'ESPN Sports Connection,' rebranding of 'Sports Connection,' announced by Ubisoft for Wii U

ESPN Sports Connection, a casual Wii U title formerly known as the generic Sports Connection, was announced today by Ubisoft.

Ubisoft's existing Sports Connection game was originally announced at E3 2012 for release this holiday season.

ESPN Sports Connection marks the first collaboration between the sports giant and Ubisoft, and it's the first ESPN-branded console game for the casual market. The game features six playable sports: baseball, football, soccer, tennis, golf, and karting, with a variety of input options supported. Football lets you direct your blitz with GamePad touch controls, and karting controller choices include the GamePad, Wii Remote, and Wii Wheel. Golf players can hold up the GamePad and pan around the game world. ESPN Sports Connection supports up to five players, with four on Wii Remotes or Wii U Pro Controllers and a fifth on a GamePad.

ESPN's involvement consists of the network's distinctive broadcast graphical overlays, which have been stylized for the game, as well as the ability to outfit in-game avatars with ESPN-branded clothes and accessories. Available brands and logos include ESPN networks and properties such as ESPN, college-focused network ESPNU, ESPN Classic, TV show SportsNation, and soccer hub ESPNFC. ESPN Sports Connection also includes the company's trademark musical themes.

ESPN Sports Connection is in development at Ubisoft Barcelona, Ubisoft Bucharest, and Longtail Studios, and will be available exclusively on Wii U this holiday season. The console itself launches in North America on November 18th. Check out the game's full cover artwork and some screenshots below.

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