The Verge 7.0
I don't know which future awaits the Wii U. But until it's obvious, I'm not buying one.
Engadget
Nintendo promised consumers a modern HD gaming console, and the Wii U -- what's there of it thus far -- delivers on that promise. Games look gorgeous (HD Mario!), the risky controller is another successful control innovation and there's a ton of promise on the horizon.
Joystiq
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Polygon 6.5
DestructoidBut the best thing we can say about the Wii U, that it will have a strong first-party presence, is also its biggest problem. We are cautious and indeed, somewhat pessimistic, about what the future holds for Nintendo’s new system. With Microsoft and Sony expect to announce new, significantly more powerful systems within the next six months, Nintendo has only a short amount of time to establish the Wii U. We are concerned about its ability to be more than a box for Nintendo first-party releases. Nintendo has always delivered on that, but it's promised more, and that’s what we expect.
Kotaku
I wish the Wii U all the success in the world, because I am behind it. Conceptually, it's exciting, and in practice it works. That's rare for new ideas in the game industry these days, and I feel it's a success that needs to be rewarded with publisher support. I foresee potential for an amazing library of not just exclusives, but multi-platform titles to boot, and I'm rather excited for it.
Whether that future comes true remains to be seen, but I maintain a level of hope nonetheless. Hope feels good. Really quite good.
Gizmodo 4/5
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Ars Technica
The Good
Svelte hardware design is much smaller than competing systems.
HD graphics are easily the equal of the Xbox 360 and PS3.
GamePad is comfortable, sturdily built, and not too heavy.
Large touchscreen looks better than its low resolution would suggest.
Precise tilt-sensing turns the GamePad into an augmented reality portal.
GamePad's surround sound speakers are surprisingly decent.
The Bad
GamePad battery life requires constant plugging in.
GamePad shoulder buttons are uncomfortably positioned.
Load times are a bit high, even for launch titles.
System itself is a magnet for thumbprints.
The Ugly
The relative location of the right analog stick and the face buttons is reversed from every other dual-stick controller.
Nintendo is releasing a system that needs to have a large chunk of its promised features added with a downloadable day one update.
Verdict: Incomplete