E3 2012 | The Wii U Spec Sheet - Flash Memory, USB 2.0 External Hard Drives

Nintendo have issued a list of just exactly what's inside the Wii U console if you slip away its silky exterior.

Beneath the 1.8 inch high, 10.5 inch deep, 6.8 inch long and 1.5 kg shell lies a console with a lot of meat. It can process sublime high-definition images two the television screen and up to 2 Wii U GamePad controllers at one time, whilst being contained in a rather small, living-room friendly shell.

It's a given, but back-compatability with current Wii software has also been confirmed.

Nintendo never give out the exact numbers, chipsets and model data - but for now this is what will power a high-definition Nintendo experience:

• CPU: IBM Power-based multi-core processor.
• GPU: AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU.
• Storage: Internal flash memory. SD memory cards and external USB storage.
• Media: Wii U and Wii optical discs.
• Video Output: Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i.
• Compatible cables: HDMI, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.
• Audio Output: Uses six-channel PCM linear output via HDMI connector, or analog output via the
  AV Multi Out connector.
• Networking: Wii U can access the Internet via wireless (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) connection.
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 connectors - two in the front and two in the rear, supports Wii Lan adapters.
• Wii Compatibility: Nearly all Wii software and accessories can be used with Wii U.

The Wii U will also come in two flavours, currently being advertised on the Wii U website as black and white.