Wii Karaoke U by JOYSOUND had previously been confirmed for a 2013 in the West, and Nintendo of Europe has been first to step out in its fanciest get up to grab the mic, confirming a release date of 4th October in the region. It'll be a free download initially, which will allow you to browse and become familiar with the app before you then pay for full access.
The initial download will allow you to browse and explore the 1500 songs included — gosh — and figure out how it all works, while more tunes are due to be added in the future. If you want to play properly you can pay for a one hour (£1.79), 24 hour (£4.49), or 30 day ticket (£13.49), with the app necessitating broadband as you play to work — it doesn't download 1500 songs onto your system's memory in the install, but accesses individual tracks as you play. As a special promotion you will be able to download a one-hour trial ticket for free once the app is downloaded.
In terms of the modes on offer, there's a standard sing-and-get-rated mode, another option that gives you far more detailed analysis, and an Online Rating option. As you perform in the latter — and your Mii struts around on stage in silly outfits of your choosing — you receive ranking updates in comparison to other singers in Europe, before being given a final ranking at the end of the song. If you're playing with friends or family you can also try the Karaoke Battle, where up to ten players split up into two teams for a 'sing off' over multiple rounds. USB Microphones are supported, or if that's not an option you can use the GamePad's built-in mic.
This app made a lot of noise — in a marketing and literal sense — in Japan when launched, and it'll be interesting to see whether this pay-to-play karaoke angle will take off in the West. With so many songs the limited access ticket could be great for parties, in particular; just remember to invite or warn your neighbours, first.
Comments 14
Sounds similar to the Karaoke app on the Xbox, which isnt such a bad thing. I think it works pretty well and prefer having the option of paying for units of time for a massive library of songs instead of buying retail with mabey about 40 or so songs which you may sing about half if your lucky. Pay per play works well for when you may have partys and suchlike. I hope its a success for Nintendo.
If you visit Asia this is how the pricing works for clubs and booths so it makes sense. Not sure how the west will react though as its not common place here.
@Emblem I think it's a good thing. One of the pleasures of karaoké is going threw the catalog and sing a song instantly. Having to think "Is it really worth buying?" kind of defeat the purpose in my opinion. My guests shouldn't have to ask me if I can purchase this particular song they want.
Well that's implying anyone buys it in the first place...
I am definitely going to use this. It's a great idea.
There actually was a Wii Kareoke Joysoumd made last year, but I guess no one bought it.
hmm...im not using this
I'd use at least the 1 hour trial.
Hmm i dont can to come to like pay to play but on the contrary i guess its more like those karaoke club bars thing in japan where they rent a little room to sing in. In thought of this its a great idea to do this at home
Reading the headline, I was instantly interested in getting this - karaoke is the one kind of party activity I know I could always use on my Wii U during friendly reunions with people who aren't necessarily gamers.
Then I saw it's pay to play. Oh well. Pass.
Will try the game out,but really the game should come with 150 songs,and you have to buy the rest in packs of 50 for £5
Baby I will Karaoke U all night
To me the pay when you want to play makes sense. Take Singstar and the like, yes you pay out right for the game but have limited number of Songs and then you have to buy more to expand the collection and yes unless you want to expand your tracks theres no extra cost... But... You paying for something that for most people only gets used occasionally, once the novelty wears off and eventually you get bored with whats songs you have.
With this you simply pay less than £2 or just over a £5 and you got a hell of a lot of songs for the time period you've paid for ideal for thos occassional uses, like at parties.
Not sure about the monthly fee for those you do regularly play the likes of Singstar, Then its a trade of Monthly cost but more songs but not all you'll like, or Less songs but option to pay for only the songs you like.
Awesome that I can use the gamepad mic! I aint buying any more stupid add ons... ever again.
This sounds like a great idea, an hour for less than £2 and access to ALL of the songs is an instant win.
PARTAAAAAAY!
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