If you already have a Wii, it's just about a no-brainer since it can use the same controllers and play the Wii games as well, so that saves some money. The big difference the Wii U introduces (besides HD graphics, finally) is the Game Pad controller, which integrates a 6-inch touchscreen. That really can and does add some neat elements to games, like when one player uses the Game Pad to control a ghost that the other players can't see on the tv screen. In the Super Mario 3D World game, it basically just duplicates the main screen on the Game Pad, but you can touch certain game elements on the touchscreen to make them do things, and sometimes you blow on the microphone to move a platform on the screen, etc. Pretty neat possibilities!

Amy has been really taken with it even though she's only 4 and can't really do the controls too well. But she's surprised me by making it through a level or two of Mario all by herself!