Left in the dust

If you're a non-North American fan of American football, you might want to fling a coloured flag in EA's direction: the Wii U version of Madden NFL 13 is only being released in North America.

Madden NFL 13 on Wii U was officially confirmed last night at EA's Summer Showcase, scheduled for release at the console's launch. However, it was only in a later EA Sports press release that details of the restricted release came out. As far as we can tell, other home console versions of the game will still touchdown outside of North America.

The first Wii U screens have also got into formation; you can see them in our media album below.

How do you feel about the limited launch of Madden NFL 13 on Wii U?

EA SPORTS UNVEILS FIFA 13 AND MADDEN NFL 13
New Games Feature Award-winning Gameplay, HD Graphics And New Ways To Play
Guildford, UK. – August 2, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that EA SPORTS™ is developing its two most popular sports videogames—FIFA 13 and Madden NFL 13— for Nintendo Wii U™. Featuring award-winning gameplay, HD graphics and new ways to play, FIFA 13 and Madden NFL 13 promise to be incredibly innovative football games on the Wii U, and they will be in stores around the world when the new console launches.

“We challenged our teams to develop innovations designed specifically for the Wii U, and to create new ways to play that would bring players of all abilities together,” said Andrew Wilson, Head of EA SPORTS. “Our teams have truly delivered creative new football experiences with FIFA 13 and Madden NFL 13 for the Wii U.”

In development at EA Canada, FIFA 13 features three new ways to play that bring players of all abilities together. Families can play together in Co-op Mode, where one player manages and up to four others play. Team Management Control features interactive radar to send players on supporting runs, attacking or defensive, and touch screen control to change tactics, formations or subs on the fly. Experience the thrill of managing your favorite football club in Manage Match, directing players from the sidelines and even giving half-time talks. View a statistical analysis of the match and any player at any time, enabling you to make informed decisions. Plus, connect and interact with friends like no other FIFA title. See your friends online and invite them to play, or message them in real time using touch screen typing. FIFA 13 features innovations utilizing the Wii U GamePad™ that immerse players in the action on the pitch. Gamers can lift and look through the GamePad touch screen to aim the ball on set pieces and penalty kicks, then put the perfect curve on a shot and let it fly. Shake the GamePad to activate Touch Screen Shooting, removing the element of ‘hit and hope’, and allowing for pinpoint accuracy.

Madden NFL 13 on the Wii U delivers the most authentic NFL experience ever on a Nintendo platform, including core gameplay new to the franchise this year, beautiful HD graphics, the newest depth and career modes, and all-new touchscreen features exclusive to the Wii U. With the all-new Connected Careers mode, you can build your own legacy as a player or a coach, or relive the glory of an all-time legend. Plus, the new CBS commentary team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms make every game feel like an authentic NFL broadcast, as they call the action from the 3D booth. Get immersed into every game with features exclusive to the Wii U, including streamlined playcalling, pre-snap adjustments and personnel management - all directly from the innovative Wii U Gamepad touchscreen. Madden NFL 13 on the Wii U brings next generation innovation, gameplay, and graphics straight to your living room like never before.

Madden NFL 13 will be available on Nintendo Wii U in North America only.