At an event in New York City this morning, Nintendo finally gave North American consumers details about regarding price, launch line-up and date for their newest console, the WiiU.
The most important news: as many had speculated, the WiiU launches in North America on November 18th. It will come in two editions: a basic 8GB model for $299.99, and a deluxe 32GB version for $349.99. Both will come packaged with a sensor bar, an HDMI cable and a GamePad; the deluxe version will also come bundled with a GamePad charging stand, the NintendoLand game, and enrolment in the Deluxe Digital Promotion rewards program. Additionally, the basic version will come only in white, while the deluxe model will be black.
Nintendo also revealed that the WiiU's launch window -- defined by them as November 2012 to March 2013 -- will feature 50 games. No word yet on the exact launch day line-up, but NintendoLand and New Super Mario Bros. U will be the two first-party games available November 18th. Other titles of note include Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Rayman Legends, enhanced versions of Batman: Arkham City and Mass Effect 3, and more. (Edit: A full list of launch window games is available here.)
WiiU gamers also learned of some exclusives they'll have to look forward to. Particularly of note: Bayonetta 2, which will be published by Nintendo, and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, which will feature cross-platform multiplayer with the 3DS.
One other interesting piece of info: the North American version will include TVii, which is described by Nintendo as being like a "personalized program guide". Details are still a bit thin on this feature at the moment, but it seems to be a combinated of Netflix, cable television and a DVR.