Six years after the Nintendo Wii launched, shaking up the video game industry forever, the console's successor is here with the Nintendo Wii U. The Wii U doesn't look to offer the same revolutionary features of the original, or at the least, it doesn't appear that it's going to have the same effect on the industry.
The Wii U does offer some slick possibilities for co-op gamers, and at launch we're seeing a few titles try to break the mold of what they can do. This is accomplished with the Wii U Controller - a gamepad / tablet hybrid that brings dual screen functionality to the living room - something Nintendo has been doing on their handhelds for years.
The Nintendo Wii U's launch is loaded for co-op gamers, with 11 titles available on Day 1 and many more to come. Here's a breakdown of what's available now if you've picked up the console.
Nintendo Wii U Launch Games with Co-Op
Assassin's Creed 3 (4 Player Online Co-Op) - Featuring the same co-op as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version, AC3 on the Wii U supports the online four player co-op Wolfpack mode. In it players team up to take down targets in increasingly difficult waves.
Ben 10 Omniverse (2 Player Couch Co-Op) - Two local players can take on the adventure together. One person controls Ben while the other plays as his new companion Rook.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (4 Player Online Co-Op / 2 Player Couch Co-Op) - Players team up to take on Tranzit, an open world style mode where players use a bus to go between zombie infested areas. The traditional survival mode is also available. Play the game's multiplayer versus bots with friends as well. Players can play couch co-op with one person utilizing the Wii U tablet as a screen and the other a TV.
Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (2 Player Couch Co-Op) - Join Mickey and Oswald in an epic battle to save the magical world of Wasteland and change it forever. Players work together to create and destroy using magical paintbrushes.
Just Dance 4 (4 Player Couch Co-Op) - Dance together in local co-op. Utilize the Wii U gamepad for dance moves.
Mass Effect 3 (4 Player Online Co-Op) - Players can choose from a variety of classes and races, form an elite Special Forces squad, and combine their weapons, powers and abilities to devastating effect as they fight together to liberate key territories from enemy control.This is part of the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War meta system within the game.
New Super Mario Bros. U (4 Player Couch Co-Op) - Four players can team up through the game's story mode taking control of Mario, Luigi, and other characters. The Wii U gamepad can be used to "help" other players by adding to the environment.
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge (2 Player Online Co-Op) - 2-players can join up online as stealthy ninjas, Ayane and Ryu Hayabusa, to hack and slash their way through hordes of evil Fiends.
NintendoLand (5 Player Local Co-op) - Take part in minigames inspired by Nintendo franchises. Three co-op mini games are available, all utilize the Wii U Gamepad in some unique way.
Scribblenauts Unlimited (2 Player Couch Co-Op) - Player two can drop in at anytime and take control of any on screen object.
Skylanders Giants (2 Player Couch Co-Op) - Two local players can each use a different Skylander figure with a single Portal of Power to play through the main campaign. The Wii U gamepad can be utilized to display stats from the game.
Tank! Tank! Tank! (4 Player Couch Co-Op) - In Cooperative Play mode, players join forces to exterminate giant Arachnos, take on the Red Dragon, and bring down other giant monsters.
Trine 2: Director's Cut (3 Player Local and Online Co-Op) - A side-scrolling puzzle-platforming game featuring up to three players working together to complete the campaign. The Wii U Director's Cut includes deleted scenes from the original release.