I was in college when I first bought a console with my own hard-earned cash: the very popular (at the time) Nintendo 64. And while I could show off Goldeneye 64 to my dormmates with a Playstation, they typically made fun of my sports game options.

For a number of reasons, recent Nintendo consoles haven’t been the best platforms for sports gaming. For every exclusive gem (Home Run King, Wii Sports, Power Pros), there’s a bad port or worse: an empty space on the shelf.

With the Wii U now priced and dated, here’s a quick look at how Nintendo’s new offering is shaping up for sports gamers.

Football

Wii U owners will have as many NFL choices as everyone else (1) in Madden 13. Information is spotty, with the newest information mentioning nothing about the touted physics engine. In fact, reports from early August indicated that the physics engine won’t be in, in order to make the Wii U’s launch window.

Perhaps the biggest addition to this version is the ability to draw play art on the controller screen, though this should sound familiar to those who’ve played other versions with touch screen controls.

Basketball

NBA 2K13 is slated to be released on Nov. 18. Again, firm details are a bit sketchy, but the controller should allow users to make substitutions and call plays (though I’ve found nothing definitive in that department). Our latest fact sheet also mentions Gatorade Biometric Scan, which seems to be exclusive to the console. Also unknown is whether the Wii-U will have access to the All-Star Weekend DLC.

Soccer

Like Madden, the Wii U version of FIFA 13 adds the ability to control plays and rosters with a swipe of the finger. However -- and I hope this isn’t a trend -- the game is built on the FIFA 12 engine, according to the most recent Game Informer. This practice of non-innovation was a problem for the Wii throughout its lifetime, and here’s hoping the Wii U’s advanced hardware solves the problem.

Miscellaneous Sports Games

Here’s where things start to get interesting. There a number of launch titles that fall in this category, from the party/mini-game collections to a range of fitness games.

Ubisoft is releasing Sports Connections Wii U, which seems to be mirroring the model set forth by the original Wii Sports. Featuring six sports, including football, soccer, tennis and golf, this game will succeed or fail based on the quality of controls and depth of its modes.

Wii Fit sort of revitalized the fitness game genre, and Wii Fit U will be its successor and support the original’s Balance Board (though a new version will be released). Zumba Fitness and Your Shape 2013 round out a good selection, but I can’t help but think they will feel stale compared to the hands-free fitness games available via Kinect.

Lingering Questions

If it seems like I’ve posed more questions than answers, don’t get too upset. Nintendo and its developers have been pretty stingy with specific details. For a system launching in less than two months, we have very little to go on.

Even the biggest question in my mind -- How does it compare technically to the PS3/360? -- seems to have no definitive answer. Searching online doesn't help much; you get quotes from developers praising its specs to technical writers critical what’s under the hood.

For Sports?

I’m no tech expert, so you’ll have to go elsewhere for a breakdown of those numbers. However, if you look at the platform from a purely sports gaming view, it is hard to give a solid recommendation.

First, of the three big fall releases, at least one seems built on an old framework (FIFA) and another is lacking a major new feature (Madden). What’s been added isn’t clear, though none of it seems like complete game changers. Even if graphics take a step forward, gameplay may prove to be strides behind.

Additionally, the sports selection seems pretty limited. There isn’t a true racing game (not counting Sonic All-Stars) until sometime in 2013, when Project CARS is slated for release (on various platforms). No wrestling or non-fantasy fighting games have been announced. And who knows what the state of baseball will be next summer.

A few other knocks against recommending a purchase:

• Nintendo’s online systems haven’t had the most stream-lined interfaces. Online is often crucial to fully experience a sports game.
• Not all developers are on board (see Bethesda).
• A big worry for me: The platform may occupy the same space the Dreamcast did over 10 years ago: sandwiched between the end of one generation and the beginning of the next. Wii U might look great now, but what about next year when Microsoft and Sony potentially unveil their new systems?

Despite all of this, there’s still a lot to like about the system. I think the GamePads look pretty sweet. Wii motion control is often still better than the Kinect or the PS Move controller, so I’m expecting more of the same from the Wii U. Plus, the platform will be privy to all of Nintendo's own IPs, which have included some interesting arcade sports games in the past.

Finally, if you are upgrading from a Wii-only household, it’s really a no-brainer.

For now, though, I'm taking a wait and see approach. Who knows, some future Wii U sports game may be a true system seller.