While most of Nintendo’s promotional efforts at this year’s E3 were focused on the Wii U’s new controller, many gamers were asking about the console itself. Curious about facts like what it looks like, will it support HDMI, and things of that nature, gamers came away with a few facts many of which, according to Nintendo, are subject to change.

Since then, photos of the Wii U console (most likely in prototype form) have popped up to reveal that the console isn’t that much different that the Wii. Really the only quality that separates the Wii U from its predecessor is an HDMI port and a sleeker look.

As was reiterated to those that went behind closed doors to look at the Wii U, both the design and the ports on the console are still up for alteration. For this year’s E3, Nintendo was more interested in seeing how the public at large -- as represented by the expo’s attendees — would respond to the bulkier controller.

Turns out the thing is actually pretty comfortable to hold in your hands, and the tech demos on hand turned a few detractors into believers -- leaving many even more curious about the console.

But, as far as the console is concerned, there are still a few questions that Nintendo has yet to answer. Rumors have come out about the processor and the console’s support for multiple Wii U controllers that call into question how competitive Nintendo wishes to be.

Take a look at the Wii U console prototype below:

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Still, since Nintendo wasn’t as forthcoming with their Wii U console information, it stands to reason that the publisher is looking into several possibilities for the chipset and the design. Most likely, unless the console has released by then, E3 2012 will deliver a clear look at the entire Wii U package, console and all.

It’s easy to see why, much like the Wii U will continue to support both the Wii name and the Wiimote, it will also carry a similar all white aesthetic. Casual gamers and families have brought the console into their homes in wide numbers, so don’t expect Nintendo to branch too far away from what worked with the Wii.

What do you think of this prototype Wii U console? As long as the console supports HDMI, do you really care what the design aesthetic is?

Source: Inside Games