The coolest feature of Pokémon Rumble U only works with the $3.99 collectible figures purchased separately from the $17.99 downloadable title, making it a mediocre game with optional improvement. Interesting idea.

Pokémon Rumble U is available for the Wii U today, capitalizing on the Game Pad's near-field communications feature to give players the ability to import special toys directly into the game. I purchased seven of these special blind bagged toys. Let's see who we got.

Watch how Pokémon Scramble U uses NFC toys. Do it!

The Nintendo Network is the Kyoto-based game maker's upcoming service that envisions digital game distribution and, most likely, downloadable content. Nintendo is outfitting the Wii U controller with tech that could radically change the way gamers shop.