I just got mine even though I pre-ordered it in Canada. They didn't have enough stock to fill all pre-orders at Gamestop, so mine came with a later shipment. It wasn't too bad because I plan to save it for Christmas vacation anyway.
I did open it up and do the update and fool around a bit with the interface. I have to say I'm blown away by the system. MiiVerse is an incredible step forward for online communities. You never feel like your gaming alone. If you're feeling down, just boot up the WiiU and your immediately hit by messages from fellow gamers having fun, posting sketches of games, asking questions...it's awesome! The Gamepad is the absolute best interface for navigating. It's image quality is also excellent...better than my high-end TV actually. The e-shop is excellent and easy to use. The YouTube app is awesome. Web Browser is extremely quick. I feel like I just bought an outstanding tablet mixed with a great new way to watch content on my TV. Also neat is how the sound is split between the TV(or sound system) and Gamepad. The sounds complement each other, making you feel totally emersed in the experience.
I have yet to play a game...gonna try to save it for Vacation as a reward for wrapping up work duties but I don't know if I can do it. I can say without even trying a game yet though that it will be my new platform of choice. MiiVerse takes the feeling of community offered by Live, Acheivements, etc to the next level and beyond. And I really like the feel of the GamePad as a new way to play games. Reminds me of switching from an NES 2-button pad to the 6 offered on SNES. So much more interaction!
