: Nintendo, Wii U, Wii