Apparently, yes. It does demonstrate that Nintendo is capable of doing something as stupid as not including important hardware though...

I love Nintendo's games, but... they can be morons sometimes.

for all it offers the console is too expensive, so are the 7 years old ps3 and 360

I am sure the 360 and PS3 will plummet in price right after Christmas, since their replacements come out next year. It really is silly they're still as expensive as they are, considering how ancient the tech is.

And the WiiU looks like a total boondoggle to me, but what do I know? I thought the Wii was a stupid idea too and was completely wrong.

Wii U consoles bricked after failed launch day update

http://www.tgdaily.com/games-and-entertainment-brief/67581-report-wii-u-consoles-bricked-after-failed-launch-day-update

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.394150-Nintendo-Network-IDs-Tie-to-Just-One-Wii-U-Console

After being a disappointed early adopter of the 3DS I'm going to wait til next year to pick up a Wii U.

Edit: Nevermind...it looks like downloaded titles are account tied (with accounts being tied to the system). Not sure about saving content onto an external harddrive...currently looking at the FAQ on the main website. I think I found it:

Transferring data from one Wii U to another Wii U is not supported at this time. However, we are looking into this feature and will provide an update if there is anything to report.

Transferring data from one Wii U to another Wii U is not supported at this time. However, we understand that this is a feature of interest to some consumers so we are taking that into consideration and are looking into this feature.

Console bricking, accounts locked to systems, big OS updates day 1, ports from 6 year old systems running worse.

Should have just named the thing F U at this rate.

I had no real interest in the system anyways. However with so many problems popping up, I wouldn't consider getting one for myself until at least a price drop hit and they get the issues sorted out.

Edit: Forgot about them using a cheap battery in the controller when there was space to put a larger one. http://www.sankakucomplex.com/2012/11/19/nintendo-cheaps-out-on-wii-u-controller-battery/

Nice opportunity to sell a "pro" battery next year at inflated prices.

I realize I come off as a Nintendo hater here, but it is puzzling how they could have had so many issues out the gate with this thing.

So is there anyway to save the content for things like downloaded games without accounts like an external hardrive or memory card?

Can I Transfer Data from One Wii U Console to Another Wii U Console?
"No. Transferring content from one Wii U system to another Wii U system (for example, from a Basic 8 GB Wii U to a Deluxe 32 GB Wii U) is not possible at this time."

What data can be stored on a USB storage device?

Once a USB storage device has been exclusively configured for use with a Wii U console, it can be used to store games, applications, new downloadable content, application updates and save data. Once a device has been configured for use with a Wii U console, it cannot be used with another Wii U console, PC, etc., unless it is reformatted.

Oh well hopefully by the releases of Pikmin 3 and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate all of these issues will be rectified.

Hopefully that will be the case. I seriously hope Nintendo gets their act together after this kind of launch (although to be honest I wasn't planning on buying one at launch anyway and didn't have high expectations either).

Don't worry, I'm quite a fan of Nintendo but even I can recognise a dreadful launch.

Wow this was a bad day for Nintendo.

I asked at Gamestop the other day, and not like they're a good predictor of everything, with their lame pre-order policies, but since the WiiU was pre-ordered out months ago, I'm gonna assume they wanted more. Still the employees weren't worried about any "mobs", they were expecting a quiet day. Think about that, launch parties for Halo 4 (a mere game, good thought it is) and the WiiU is no big deal at a game retailer.

With the terrible reviews of the Batman Armored Edition port and my own experience playing Trine 2, Nintendo had better hope they get some solid games out soon.

Yeah but for some reason I am glad they delayed Pikmin 3 and Monster Hunter from launch seeing the issues with the console itself.

The only issue I see with the launch is that there are a ton of people trying to access Nintendo's online services at the same time, slowing everything down. Ninja Gaiden 3 is awesome, ZombiU is meh, Mario is exactly what you'd expect. I wouldn't call the launch a failure at all. Although I guess the Gamecube launch titles were better.