The highly anticipated Wii U console will launch some time from April 2012, Nintendo has announced. The company has said the console will go on sale any time after the 2012-2013 fiscal year begins.

Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata told PC Mag that he hopes to have a more successful launch for the Wii U than it had for the recent Nintendo 3DS, which was hit with controversy and disappointment.

"Based on the bitter experiences we have had with the Nintendo 3DS, we are making every effort to prepare so that the Wii U will not stumble during its launch," said Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.

He added that the final version of the Wii U will be on display at the E3 conference in Los Angeles, Calif. in June 2012.

Past launches by Nintendo have seen new products released in time for the holiday seasons. Accordingly, many commentators are suggesting that the company will begin shipping the Wii U in accordance with the 2012 holiday season.

The Wii U will come with a wireless tablet-like gamepad that is equipped with dual thumb-controlled joysticks and control buttons.

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The tablet and main console will be able to be used together to show games on a TV or the tablet can be used on its own, according to PC Mag.