Need for Speed: Most Wanted developer Criterion claims that the extra memory in the Wii U is allowing it to deliver PC-quality textures and assets that are “notably” better looking than on the 360/PS3. The developer claims that it is by far the best-looking version of the game because of the additional system memory.

The increased visual quality is apparent in the draw distance detail and lighting. The Wii U version using the PC assets is a big advantage. The Wii U version is far more than a vanilla port of the game; instead, it takes full advantage of the Wii U GamePad and hardware to deliver a better experience, with new things like the Co-Driver mode, for example, that allows the second player to turn traffic on or off and alter the time of day as well as the piloting routes for the driver.

The Wii U version of Need for Speed: Most Wanted arrives on dealer shelves in North America on March 19th and in Europe on March 22nd. Sources tell us that EA and Criterion are hoping to get the word out ahead of the game’s launch in an effort to gain some sales traction with the title, as whispers from third party publishers seem universal in their unhappiness over the initial sales numbers of the Wii U console and Wii U software titles not selling as well as expected.