Grab your favorite snack, gamers. Today we will be discussing the Nintendo Wii U. Yes, the Nintendo Switch was actually released before this console. The Wii U might not be what you think of when you hear the word “Nintendo,” yet it deserves to get its due.
The Wii U was Nintendo’s quirky, misunderstood, and lovable experiment before the Switch. It wasn’t ‘s superstar, but it was the one that walked to make the Switch run.
What was the Wii U?
Imagine that it is late 2012. Imagine it’s late 2012. Everyone still loves the Wii with its motion control. Nintendo then releases the Wii U. It looks like a Wii, but it’s so much more. GamePad was a controller that had a touchscreen attached to it. This gave the Wii U a new level of gaming. Others thought it was a bit ahead of its time, while others were left scratching their heads.
It was a very confusing console. Was it a brand new console? Was it an add-on to the Wii console? Spoiler alert: It was a brand new console. Here’s the thing, it was brilliantly strange with a lot of potential.
Why the Wii U was low-key cool
You might not have known how cool the Wii U was back then if you never had the chance to play it. Here are some reasons it was cooler than it was given credit for.
1. The GamePad DID A LOT
It was like holding the Future in your hands. The Wii U GamePad had a 6.2-inch touchscreen and real buttons. It had a 6.2-inch touchscreen, real buttons (bless! ), and movement controls. You can even play games directly on the GamePad while someone else wants to watch TV ( cough your roommates are hogging Netflix). You can play split-screen without splitting the screen. Genius.
2. Play Your Old Stuff
Have a collection of Wii accessories and games? The Wii U is compatible. It was possible to continue using your Wii Sports Bowling skills, as well as your Wiimotes. This was a nice gesture for Nintendo fans who did not want to give up their favorite games.
3. Miiverse Shenanigans
The Wii U has its own unique social media platform, Miiverse. You could share tips, draw, or post random doodles. It was a great way to make gaming feel more like a community. Miiverse is no more.
4. Games that Slap
The Wii U may not have had the largest games library, but there were some absolute gems. Super Mario 3D World? Mario Kart 8? Splatoon? Yes, yes and yes. Who could forget The Breath of the Wild? This masterpiece was originally developed for the Wii U before making its Switch debut.
5. HD graphics Finally Available
Remember when the Wii was more about fun than fancy graphics? Nintendo has finally jumped on the HD bandwagon with the Wii U. The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD was a stunning game that gave players an idea of what future consoles would look like.
The Wii U and the Switch
The Wii U may not have broken any sales records, but what do you know? The Wii U paved the road for one of most successful consoles ever. We might not have had the Nintendo Switch that we love today without the Wii U.
This is the thing:
- Portability Dream Version 1.0
The GamePad was limited (you couldn’t move it far away from the console), yet it hinted towards the dream of mobile gaming. The Switch perfected that idea, allowing us to play hybrid games that seamlessly transition from handhelds to TVs. Hello, genius. - Learn from the flaws
Nintendo listened to the feedback. Wii U was confusing and there weren’t enough games made for it. The Switch ditched all the complex stuff, and focused on making it as fun and accessible as possible. - Exclusive Goodies
The Wii U proved that exclusive titles can be a powerful selling point for a console. Nintendo has redoubled its efforts with the Switch. It released a series of hit titles like Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing.
Why you should give the Wii U some love
It was Nintendo’s middle child and it may have seemed awkward, but the Wii U had heart. The Wii U dared to be unique, and even though the game stumbled at times, there were moments of sheer brilliance. It is without doubt the reason why the Switch is so special.
It’s also like finding a hidden treasure. It’s worth revisiting because of its exclusives, compatibility with older games, and quirky features.
Final Thoughts
The gaming system that preceded Switch (aka Wii U) is the unsung hero that everyone has forgotten about, but shouldn’t. It was bold and unique. It deserves more love than what it receives. It wasn’t perfect but it did bring us some amazing games and it pushed Nintendo into exciting new directions.
Here’s to the Wii U. It’s important to remember how this unique console has contributed to gaming, whether you are a fanatic or a newbie.
What about you, then? Did you own a Wii U? Share your best memories or dust off that Wii U for a new round of Super Mario 3D World. Sometimes, we cherish the consoles that aren’t the biggest sellers.
