Last year Satoru Iwata confirmed that the Google Maps Street View functionality would be coming to Wii U, an app that makes sense given the GamePad's screen and motion sensors. It may not be a big hit or a system seller, but this potentially fun app — called Wii Street U — has now arrived in Japan.
Satoru Iwata himself celebrated by wearing a rather bulky Google camera rig while still managing to smile; all for a free app. You can see a video of it in action below, and we're sure many Japanese Wii U owners are snooping on where co-workers live at this very moment.
[source officialnintendomagazine.co.uk]
Comments 26
These overly enthusiastic people in Nintendo videos are driving me crazy. xD Would love to try the whole thing myself.
Does anyone else find this a bit pointless? Google maps on a mobile device makes sense, but I can't see any real use for it on Wii U. I'd rather they spent their time on something worthwhile such as some much-needed games.
Although some great photoshopping has come out of this!
http://i.imgur.com/01sKxSb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/atwhXi4.jpg
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/TheCongressman1/Art/iwataparty.png
They can even see inside the NASA Space Center?????? Dude, I had to fly over the US just to see that!!!
Honestly, it's awesome. And totally worth a paid app. (And if you're not happy about it you can just go on Google Maps on Wii U's Internet browser.)
this is pretty cool. kinda pointless but still an awesome feature.
not pointless at all. many people use Google Maps at home
The feature is neat, but all in all this is extremely pointless for me. If I want to use Google maps I'll use it one my computer or phone (not that I ever use it anyway)... Especially considering the slow loading times on the WiiU menu.
I was hoping for something cooler.
...How much does this cost?
@XD375
What! Isn't Free?!
Cool but is the type of app that I really want? No. I would much rather prefer a media player that can allow the Wii U to play Video and music files!
its free and fun but people sound like they don't want it.
it's a fun time waster to use Google maps at home and now with wii u and the gamepad it look more fun and its free and some people don't like it?
does this make sense? i just don't get it?don't get it if you don't like it.
but some people might
I actually think this is pretty cool. I often use Google Maps at home, but this seems more like a touring/learning tool than a mapping tool. Based on that video, it looks like they're pushing the whole 360 degree view feature, which I think is pretty cool. Never been to Notre Dame? Never been to the pyramids in Giza? This looks like a very cool way to tour them from your home.
It's free, for anyone asking — it is mentioned in the article
Free in Japan, anyway, I imagine it'll be the same in the West.
@ThomasBW84 - Really? That's great. I planned to get this app anyways, but the fact that it' free really sweetens the deal.
Hahahaha awesome! Love their expressions in the video, hilarious Wii Streetu U!
That honestly looks quite fun.
Is Miiverse integrated with this? It'd be awesome to share parts of the world you're exploring with friends.
Now my children can experience landmarks that we have not had a chance to visit yet.
@Peach64 Lol, funny pics.
This looks like a great little unique addition to the platform. If nothing else, it might pique the interest of someone who hasn't played games before, get the WiiU GamePad in their hand, make them more comfortable.... which could lead to a round of Nintendo Land... which could lead to playing more games, etc.
Well seems pointless now, it's nice that Nintendo is including something like Google maps because that data cab be used for other features down the road. Pointless or not if Nintendo's going to compete in this next-generation it needs to keep adding more and more features even if only 10% of them are adopted and used.
I think this will be great, and will be well suited to the Wii U!
Europe?
America?
If you don't want it, don't get it. Its as simple as that. This is for exploring the planet from home. Now I can stroll through Antarctica or anywhere else while on my couch!
I'm personally looking forward to this. I find the controls for Google Street View to be very awkward on PC and the Android app isn't all that better. Finally with the Wii U gamepad, I can zoom through street view with ease!
As for the price, I recall them saying it'll be free for a short time. Is that still true?
I think it looks interesting. I don't have a smarta$$ phone or tablet, so I have to use Google maps at home on the computer. Looks like I'll be using it on the Wii U soon, though. I was gonna buy it if I had to.
This looks really cool. Hope it comes to the west soon enough.
I wouldn't have pay for it but for free it's a done deal!
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