For Nintendo enthusiasts everywhere, it has been a difficult several years, a sentiment mirrored by the company’s own dismal economic performance last year. For the first time in its history, Nintendo posted an annual loss. Consoles plagued with communication problems and a wide variety of high-tech competitors left the company looking a little like Nokia. Enter the Wii U.
With a stunning new control system that is set to revolutionize the gaming world once again, the Wii U is a headliner that is going to remake Nintendo. Going back to the drawing board, the company has created a game console that operates in high definition, with the amazing Gamepad as a controller. The Gamepad is what makes the Wii U absolutely fantastic. It is a sleek refinement of the Wii’s compact form, is lighter than the iPad, and gives the user complete control over a game in a uniquely Nintendo way.
The controller has a cool 6.2, 16:9 LCD touch screen along with the traditional buttons, motion controls, and two analogue sticks. If that wasn’t enough, the controller also has a stereo speaker, a front-facing camera, an NFC scanner, and a microphone. These let you interact with your television and provide a second screen along with the traditional controls made so popular by the Wii. Imagine a system where you can view maps, inventory, and adventures on one screen while the game itself continues uncluttered and unfettered on the television. That, in a nutshell, is what the Wii U’s new gamepad remote does for the avid gamer.
| Feature | Wii U | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2012 | 2017 |
| Main Controller | GamePad with built-in touchscreen | Joy-Con controllers, detachable handheld |
| Portability | Home console only | Hybrid (TV and handheld) |
| Exclusive Games | Mario Kart 8, Splatoon, Super Mario 3D World | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Zelda: BOTW, Animal Crossing |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes (Wii games + accessories) | Limited (select digital titles only) |
| Current Support | Discontinued | Actively supported with new releases |
| Typical Price (Used) | Affordable / Lower cost | Higher, but still widely available |
There is little doubt, even with the Wii, that Nintendo is struggling to catch up with technology, and the device is about the same as the current Microsoft and Sony consoles out there, with a markedly slower processor. Once Microsoft and Sony release their new consoles next year, Nintendo will likely be behind the curve again.
However, with the vivid high definition and amazing backwards compatibility that the Wii U offers gamers who are in love with Nintendo, it is a must-have console. The splendid graphics, the ability to flick from one screen to the other seamlessly, and the birth of the next revolution in gaming assure the Wii U a place in history at the very least.
Who the Wii U Is Best For
- Families and casual gamers: Thanks to its fun, interactive multiplayer titles.
- Nintendo fans: Collectors or those who want to experience Nintendo’s gaming history.
- Budget-conscious gamers: If you can’t justify the price of newer consoles, the Wii U still delivers quality entertainment at a lower cost.
If you’re a hardcore gamer who wants cutting-edge graphics, constant updates, and a wide third-party library, the Wii U may not be your best choice.
