Nintendo is yet to reveal a launch date for its next-generation console, the Wii U, anticipated to release by the end of 2012. However, according to a press release, Sonic the Hedgehog creators Sega have announced a release date for Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on the Wii U. The game is expected to launch during November for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii U.

"Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will be available on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation Vita system, the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system, Nintendo's Wii U system and Windows PC Digital Download this November," the press release said.

Of course the date could be a mistake, but why did Sega date other systems? Previously, interviews with developers creating Wii U games - such as Tekken x Street Fighter - have revealed that the development is in tandem with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, but slightly behind.

The rumored holiday-season release would position Wii U in an enviable position as the console to buy. However, blockbuster releases such as Halo 4 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, also releasing in November( 6 and 13 respectively), may pose a threat. With Nintendo yet to confirm either the launch titles or the specifications of the console's hardware, several questions regarding the Wii U loom large.

Transformed is the follow-up to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, a kart racing game rivalling Mario Kart, to a warm reception. Transformed combines three modes of transport - driving, flight, and boating - across each track. Environments will be destroyed to change the course and each vehicle has a different set of physics (unlike going underwater in Mario Kart, or flying, where the vehicle remains the same). Vehicles transform into planes or boats and each track is themed around a Sega property. A demo at E3 2012 showed off Panzer Dragoon Orta, Super Monkey Ball and Golden Axe tracks.

While making headlines for the leaked date, the press release from Sega confirmed Wreck-it-Ralph - the character also starring in a Disney movie where he enters other video game worlds - is a playable character in Transformed. "Wreck-it-Ralph will make a great addition to our stellar cast in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed," chairman and chief content officer at Sega - Masanao Maeda - added.

If Nintendo does launch in November, it'll be interesting to see the company's marketing campaign and how it generates hype for the product. It needs to use the year-long advantage, before Microsoft and Sony unveil next-generation console, so that the consumers are keen and invested into the console.