Of the three major sports titles to release alongside the Nintendo Wii U it's NBA 2K13 that delivers the product that most closely matches the 360/PS3 version in terms of content. Yet while the tablet controller features are definitely useful they're also the least interactive.The Wii U's tablet controller has two central functions. It can be used to display coaching options in standard games or MyPlayer statistics during MyCareer games. In the standard games the screen displays three columns dependent on whether the user is on offense or defense at the time: Defense or Offense Strategy, Substitutions, and Defensive Sets or Quick Plays. The coaching options can also be folded away so as to play 2K13 completely on the tablet without even needing to watch it all play out on the TV.The functions work well and in a way that doesn't distract too much from the action taking place on screen. It's not so much a time-saver, as it's simply moving things from the D-PAD to the touch screen, but a nice convenience. The same goes for during MyCareer games as the screen displays expanded stats, teammate grade, and shot chart for the MyPlayer being controlled. The Gatorade Biometric Scan displays player's fatigue levels and streakiness when the tablet is tilted up. It's a clever feature but ultimately not all that useful during the course of a game.Naturally it will take some time to get accommodated to the controls. The different mapping of buttons can be confusing for those used to playing on other systems. What is most difficult to get the hang of is having the right stick above and to the right of the buttons instead of below and to the left. It doesn't feel nearly as comfortable to use the stick for dribble moves with the buttons beneath. There are no alternate or customizable controller options offered.In terms of graphics the game is respectable but far outclassed by the other HD consoles. First impression was that the graphics were fairly similar but after switching back to the 360 version the deficiencies on the Wii U became immediately apparent. The 360/PS3 version is far more saturated and detailed. The Wii U is even stuck with jerseys that don't move. The framerate also takes a hit on the Wii U though not unacceptable. Going back and forth between the versions makes the difference more noticeable. It's not nearly as bad as in Madden NFL 13 but not as fluid as FIFA 13.Only All-Star Weekend is missing from the Wii U compared to the 360/PS3. All other modes including MyCareer, Association, Online Association, Blacktop, and MyTeam are present. Jay-Z's influence as "Executive Producer" is seen throughout the game and the Dream Team and other historic teams are all included. As far as can be identified all the gameplay improvements are found in the Wii U version. However without the presence of many people owning the game the online competition with standard quick games and the online-based MyTeam are are made practically non-existent.It is currently unclear the level of post-release support that 2K13 on the Wii U will receive. The earlier released versions of the game haven't even gotten a patch yet so it's possible when that comes it will go to the Wii U in addition to the 360 and PS3. The Wii U does have the same court and jersey updates that have been released on the other consoles. Its roster update is one behind however as the currently available roster is from November 14.Given that there is currently no DLC system in place for the Wii U there is no option to purchase "VC". The currency system is utilized on the Wii regardless and not having the ability to buy it outright theoretically would make the team-building MyTeam mode more balanced and enjoyable. However with just 20 people on at any peak times it is difficult to get any standard head-to-head game in let alone going to that specific mode for matchmaking.One really annoying issue present since release is that manually saving any Association or MyCareer file stalls when "creating a save on the 2K Sports server". The only option then is to exit out from the game to the dashboard. This happens immediately after setting up a new Association or MyCareer as well as when overwriting a save or creating a new one. While the file is still saved locally not being on the server means in order to continue "VC" is converted to "SP" with no way to reverse that action. Obviously this needs to be rectified not just because of that but due to the necessity of quitting the game after a save. Modes like MyTeam and Online Association only autosave and appear to be exempt from this problem because of that.***SUMMARY***NBA 2K13 on the Wii U deserves recognition for almost completely matching the content found in the 360/PS3 version but in terms of performance it takes a step back graphically and in framerate. The tablet controller features are the least inspired of the sports games released with the system and though nice to have present don't provide any compelling reason to choose this version over the others. It's still a fun game offering good value for those who don't already own it on the other systems.First this will not be a frame by frame comparison of this version versus the Xbox vs. PS3 vs. PC. It gets a bit boring and tedious. I will say the graphics are very good. One thing with the Wii U is no frame tearing as is prevalent with the other nonPC platforms I've seen. So at least you won't see the top half of a player's body on the left top of your screen and his other half on the lower right of your screen. Granted this happens only on occasion and lasts for half a second or less but it's weird and probably indicative of the outdated hardware of both machines. Beyond that, the Wii U is an overall brighter experience whereas in the other versions the jerseys move - which I've read is important. But I've yet to see how this effects gameplay for the average person.With that out of the way one issue that is a MAJOR problem for me is you pretty much CANNOT UTILIZE THE MY PLAYER/MY CAREER MODES the way the designers intended. I cannot overemphasize how disappointing and frustrating this is. You can get it all set up, play in the rookie showcase, predraft interviews, draft and then blam.... The game will display "saving to the 2k server..." and you're done. After an hour or more you've pretty much lost everything and cannot continue. If you haven't seen the game - all you need to know is this takes away about 75% of the fun.The menus in this game are horrible and buttons you're used to using one way for just about every other title are backwards. Gameplay is fun. I like the physics of the game. The commentary is awesome and has a good flow with the game. If you take a terrible shot - they let you know about it. This game has loads of potential. I'm going to hang on to it for a while in the event they patch this horrendous 2k server issue - I'd have rated it 4 stars easy but it's simply not worth a dime right now. I've been very disappointed that they are willing to put out the software on the Wii U but then offer no support to fix known problems. This seems to be a common thing with the Wii U. Everything seems rushed and thus subpar and incomplete.I got this for my kids, 6th grade and 4th grade. Most of players are different from now. But my kids basically love the game. It is bit difficult for my kids to control because many key patterns and actions. Since I have Wii U, no X-Box, no Play station, no Nintendo Switch, there is no choice for me.Most disappointed is that this game requires only one person to play. Not multiple players can play. I wish that the control could be easy, just pass and dribble and shot, then many people can play.Anyway, this game is basically OK for my kids.This game was way overpriced but my daughter really wanted it. She hasn't gotten the hang on how to play it yet so I'm going to give this game only 3 stars.Bought this for the grandkids. They seem to like it, but the music gets on my nerves. Maybe younger adults would not be so bothered by it. I'm knocking a star off of my overall rating because of the overdone urban-music theme. (Sorry Mr. Jay-Z!)This game is another wonderful addition of the 2013 sports games and takes the game play of Basketball above and beyond!This game is excellent. The graphics are good and the audio commentary is some of the best I've ever seen in a sports game. The announcers do a good job of reacting to the action, which is probably difficult as fast-paced as basketball is. Comparatively, the latest version of Madden has incredibly repetitive commentary to the point it gets laughable. If you like basketball video games, I highly recommend this one.I'm a huge NBA fan & I love the 2k games. I have 2k10 for the Wii & this game is a nice improvement with much better graphics & features. I just bought a Wii U & decided to upgrade to a more up to date NBA game. All Wii U owners that are NBA fans should buy this game now. It's well worth it.I have been a fan of NBA 2k since 2k10 and I have to say this is a great iteration being the first on the Wii U, it is a shame that they are not making more for the system.there are SOME issues with the game itself:Minor frame skips on the gamepad and during bigger moments in game.use of gamepad to see which players are heating up is an interesting use of the gamepad but I hardly use it.took some time to get used to the gamepad as a controllerSome positivesgraphically equal to X360 and PS3 gamescontrol options are manygameplay is superb!many options: My player, my team, quick game, online etc.a must buy if you want a great sports game on the Wii U, would have been 5 stars if they had fixed the glitches with frame rateat times.Best to play with a proper controllerWhat I hate about this game is the inconsistent frame rate therefore makes the gameplay very laggy, however it is fun.Not at all happy, only a 1 player game. Waste of money.As describe !! Thanks !!