What the flip is a Wii U ?

[minceorotherwise]

And do you have to have it in addition to a wii or is it standalone ?
DS1 just asked for one for his birthday and I don't have a clue what it is, only that it's super expensive....
Help!

Wii u is the most recent console from Nintendo. You have a huge controller which is more like a mini handheld console, though you play the games through the tele as normal. Depending on your sons age I'd recommend Lego City Undercover or Zombie U (though that one is an 18+). There have been some price drops on the console recently so definitely shop around.