Nintendo: Miiverse is Wii U's 'killer app'

Nintendo has long touted the Wii U's new tablet-like GamePad controller as a feature that will set the system apart from the competition. However, in a new interview with the Wall Street Journal's AllThingsD, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said the system's new Miiverse social network stands to be the console's "killer app."

“I think that [Miiverse] will pleasantly surprise people,” Fils-Aime said. “As the network grows and the installed base grows, it will prove to be a true killer application for the system, and I say this loving what we have done with Nintendo TVii and loving all the games. Until you try it and experience it, you may not totally understand it.”

Fils-Aime added that what makes Miiverse special is that it is the only social network exclusively built for gaming. And this, he said, will make the network a "key differentiator compared to other companies in our space."

Nintendo's Miiverse is the first thing players will see when they boot up the Wii U. On this screen, players will be able to see games, apps, and other entertainment content that either they have used or expressed interest in, or that their friends are using. Gamers can also share text and visual messages with other players through Miiverse.

Miiverse will be exclusive to the Wii U at launch next month, but will later be available for the 3DS, PC, and any smartphone or Web-enabled device. The Wii U arrives with 23 games in North America on November 18 beginning at $299. The system hits Australia and Europe on November 30 and comes to Japan December 8.