According to recent reports, Nintendo's Wii U handheld console - which has already been through two E3 gaming events - will probably be released in time for this year's holiday season. However, the exact launch date for the console has yet to be officially disclosed; and its pricing also still remains a mystery.

The Wii U console - which was demonstrated by Nintendo in New York City this week - is fairly akin in appearance to the original Wii; with the key distinguisher between the two consoles being the Wii U's special wireless GamePad controller. The controller features a 6.2-inch touchscreen which works differently with each game, and also facilitates multi-player gaming.

While Nintendo has yet to announce the Wii U launch date as well as its price-tag, there are speculations galore that the console will be launched later this year, close to the holiday-shopping season, as one Nintendo representative has unofficially confirmed. But the price-tag of the device is still a big question mark.

With the 2006-launched original Wii carrying a price-tag of $250, it appears that the cost of the Wii U - featuring a fancy GamePad controller - will probably be higher; though it would also be imperative for the console to undercut the competition coming its way with a holiday-season release.

However, it is also worth noting that, for its home gaming console, Nintendo has largely stuck to the rather fetching $199-$250 price-range --- be it the $250-priced Wii; The $199 GameCube; the $199 Nintendo 64; or the $199 Super NES!