Rumor: Wii U release date leaked

A news site claims to have obtained an e-mail that reveals Nintendo's Wii U will be released in North America on November 18th, 2012, with the Japanese release a week later.

This is consistent with the November 19th 2006 launch of the Wii, which also hit shelves on a Sunday in America, a week ahead of Japan.

Wii U Daily says the e-mail was circulated among staff at the Japanese retailer Media Land.

Nintendo have already confirmed the Wii U will launch this year, but if true, this is the first we have heard of an official date.