An 8th-generation
video game console announced in 2011, and released in 2012. While it may seem that it competes with the Xbox One and PS4 directly, Nintendo has stated themselves that this is not true.
What separates this from other video game consoles the unique controller: the Wii U Gamepad. This controller has a 6" touch-screen built into it for unique/new ways to play video games.
Surprisingly, it also is very
comfortable. It does not use motion controls at all.
While the Wii U is more powerful than the 7th generation's video game consoles, it is not as powerful as the PS4 and Xbox One (Which is why Nintendo decides not to directly compete with them). Also, while the Xbox One and PS4 use X68, PC-like processors, the Wii U doesn't, making it harder to code games for both the Wii U and any other 8th-generation console.
Lastly, the Wii U is Nintendo's first console capable of 1080p gaming. Also, the Wii U is backwards-compatible with the Wii's games.