FIFA 13 is a Wii U Launch Title

FIFA 13 has been announced as a launch title for Wii U at EA's Summer Showcase.

EA hyped up the soccer simulator as the best FIFA on a Nintendo console yet, with the Wii U allowing for a "different experience" to the other platforms. The company thinks that if your dad can use a mobile phone, he should also be able to play FIFA 13 on Wii U, which means plenty of touch screen antics. Don't worry — you can still use traditional controls if you don't want to mess with all the optional extras.

The previously confirmed GamePad function were demonstrated. It can be used for set pieces: find yourself in a free kick situation and you can put yourself right on the pitch by lifting up the controller to see everything up close through the handheld screen. You can then move the controller around to look about and get a better grip on the scenario — or just soak up the atmosphere.

You can also tap out passes and shots on the touch screen: if you've got the ball, click any other player to send it in their direction. A new system called 'shake and shoot' lets you target the net more accurately: either push L3 or shake the GamePad and the goal will appear on screen, and you can then press anywhere you want to aim your shot.

Manager mode is given a boost by the GamePad too, which houses several tabs on the right hand side of the screen for different levels of information. You can gaze upon the action in a simplified overhead view and tap on players to view statistics and control man marking, or venture to other tabs to make substitutes and change tactics quickly.

EA thinks that FIFA 13 on Wii U is much more immersive and flows better than the other versions of the game. You'll be able to find out for yourself on the console's launch day, whenever that might be.