Product Review - uDraw Studio and Tablet (Wii)

With Sony and Microsoft introducing motion control (Playstation Move and Xbox 360 Kinect respectively) for their flagship consoles, Nintendo needed something to keep their fans loyal to their brand, and THQ delivered with the uDraw Tablet.

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The graphics tablet is not a new concept with many options for PC or Mac, but this is unique for a game console. The tablet comes bundled with uDraw Studio, an electronic art studio not dissimilar in concept to those found on a home computer.

uDraw Studio 'game'

Everything about the package is aimed at the younger user: the chunky, robust design of the tablet and pen, the simple graphical interface and the preset coloring book images. Even though the youngsters are totally in their element, advanced features are available for more experienced e-artists including pressure sensitive brush size and opacity.

I did notice a slight lag between moving the stylus and seeing the motion on the screen, but quickly adapted. Mastering the level of pressure needed to achieve the desired result also required a little time and practice and maybe slightly advanced for the pre-teen users. Even though the option of transfering pictures to your computer via SD card is available, this is no substitute for a computer based package.

Overall this is a fun novelty item for the Wii whose success depends on what is forthcoming from the software houses in support of the uDraw. THX have 2 games available already, Pictionary and Dood's Big Adventure with more on the way. Good games are important to move this product out of the novelty sector.

The one annoying factor is there is no window for the Wiimote to communicate with the sensor bar, rendering Wiimote useless on the Wii Menu screen. I had to lift the Wiimote slightly out of its snug little channel to actually start the game.

Suggestions for improvement in Version 2.0 would be a longer stylus cord and making the unit ambidextrous. In it's current form the uDraw Tablet is distinctly right handed and may challenge or frustrate left handed people.

 

uDraw Studio and Tablet

Penguin Rating

Average

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