Panorama View And Google Maps Headed To Wii U

Earlier this morning was another Nintendo Direct presented by the President of Nintendo himself, Satoru Iwata. As always, he ran down a lengthy list of games on the way for both the Wii U and the 3DS. But this time, at the very end, was something a little different.

It involved Iwata donning a helmet with a camera attached, to show a close up view of the GamePad in his hands, as he spun around in circles. The reason? To demonstrate Panorama View in real time:

The tech demo has been seen here and there, leading up to the system's launch. Basically it plays pre-recorded videos set in a variety of environments, mostly scenic landscapes that you can view via any angle, with the GamePad as your window. Full 360 degree of motion is allowable, and it's quite impressive.

It's also finally coming home. The app is scheduled for Spring 2013, and is one that will cost money, though a free demo will accompany its release. And alongside the debut of Panorama View will be a version of Google Maps; Street View will operate in the same manner as the aforementioned app.

It will be free at first, but then cost an undisclosed among of money (no word yet on how much Panorama View will cost either).