View source for Engineering:Wii U

{{Short description|Home video game console by Nintendo}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| name = Wii U
| logo = WiiU.svg
| logo_upright = 0.6
| image = Wii U Console and Gamepad.png
| caption = A Wii U (right) and Wii U GamePad
| aka = Project Café (codename)<ref>{{cite web|last=Purchese|first=Robert|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-07-nintendo-unveils-project-cafe-at-e3|title=Project Cafe becomes Wii U|publisher=Eurogamer|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=January 31, 2015|archive-date=June 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610123827/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-07-nintendo-unveils-project-cafe-at-e3|url-status=live}}</ref>
| developer = Nintendo IRD, NTD
| manufacturer = [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]], [[Company:Foxconn|Foxconn]], Mitsumi<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/17/iphone-wii-u-manufacturer-admits-to-employing-children|title=iPhone, Wii U Manufacturer Admits to Employing Children|publisher=IGN|date=October 17, 2012|access-date=October 17, 2012|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212030628/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/18/iphone-wii-u-manufacturer-admits-to-employing-children|url-status=live}}</ref>
| family = 
| type = [[Engineering:Home video game console|Home video game console]]
| generation = Eighth
| releasedate = {{Video game release|NA|November 18, 2012|PAL|November 30, 2012|JP|December 8, 2012}}
| lifespan = 2012–2017
| price = {{wipe|United States dollar}}299/[[Finance:Japanese yen|¥]]26,250 (Basic Set) (Deluxe/Premium Set (later bundles))<br />US$349/¥31,500 (Deluxe/Premium Set)
| discontinued = {{Video game release|WW|January 31, 2017}}
| unitssold = '''Worldwide:''' 13.56&nbsp;million<br />({{as of|2019|12|31|lc=y|df=US}})<ref name="Hardware Software Sales">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/hard_soft/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data – Hardware and Software Sales Units|publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-date=March 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326234159/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/hard_soft/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>(details)
| unitsshipped = 
| media = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=Physical and digital|
*Wii U Optical Disc (25&nbsp;GB)
*Wii Optical Disc (4.7&nbsp;GB/8.54&nbsp;GB)
*[[Finance:Digital distribution in video games|Digital distribution]] (Nintendo eShop)}}
| os = [[Software:Wii U system software|Wii U system software]]
| power = 75&nbsp;[[Watt|W]]
| soc = 
| cpu = 1.24&nbsp;GHz Tri-Core [[Company:IBM|IBM]] [[PowerPC]] "[[Engineering:Espresso (microprocessor)|Espresso]]"
| memory = 2&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] DDR3
| storage = Internal [[Flash memory|flash memory]]:<br />8&nbsp;GB (Basic Set) / 32&nbsp;GB (Deluxe Set)<br />
| memory card = [[Secure Digital|SD]]/SDHC card (up to 32 GB)<br />[[Engineering:USB|USB]] storage device (up to 2 [[Terabyte|TB]])
| display = {{Collapsible list|title= Video output formats
| [[Composite video]]
*[[S-Video]] (480i)
*RGB [[Engineering:SCART|SCART]] (480i, [[576i|576i]])
 [[Engineering:Component video|Component video]]
*[[YPbPr|{{YPbPr}}]]
*[[Engineering:D-Terminal|D-Terminal]]
:(480i, [[Engineering:480p|480p]], [[Engineering:720p|720p]], [[Engineering:1080i|1080i]], [[Engineering:1080p|1080p]])
[[Engineering:HDMI|HDMI]] (480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)
}}
 Wii U GamePad (FWVGA)
| graphics = 550&nbsp;MHz [[Company:Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] [[Engineering:Radeon|Radeon]]-based "[[Engineering:Latte (graphics chip)|Latte]]"
| sound = [[Engineering:5.1 surround sound|5.1]] linear PCM, analog stereo
| input = 
| controllers = Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, {{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}} (select games and applications only){{collapsible list|title=[[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]] (Plus)|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left|
|
*Nunchuk attachment
*Classic Controller attachment
 Wii Balance Board}}
| camera = 1.3 megapixels (Wii U GamePad)
| touchpad = [[Engineering:Resistive touchscreen|Resistive touchscreen]] (Wii U GamePad)
| connectivity = [[Wi-Fi]] [[IEEE 802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]]/[[IEEE 802.11n-2009|n]]<br />Bluetooth 4.0<ref name=bluetooth/><br />4 × USB 2.0
| platform = 
| currentfw = 5.5.6, as of {{Start date and age|df=yes|2022|8|29}}
| service = {{collapsible list|title=Nintendo Network|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left|
*Nintendo eShop (discontinued)
*Miiverse (discontinued)
*Nintendo TVii (discontinued)
*Wii U Chat (discontinued)
}}
| dimensions = '''Width:''' {{convert|17.2|cm|in|abbr=on}}<br />'''Height:''' {{convert|4.6|cm|in|abbr=on}}<br />'''Length:''' {{convert|26.9|cm|in|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1.5|kg}}
| topgame = ''[[Software:Mario Kart 8|Mario Kart 8]]'', 8.46 million<br />({{as of|2021|09|30|lc=y|df=US}})<ref name="Wii U best-selling games"/>
| compatibility = [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]]<!-- Do not list Virtual Console service here, as it is software emulation -->
| predecessor = Wii<!-- Stop linking this. It is already linked above. See WP:MOS for more info. -->
| successor = [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]]
| title = Nintendo Wii U
}}

The '''Wii U''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|w|iː|_|ˈ|j|uː}}; {{respell|WEE|_|YOO}}) is<!--Do NOT change to "was". This violates MOS:TENSE, which specifies that all articles on video game consoles are written in present tense, even if discontinued.--> a [[Engineering:Home video game console|home video game console]] developed by [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] as the successor to the [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]].<ref name="codename">{{cite web |date=April 15, 2011 |title='Wii 2' Codenamed 'Project Café' |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1162045p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520064012/http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1162045p1.html |archive-date=May 20, 2012 |access-date=April 16, 2011 |website=IGN}}</ref> Released in late 2012,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Wii U confirmed for Europe this year |newspaper=Metro |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/888470-wii-u-confirmed-for-europe-this-year |url-status=live |access-date=January 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128215530/http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/888470-wii-u-confirmed-for-europe-this-year |archive-date=January 28, 2012}}</ref> it is the first eighth-generation video game console<ref>{{cite news |title=Nintendo's Project Cafe: Will Gamers Feel The Buzz? |newspaper=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendos-project-cafe-will-gamers-feel-the-buzz-2011-5 |url-status=live |access-date=June 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530012636/http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendos-project-cafe-will-gamers-feel-the-buzz-2011-5 |archive-date=May 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 27, 2011 |title=Weekend Hot Topic, Part 2: Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4 |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/864607-weekend-hot-topic-part-2-xbox-720-and-playstation-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008112831/http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/864607-weekend-hot-topic-part-2-xbox-720-and-playstation-4 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2011 |publisher=Metro.co.uk}}</ref> and competed with [[Company:Microsoft|Microsoft]]'s [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]] and [[Company:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]].

The Wii U is the first Nintendo console to support [[Engineering:High-definition video|HD]] graphics. The system's primary [[Engineering:Gamepad|controller]] is the Wii U GamePad, which features an embedded [[Engineering:Touchscreen|touchscreen]], a [[Engineering:D-pad|D-pad]], analog sticks, and action buttons. The screen can be used either as a supplement to the main display or in supported games to play the game directly on the GamePad. The Wii U Pro Controller can be used in its place as a more traditional alternative. The Wii U is backward compatible with Wii software and accessories. Games can support any combination of the GamePad, [[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]], Nunchuk, Balance Board, or Nintendo's Classic Controller or Wii U Pro Controller. Online functionality centers around the Nintendo Network platform and Miiverse, an integrated [[Social:Social networking service|social networking service]] which allowed users to share content in game-specific communities.

Response to the Wii U was mixed. It was praised for its innovative GamePad controller, improvements to online functionality over the Wii, backward compatibility with Wii software and peripherals, and price. However, it was criticized for its user interface and functionality, and the GamePad's short battery life.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |date=October 9, 2017 |title=Nintendo learned from 2 huge mistakes with the Wii U to make the Switch a runaway success |newspaper=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-wii-u-failure-success-2017-10 |url-status=live |access-date=January 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825071556/https://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-wii-u-failure-success-2017-10 |archive-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weinberger |first=Matt |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Nintendo started 2017 as a punching bag — and ended up with the hottest gadget of the year |newspaper=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-saved-nintendo-from-irrelevancy-2017-12 |url-status=live |access-date=January 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314120255/https://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-saved-nintendo-from-irrelevancy-2017-12 |archive-date=March 14, 2021}}</ref> It had low sales, primarily credited to a weak lineup of launch games, limited third-party support,<ref>{{cite web |last=Gittins |first=Liam |date=July 3, 2015 |title=Why the Wii U Really Failed |url=https://videogamesuncovered.com/features/why-the-wii-u-really-failed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706033239/https://videogamesuncovered.com/features/why-the-wii-u-really-failed/ |archive-date=July 6, 2015 |access-date=November 2, 2016 |publisher=VGU}}</ref> and poor marketing including the lack of distinguishing the unique functionality of the GamePad from just being a [[Engineering:Tablet computer|tablet device]] for the Wii.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=August 5, 2014 |title=The Wii U name is still hurting Nintendo |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/5/5970787/wii-u-nintendo-bad-name |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806135904/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/5/5970787/wii-u-nintendo-bad-name |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref> Production of the Wii U ended on January 31, 2017.<ref name="kotaku eol">{{Cite news |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=January 31, 2017 |title=Wii U Production Has Officially Ended For Japan [Update] |publisher=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/wii-u-production-has-officially-ended-for-japan-1791813878 |url-status=live |access-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131102343/http://kotaku.com/wii-u-production-has-officially-ended-for-japan-1791813878 |archive-date=January 31, 2017}}</ref> On March 3, 2017, Nintendo released its successor, the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]], which retained and refined concepts introduced with the Wii U.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Peter Allen |date=January 31, 2018 |title=Thank Nintendo's failed Wii U for the Switch's wild success |url=https://mashable.com/2018/01/31/nintendo-switch-wii-u-failure-success/#KvMr7kP1Ziq3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131215207/https://mashable.com/2018/01/31/nintendo-switch-wii-u-failure-success/#KvMr7kP1Ziq3 |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |publisher=Mashable}}</ref>

{{TOC level|3}}

==History==
===Development===
The system was first conceived in 2008<ref name="IwataAsksWiiU1">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929205152/http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |page=1 |quote='''Iwata''': I've been looking back at my calendar right before this interview, and I noticed that it's been just about three years since we started having meetings about this.}}</ref> after Nintendo recognized several limitations and challenges with the [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]], such as the general public's perception that the system catered primarily to a [[Software:Casual game|casual]] audience.<ref name="IwataAsksWiiU2">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929205152/http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |page=7 |quote='''Iwata''': The other things is, shortly after the Wii console was released, people in the gaming media and game enthusiasts started recognizing the Wii as a casual machine aimed toward families, and placed game consoles by Microsoft and Sony in a very similar light with each other, saying these are machines aimed towards those who passionately play games. [...] It was a categorization between games that were aimed towards core, and casual.}}</ref> With the Wii U, Nintendo wished to bring back core gamers.<ref name="IwataAsksWiiU3">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929205152/http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |page=7 |quote='''Iwata''': On the other hand, I certainly do not think that Wii was able to cater to every gamer's needs, so that's also something I wanted to resolve. [...] The keyword for our presentation at this year's E3 is "Deeper and Wider". With Wii U, I would like to offer this proposal with that idea}}</ref> Game designer Shigeru Miyamoto admitted that the lack of HD and limited network infrastructure for Wii also contributed to the system being regarded in a separate class to the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] and [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]], the Wii's competitors.<ref name="IwataAsksWiiU4">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929205152/http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |page=7 |quote='''Miyamoto''': But one of the key reasons that such things as the core and the casuals exist today is that we decided not to adopt HD on the Wii console. Of course, besides that, there are things like issues with the controller and the challenges that it brings, network functionalities, and many other things, but I think HD was the biggest factor that everyone was able to clearly understand the difference.}}</ref> It was clear that a new console would have to be developed to accommodate significant structural changes, but ideas on which direction to take for the new console led to a lot of debate within the company, and the project started over from scratch on several occasions.<ref name="IwataAsksWiiU5">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421032134/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2013 |page=1 |quote='''Iwata''': We actually debated quite a bit until we settled on the way it is now. There was a lot of back and forth before reaching where we are now. '''Miyamoto''': Right, we did. We started from scratch many times.}}</ref> The concept of a touchscreen embedded within the controller was originally inspired by the blue light on the Wii disc slot that illuminates to indicate new messages.<ref name="IwataAsksWiiU6">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/2-The-Other-Screen/2-The-Other-Screen-205212.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131211215314/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/2-The-Other-Screen/2-The-Other-Screen-205212.html |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2013 |page=2 |quote='''Miyamoto''': The Wii console did have the blue illumination lamp to notify new messages, but the amount of information a lamp could get across was limited... '''Iwata''': It was only able to say whether there was new information or not, so it had limits on what it could do. '''Miyamoto''': Yeah, so we started from the notion of "It would be nice if there was a small monitor of sorts other than the TV, where we could always see the status of the Wii console."}}</ref> Miyamoto and his team wanted to include a small screen to provide game feedback and status messages to players (similar to the VMU for [[Company:Sega|Sega]]'s [[Engineering:Dreamcast|Dreamcast]]). Much later in development, this was expanded to a full screen that could display the game being played in its entirety, a concept that was suggested but not financially viable earlier in the project.<ref name="IwataAsksWiiU6" />

Public rumors surrounding the console began to appear in 2008, with speculation of an upcoming revision of the Wii scheduled for 2011 known as the "Wii HD", that would support high definition video and have a [[Engineering:Blu-ray|Blu-ray]] drive.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii HD in 2011? |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915106p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002195639/http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915106p1.html |archive-date=October 2, 2008 |access-date=April 25, 2011 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=John |date=September 30, 2008 |title=New Wii due by 2011 |url=http://www.whattheyplay.com/blog/2008/09/30/new-wii-due-by-2011/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412075212/http://www.whattheyplay.com/blog/2008/09/30/new-wii-due-by-2011/ |archive-date=April 12, 2010 |access-date=August 7, 2010 |publisher=What They Play}}</ref> However, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata later stated that he saw "no significant reason" to include HD into the Wii and that such an addition would be better suited for a successor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ivan |first=Tom |date=June 5, 2009 |title=Nintendo: No "Significant Reason" To Make Wii HD |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/nintendo-no-%C3%ACsignificant-reason%C3%AE-make-wii-hd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125112416/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/nintendo-no-%C3%ACsignificant-reason%C3%AE-make-wii-hd |archive-date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |publisher=Edge}}</ref> Miyamoto also expressed Nintendo's interest in working with HD graphics, but clarified that the company is primarily focused on gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brightman |first=James |date=October 15, 2009 |title=Nintendo:Miyamoto on HD Graphics: Nintendo Games Will Move Along with Progression of Technology |url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/miyamoto-on-hd-graphics-nintendos-games-will-move-along-with-progression-of-technology |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713030027/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/miyamoto-on-hd-graphics-nintendos-games-will-move-along-with-progression-of-technology/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |publisher=IndustryGamers}}</ref> In October 2009, Miyamoto said that Nintendo had no concrete plans about its next console, but thought that the new system would continue to feature motion controls and also expected its interface to be "more compact" and cheaper.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 18, 2009 |title=Exclusive Interview With Nintendo Gaming Mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/video-games/4334387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413084805/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/video-games/4334387 |archive-date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=April 15, 2011 |publisher=Popular Mechanics}}</ref> Iwata also mentioned that the Wii's successor might be 3D-compatible but concluded that the adoption rates of [[Engineering:3D television|3D televisions]] should increase to at least 30% first.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 17, 2010 |title=E32010: Wii Successor "Probably" 3D – Iwata |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/e32010-wii-successor-%C3%ACprobably%C3%AE-3d-iwata |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125112930/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/e32010-wii-successor-%C3%ACprobably%C3%AE-3d-iwata |archive-date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=April 15, 2011 |publisher=EDGE}}</ref> In 2010, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé commented that he felt "confident the Wii home entertainment console has a very long life in front of it" and declared that a successor would not be launched in the near future.<ref>{{cite web |last=Edwards |first=Cliff |date=January 13, 2010 |title=Nintendo: No Wii Successor Anytime Soon |url=http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2010/01/nintendo_no_wii_successor_anytime_soon.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608195508/http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2010/01/nintendo_no_wii_successor_anytime_soon.html |archive-date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=August 7, 2010 |publisher=BusinessWeek}}</ref>

After its E3 2010 presentation, Iwata revealed to the BBC that Nintendo would begin announcing a new console once it ran "out of ideas with the current hardware and cannot give users any more meaningful surprises with the technology".<ref>{{cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=June 23, 2010 |title=Wii successor "when we run out of ideas" Wii News – Page 1 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/wii-successor-when-we-run-out-of-ideas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727140324/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/wii-successor-when-we-run-out-of-ideas |archive-date=July 27, 2010 |access-date=August 7, 2010 |publisher=Eurogamer}}</ref> Later, at an investor's meeting, he disclosed that Nintendo was "of course studying and developing the next console to Wii", but it was simultaneously keeping its concepts secret because it was "really important for [Nintendo's] business to positively surprise people."<ref>{{cite web |date=August 4, 2010 |title=Iwata: Wii successor will surprise people |url=http://www.qj.net/qjnet/wii/iwata-wii-successor-will-surprise-people.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821090708/http://www.qj.net/qjnet/wii/iwata-wii-successor-will-surprise-people.html |archive-date=August 21, 2010 |access-date=August 7, 2010 |publisher=QuickJump |quote=We are of course studying and developing the next console to Wii. However, there is a big difference between studying a product and announcing what it is and when we will release it. I am afraid to say that the history of entertainment is also the history of imitation. A great idea will promptly be copied unless protected through patents. At the same time, it is '''''really important for our business to positively surprise people.''''' Will you be surprised by our completed product if we told you how it is surprising three years in advance? Therefore, we basically disclose information on our products as late as possible. We believe this is the best approach for the entertainment products we are developing. Again, we are planning the next products for Nintendo's continuous growth, but we cannot tell you what, when and how we will release it here. Thank you for your understanding.}}</ref> Fils-Aimé also stated that Nintendo's next home console would likely not feature [[Stereoscopy|stereoscopic 3D]], based on the 3D technology Nintendo had experimented with.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 25, 2011 |title=After false starts, Nintendo sees a world ready for 3-D |publisher=CNN Tech |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/03/25/nintendo.3ds/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110151156/http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/03/25/nintendo.3ds/index.html |archive-date=November 10, 2012}}</ref>

In April 2011, an uncredited source indicated that Nintendo was planning to unveil a successor to the Wii known as "Project Café" at its E3 2011 presentation.<ref name="codename" /> Café was claimed to be a high definition console, and to also have backward compatibility with Wii software.<ref name="Nintendo comment">{{cite web |date=April 14, 2011 |title=Multiple Sources Confirm New Nintendo HD Console |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/14/new-nintendo-console-at-e3.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417065023/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/14/new-nintendo-console-at-e3.aspx |archive-date=April 17, 2011 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |publisher=Game Informer}}</ref><ref name="High-resolution">{{cite web |date=April 15, 2011 |title=Wii 2 is 'Project Café', says report – tech specs, controller details claimed |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/298348/news/wii-2-is-project-caf-says-report-tech-specs-controller-details-claimed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418183623/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/298348/news/wii-2-is-project-caf-says-report-tech-specs-controller-details-claimed/ |archive-date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |publisher=CVG}}</ref><ref name="Reveal">{{cite web |date=April 14, 2011 |title=Nintendo Set to Reveal New Console |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1161875p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416065942/http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1161875p1.html |archive-date=April 16, 2011 |access-date=April 16, 2011 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web |date=April 14, 2011 |title=New Nintendo Console Debuting At E3 This June, Launching In 2012, More Powerful Than Xbox 360 and PS3 |url=http://kotaku.com/#!5792165/new-nintendo-console-debuting-at-e3-launching-in-2012-more-powerful-than-xbox-360-and-ps3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106085901/http://kotaku.com/#!5792165/new-nintendo-console-debuting-at-e3-launching-in-2012-more-powerful-than-xbox-360-and-ps3 |archive-date=November 6, 2010 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> Conflicting reports also surrounded the console's new controller, with reports suggesting a [[Engineering:Tablet computer|tablet]]-like device with an embedded touchscreen and the ability to stream games from the console directly to the screen, while others reported that the controller would be similar to the [[Engineering:GameCube controller|GameCube controller]] and feature dual analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mike |title=Wii 2 controller details: 8 buttons, twin analogues |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/299070/news/wii-2-controller-details-8-buttons-twin-analogues |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426025042/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/299070/news/wii-2-controller-details-8-buttons-twin-analogues/ |archive-date=April 26, 2011 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames}}</ref><ref name="EDGE">{{cite web |date=April 15, 2011 |title=Sources Confirm More Details On Wii Successor |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sources-confirm-more-details-wii-successor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115033453/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sources-confirm-more-details-wii-successor |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |publisher=EDGE}}</ref><ref name="01net Translated">{{cite web |date=April 15, 2011 |title=Wii 2: Fresh rumours emerge on 'Project Café' |url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/37510/Wii-2-Fresh-rumours-emerge-on-Project-Cafe |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102033533/http://www.develop-online.net/news/37510/Wii-2-Fresh-rumours-emerge-on-Project-Cafe |archive-date=January 2, 2012 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |publisher=Develop}}</ref><ref name="IGN">{{cite web |date=April 21, 2011 |title=Project Cafe: The Tech Behind Nintendo's Next Console |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1163362p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429214727/http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1163362p1.html |archive-date=April 29, 2011 |access-date=April 29, 2011 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

===Announcement===
[[File:E3_2011_-_Nintendo_girl_holding_the_Wii_U_controller_(5831893934).jpg|thumb|The Wii U GamePad prototype originally shown at E3 2011, referred to as the "New Controller" at the time]]
On April 25, 2011, Nintendo released an official statement announcing a system to succeed the Wii to be released during 2012, and that playable console units would be present at E3 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=April 24, 2011 |title=Nintendo Confirms Wii Successor |work=Kotaku.com |url=http://kotaku.com/5795241/nintendo-confirms-wii-successor |url-status=live |access-date=April 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630231553/http://kotaku.com/5795241/nintendo-confirms-wii-successor |archive-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref> Speaking at an investor's conference, Iwata stated the Wii successor would "offer something new for home game systems."<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mike |title=Wii 2 promises 'something new for home consoles' |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/299234/news/wii-2-promises-something-new-for-home-consoles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502065054/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/299234/news/wii-2-promises-something-new-for-home-consoles/ |archive-date=May 2, 2011 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames}}</ref> He also confirmed that the device would not launch in fiscal year 2012, meaning that it would release after April 2012.<ref>{{cite web |author=Mike Jackson |title=Iwata: No Wii successor until after FY2012 |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/299079/news/wii-2-350-400-ships-in-october-possibly-called-stream |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523045302/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/299079/news/wii-2-350-400-ships-in-october-possibly-called-stream/ |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |publisher=Computer and Video Games}}</ref> In early June, Nikkei issued a report confirming earlier rumors that the new console would feature a controller with a 6-inch touchscreen that would give tablet-like controls to games, as well as a rechargeable battery and camera.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 3, 2011 |title=Nikkei Confirms Wii 2 Controller Details |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/04/nikkei_wii_controller_details/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606122726/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/04/nikkei_wii_controller_details/ |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |publisher=Andriasang.com}}</ref><!-- E3 2011 --> Project Café was officially unveiled as the Wii U during Nintendo's press conference at E3 2011 by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé; he explained that the Wii U would be "a system we will all enjoy together, but also one that's tailor-made for you".<ref name="polygon-stillhurting">{{cite web |date=August 5, 2014 |title=The Wii U name is still hurting Nintendo |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/5/5970787/wii-u-nintendo-bad-name |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806135904/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/5/5970787/wii-u-nintendo-bad-name |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |website=Polygon}}</ref> The rumored tablet controller was also shown at this time. No first-party games for the Wii U were announced during the presentation, but several major third-party studios announced games for Wii U in a pre-recorded video, the possibility of a new ''[[Software:Super Smash Bros.|Super Smash Bros.]]'' game was teased, and [[Company:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]]' then-CEO John Riccitiello appeared on-stage to discuss the company's prospective plans for products on the Wii U. Prototype hardware and a series of tech demos were available to attendees, showcasing gameplay concepts and the technological capabilities of the console—including a ''[[Software:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]''-themed graphics demo, and ''[[Software:New Super Mario Bros. U|New Super Mario Bros. Mii]]''.<ref name="gamespot-wiiuunveile3">{{cite web |title=E3 2011: Wii U unveiled at Nintendo press conference, Skyward Sword due in Q4 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2011-wii-u-unveiled-at-nintendo-press-conference-skyward-sword-due-in-q4/1100-6317471/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908053350/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2011-wii-u-unveiled-at-nintendo-press-conference-skyward-sword-due-in-q4/1100-6317471/ |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Keza Macdonald |date=June 7, 2011 |title=WiiU – Hands-on impressions and hardware photos |url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/06/07/wiiu-first-ever-close-up-hardware-images-and-impressions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930235236/http://www.vg247.com/2011/06/07/wiiu-first-ever-close-up-hardware-images-and-impressions/ |archive-date=September 30, 2012 |access-date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=VG247}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 8, 2011 |title=E3 2011: The Miis Meet Classic Nintendo Franchises on Wii U |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/06/09/e3-2011-the-miis-meet-classic-nintendo-franchises-on-wii-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207170628/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/06/09/e3-2011-the-miis-meet-classic-nintendo-franchises-on-wii-u |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2015 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><!-- Post-E3 2011 -->

In the two days following the unveiling of the Wii U, Nintendo's stock fell nearly 10% to levels not seen since 2006. Some analysts expressed skepticism in regards to the addition of a touch-screen, expressing concern that the controller would be less affordable and less innovative than the original Wii Remote.<ref name="gibiz-5yearlow">{{cite news |date=June 8, 2011 |title=Nintendo shares fall to 5 year low after Wii U reveal |work=GamesIndustry.biz |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-06-08-nintendo-shares-fall-after-wii-u-revealfall |url-status=live |access-date=October 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031212649/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-06-08-nintendo-shares-fall-after-wii-u-revealfall |archive-date=October 31, 2015}}</ref> When asked about whether or not the Wii U was going to support stereographic 3D via [[Engineering:3D television|3D televisions]], Iwata stated that it was "not the area we are focusing on."<ref name="WiiU3D">{{cite web |last=Wolverton |first=Troy |date=July 5, 2011 |title=Mercury News interview: Satoru Iwata, Nintendo president |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_18393379 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118224333/http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_18393379 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |access-date=July 26, 2011 |publisher=Mercury News}}</ref><!-- Investors meeting --> On January 26, 2012, Iwata announced that the Wii U would be launched by the end of the 2012 shopping season in all major regions and that its final specifications would be revealed at E3 2012.<ref name="nintendo.co.jp">{{cite web |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing/Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2012 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/04.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217213152/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/04.html |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo.co.jp}}</ref> He also stated that the console would feature a unified online system known as Nintendo Network, which would feature user account support as opposed to the use of friend codes. Nintendo Network would also provide the framework for online multiplayer interactions, add-on content, as well as online distribution of applications and video games.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing/Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2012 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/05.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626205534/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/05.html |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo.co.jp}}</ref> Iwata mentioned that the Wii U GamePad would support NFC, which would allow the system to wirelessly interact with figurines and cards. It would also allow for [[Finance:Virtual goods|microtransactions]] to take place wirelessly using credit cards with NFC support.<ref name="nintendo.co.jp" /><!-- E3 2012 --> <!-- Launch details -->

On September 13, 2012, Nintendo announced that the Wii U would launch in Japan on December 8, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Wii U Goes On Sale In Japan On December 8 |url=http://kotaku.com/5942871/wii-u-goes-on-sale-in-japan-on-december-8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916085429/http://kotaku.com/5942871/wii-u-goes-on-sale-in-japan-on-december-8 |archive-date=September 16, 2012 |access-date=September 15, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> Later that day, Nintendo announced that the North American launch date would be November 18, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pham |first=Alex |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Nintendo's Wii U to go on sale Nov. 18 for $299.99 and $349.99 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nintendo-announces-wii-u-pricing-and-release-date-20120913,0,6891969.story |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915032513/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nintendo-announces-wii-u-pricing-and-release-date-20120913,0,6891969.story |archive-date=September 15, 2012}}</ref> Nintendo of Europe and Nintendo Australia also announced that the Wii U would be released in both regions on November 30, 2012. In an interview with ''GameSpot'' the next day, Nintendo of America's Senior Product Marketing Manager Bill Trinen admitted that Nintendo's pre-launch marketing and presentations of the Wii U had focused too much on the GamePad, to the extent that some consumers mistook the device as an accessory for the existing Wii rather than a component of an entirely new platform. Trinen ensured that future promotional material for the console, including its packaging, would emphasize both the Wii U console and GamePad.<ref name="gamespot-messaging">{{cite web |title=Nintendo believes Wii U messaging issues corrected |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-believes-wii-u-messaging-issues-corrected/1100-6396523/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519104652/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-believes-wii-u-messaging-issues-corrected/1100-6396523/ |archive-date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=December 23, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref>

===Release===
The Wii U was originally released in two bundles: the Basic bundle and the Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> bundle. The Basic bundle contains a white Wii U with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, a white Wii U GamePad, stylus and an HDMI cable, while the Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> contains a black Wii U with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black GamePad and stylus, an HDMI cable, and adds a Nintendo Network Premium subscription, the ''[[Software:Nintendo Land|Nintendo Land]]'' game (except Japan), as well as stands for the console and controller and the Sensor Bar (except Japan).<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Mike |date=September 12, 2012 |title=Wii U Price And Release Date Just Announced |url=http://nintendowiiu.com/wii-u-price-and-release-date-just-announced/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926032226/http://nintendowiiu.com/wii-u-price-and-release-date-just-announced/ |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 15, 2012 |publisher=NintendoWiiU.com}}</ref><ref name="wired">{{cite news |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Wii U Will Ship in North America Nov. 18 In $300, $350 Bundles |publisher=Wired.com |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/09/wii-u-liveblog-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915045638/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/09/wii-u-liveblog-us/ |archive-date=September 15, 2012}}</ref> The Wii U launched in North America priced at US$299.99 for the Basic Set and US$349.99 for the Deluxe Set. The system launched in Europe, Australia and South Africa, with European pricing set by retailers.<ref name="south africa launch">{{cite web |title=Wii U to launch in South Africa with 17 games available on launch day |url=http://www.nintendo.co.za/News/2012/Wii-U-to-launch-in-South-Africa-with-17-games-available-on-launch-day-675154.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204022948/http://www.nintendo.co.za/News/2012/Wii-U-to-launch-in-South-Africa-with-17-games-available-on-launch-day-675154.html |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=November 30, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo of Europe}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Wii U out in Australia on November 30th, $349 and $429 |url=http://www.vooks.net/wii-u-out-in-australia-on-november-30th-349-and-429/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915094317/http://www.vooks.net/wii-u-out-in-australia-on-november-30th-349-and-429/ |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |access-date=September 15, 2012 |publisher=Vooks}}</ref> The system launched in Japan priced at ¥26,250 for the Basic Set and ¥31,500 for the Premium Set.

===Post-release===
<!-- White 32 GB model -->
On July 13, 2013, Nintendo released a white version of the Premium Pack in Japan, as well as an official battery pack and charger dock for the Wii Remote. The battery pack is capable of about 3 hours of gameplay before needing to be recharged. On July 25, the company released an improved battery pack for the Wii U GamePad. In contrast to the standard 1500mAh battery bundled with the console, the new 2550mAh battery pack increases longevity to between five and eight hours before needing to be recharged.<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/05/30/improved-wii-u-gamepad-battery-and-more-headed-to-japan Improved Wii U GamePad Battery and More Headed to Japan – IGN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413023700/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/05/30/improved-wii-u-gamepad-battery-and-more-headed-to-japan|date=April 13, 2016}}. Uk.ign.com. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref><!-- Price drop and bundles--> On August 28, 2013, Nintendo announced that the Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> 32 GB model would drop in price from US$349.99 to US$299.99 in North America. The price drop took effect on September 20, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Wii U getting price cut September 20 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/wii-u-getting-price-cut-september-20-6413745 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921062019/http://www.gamespot.com/news/wii-u-getting-price-cut-september-20-6413745 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=September 21, 2013 |publisher=GameSpot.com}}</ref> In Europe, Nintendo did not confirm a formal price cut since individual retailers set their own prices. However, starting October 4, 2013, the company reduced the wholesale price of the system to retailers.<ref name="EU price cut">{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Thomas |date=August 29, 2013 |title=Nintendo Confirms Wii U "Price Reduction Initiative" in Europe from 4th October |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/nintendo_confirms_wii_u_price_reduction_initiative_in_europe_from_4th_october |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726150357/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/nintendo_confirms_wii_u_price_reduction_initiative_in_europe_from_4th_october |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=Nintendo Life }}</ref> Coinciding with the system's price cut, Nintendo released a limited edition ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD'' Wii U Deluxe Set bundle. The bundle included a black Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black Wii U GamePad decorated with a golden Triforce and other thematic symbols, a download code for the game and, in North America, a digital copy of ''The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia'', a collector's book about ''[[Software:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'' series.<ref name="EU price cut" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Corriea |first1=Alexa |date=August 28, 2013 |title=The Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle coming Sept. 20 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/28/4667836/the-wind-waker-hd-wii-u-bundle-coming-sept-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726135211/http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/28/4667836/the-wind-waker-hd-wii-u-bundle-coming-sept-20 |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=Polygon }}</ref> In Europe, Nintendo also released a limited edition ''[[Software:Lego City Undercover|Lego City Undercover]]'' Wii U Premium Pack bundle. Both European bundles featured a 7-day trial of the ''Wii Karaoke U'' service.<ref name="EU price cut" /> Nintendo did not cut the price of the Wii U in Australia or New Zealand nor did it release any of the previous bundles in the regions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vuckovic |first1=Daniel |date=August 29, 2013 |title=No Wii U price drop for Australia or New Zealand |url=http://www.vooks.net/no-wii-u-price-drop-for-australia-or-new-zealand/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730043119/http://www.vooks.net/no-wii-u-price-drop-for-australia-or-new-zealand/ |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=Vooks }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vuckovic |first1=Daniel |date=August 29, 2013 |title=No Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle or Limited Edition for Australia |url=http://www.vooks.net/no-wind-waker-hd-wii-u-bundle-or-limited-edition-for-australia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730034836/http://www.vooks.net/no-wind-waker-hd-wii-u-bundle-or-limited-edition-for-australia/ |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=Vooks }}</ref><!-- Family Set bundles -->

On October 31, 2013, Nintendo introduced two new Wii U Premium Pack bundles in Japan, called the Family Set. The first included either a black or white Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black or white Wii U GamePad, ''[[Software:New Super Mario Bros. U|New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' and ''[[Software:Wii Party U|Wii Party U]]'' preloaded, a black or white [[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]], a Wii Sensor Bar, and a 30-day trial of the ''Wii Karaoke U'' service. The second bundle included all of the previous one's contents, additionally preloaded with ''[[Software:Wii Fit U|Wii Fit U]]'' and including Nintendo's official Fit Meter [[Engineering:Pedometer|pedometer]] (with the Wii Balance Board available separately).<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii U すぐに遊べる ファミリープレミアムセット |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/hardware/familyset/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716194457/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/hardware/familyset/ |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |website=Nintendo Japan |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja}}</ref><!-- Holiday bundles --> On November 1, 2013, Nintendo released a Mario & Luigi Deluxe Set in North America with the intention of replacing the original Wii U Deluxe Set, which included a copy of ''[[Software:Nintendo Land|Nintendo Land]]''. The Mario & Luigi bundle contains both ''[[Software:New Super Mario Bros. U|New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' and ''[[Software:New Super Luigi U|New Super Luigi U]]'' packaged as a "2 in 1" disc alongside a black Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage and black Wii U GamePad controller.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goldfarb |first1=Andrew |date=October 23, 2013 |title=New Wii U Deluxe Bundle Includes New Super Mario U, Luigi U |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/10/23/new-wii-u-deluxe-bundle-includes-new-super-mario-u-luigi-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207165135/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/10/23/new-wii-u-deluxe-bundle-includes-new-super-mario-u-luigi-u |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=IGN UK |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The bundle was later released in Europe on November 8.<ref name="EU bundles 2013">{{cite web |last1=East |first1=Thomas |title=Nintendo announce three new Wii U bundles for Christmas |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55214/nintendo-announce-three-new-wii-u-bundles-for-christmas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110043612/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55214/nintendo-announce-three-new-wii-u-bundles-for-christmas/ |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=Official Nintendo Magazine }}</ref> On November 14, Nintendo released a ''[[Software:Just Dance 2014|Just Dance 2014]]'' Basic Pack bundle in Australia and New Zealand. It contains a white Wii U console with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, a white Wii U GamePad and Wii Remote Plus controllers, a Sensor Bar, and disc versions of both [[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]]'s ''Just Dance 2014'' and ''Nintendo Land''.<ref name="AUS bundles 2013">{{cite web |last1=Southcott |first1=Chris |date=October 31, 2013 |title=New Wii U bundles coming to Australia, but still no price drop |url=http://techgeek.com.au/2013/10/31/new-wii-u-bundles-coming-australia-still-price-drop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728235154/http://techgeek.com.au/2013/10/31/new-wii-u-bundles-coming-australia-still-price-drop/ |archive-date=July 28, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=TechGeek }}</ref> The bundle was later released in Europe on November 22.<ref name="EU bundles 2013" /> On November 15, Nintendo released a ''[[Software:Wii Party U|Wii Party U]]'' Wii U Basic Pack bundle in Europe. It features a white Wii U console with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, a white Wii U GamePad and Wii Remote Plus controllers, a Sensor Bar, and disc versions of both ''Wii Party U'' and ''Nintendo Land''.<ref name="EU bundles 2013" /> On November 15, Nintendo also released a ''[[Software:Skylanders: Swap Force|Skylanders]]'' Wii U Basic Set bundle in North America. It contains white Wii U with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, [[Company:Activision|Activision]]'s ''Skylanders Swap Force'' game, a Portal of Power, three Skylanders figures, a collector poster, trading cards and sticker sheets, and a ''Nintendo Land'' game disc.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Thomas |date=October 25, 2013 |title=Nintendo Announces Skylanders SWAP Force Wii U Hardware Bundle |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/10/nintendo_announces_skylanders_swap_force_wii_u_hardware_bundle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726141155/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/10/nintendo_announces_skylanders_swap_force_wii_u_hardware_bundle |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=Nintendo Life }}</ref> The bundle was released in Australia and New Zealand on November 21.<ref name="AUS bundles 2013" /><!-- Brazil -->

On November 26, 2013, the Wii U was released in Brazil. However, the system is only available in the black Deluxe Set in the region.<ref name="brazil launch">{{cite web |last=Azevedo |first=Théo |title=Mais caro do mundo, Wii U sai no Brasil por R$ 1.899 em 26/11 |url=http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/2013/11/07/mais-caro-do-mundo-wii-u-sai-no-brasil-por-r-1899-em-2611.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107205608/http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/2013/11/07/mais-caro-do-mundo-wii-u-sai-no-brasil-por-r-1899-em-2611.htm |archive-date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |publisher=UOL Jogos |language=pt}}</ref> On January 10, 2015, Nintendo announced that it would cease selling consoles and games in Brazil due to the high cost of doing business in the country.<ref name="polygon-nintendobrazil">{{cite web |date=January 10, 2015 |title=Nintendo ends console and game distribution in Brazil, citing high taxes |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/10/7524759/nintendo-brazil-wii-u-3ds-tariffs-taxes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111004951/http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/10/7524759/nintendo-brazil-wii-u-3ds-tariffs-taxes |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |access-date=January 10, 2015 |website=Polygon}}</ref><!-- Mario Kart 8 bundle --> On May 30, 2014, Nintendo released a ''[[Software:Mario Kart 8|Mario Kart 8]]'' Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> Set bundle in Europe and North America. It features a black Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black Wii U GamePad, a copy of ''Mario Kart 8'', a Sensor Bar, and special edition red Wii Wheel (North America only). Additionally, registering the game on [[Software:Club Nintendo|Club Nintendo]] before July 31, 2014, presents the buyer a free Wii U game from a selection of four in North America and ten in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dyer |first1=Mitch |date=April 30, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 Bundle Announced for North America |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/04/30/mario-kart-8-bundle-announced-for-north-america |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212030620/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/30/mario-kart-8-bundle-announced-for-north-america |archive-date=February 12, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=IGN UK |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref name="EU Mario Kart 8 bundle">{{cite web |last1=Corriea |first1=Alexa |date=April 24, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 Wii U bundle, Peach and Yoshi Wii Remotes hitting Europe May 30 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/24/5646850/mario-kart-8-wii-u-bundles-peach-yoshi-remotes-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727004954/http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/24/5646850/mario-kart-8-wii-u-bundles-peach-yoshi-remotes-europe |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |work=Polygon}}</ref> The bundle was released in Australia and New Zealand on May 31.<ref name="AUS Mario Kart 8 bundle">{{cite web |last1=Sobrello |first1=Andrew |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 Premium Wii U Bundle, new Wii Remote Plus designs confirmed for Australia |url=http://techgeek.com.au/2014/04/25/mario-kart-8-premium-wii-u-bundle-new-wii-remote-plus-designs-confirmed-australia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717062840/http://techgeek.com.au/2014/04/25/mario-kart-8-premium-wii-u-bundle-new-wii-remote-plus-designs-confirmed-australia/ |archive-date=July 17, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |work=TechGeek}}</ref>

===Discontinuation===
In June 2015, the basic Wii U was discontinued in Japan, and replaced by a 32&nbsp;GB "Premium" set that includes white hardware and a Wii Remote Plus.<ref>{{cite web |last=Copeland |first=Wesley |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Basic Wii U to be discontinued in Japan |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/21/basic-wii-u-model-to-be-discontinued-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522074648/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/21/basic-wii-u-model-to-be-discontinued-in-japan |archive-date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |work=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dent |first=Steve |title=Nintendo kills off the basic Wii U in Japan |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/05/21/nintendo-kills-off-the-basic-wii-u-in-japan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522085335/http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/21/nintendo-kills-off-the-basic-wii-u-in-japan/ |archive-date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |work=Engadget|date=May 21, 2015 }}</ref>

Nintendo had planned to diminish production of the Wii U ahead of the release of the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]]. Nintendo formally announced the end of its production on January 31, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=January 31, 2017 |title=Wii U production is dead in Japan, long live the Wii U |url=https://www.destructoid.com/wii-u-production-is-dead-in-japan-long-live-the-wii-u-415771.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202112620/https://www.destructoid.com/wii-u-production-is-dead-in-japan-long-live-the-wii-u-415771.phtml |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=January 31, 2017 |website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="kotaku eol2">{{Cite news |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=January 31, 2017 |title=Wii U Production Has Officially Ended For Japan [Update] |publisher=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/wii-u-production-has-officially-ended-for-japan-1791813878 |url-status=live |access-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131102343/http://kotaku.com/wii-u-production-has-officially-ended-for-japan-1791813878 |archive-date=January 31, 2017}}</ref>

The ability to purchase content through the Nintendo eShop was discontinued on March 27, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Kat|website=IGN|title=Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops Will Be Discontinued In 2023|date=February 16, 2022 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-3ds-wii-eshop-discontinued-date|access-date=October 22, 2022|archive-date=October 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022145241/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-3ds-wii-eshop-discontinued-date|url-status=live}}</ref>

Online functionality will be discontinued on April 8, 2024.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1709418623566020975|user=NintendoAmerica|title=As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products. Find out more: http://ninten.do/60109oNBM|first=Nintendo of America|date=October 4, 2023|access-date=November 3, 2023}}</ref>

==Hardware==

===Console===
[[File:Nintendo-Wii-U-Console-FL.jpg|right|thumb|The black Wii U console, with 32 GB of internal storage]]
The Wii U uses a custom [[Engineering:Multi-chip module|multi-chip module]] (MCM) developed by [[Engineering:AMD|AMD]], [[Company:IBM|IBM]] and Renesas in co-operation with Nintendo IRD and Nintendo Technology Development. The MCM combines an "[[Engineering:Espresso (microprocessor)|Espresso]]" [[Central processing unit|central processing unit]] (CPU) and a "Latte" [[Graphics processing unit|graphics chip]] (GPU), as well as a SEEPROM memory chip.<ref name="Iwata Asks: Wii U 1" /><ref name="fail0verflow" /> The Espresso CPU, designed by IBM, consists of a PowerPC 750-based tri-core processor with 3&nbsp;MB of shared L2 cache memory and clocked at approximately 1.24&nbsp;GHz.<ref name="Official specs" /><ref name="clock speeds" />{{efn|Neither Nintendo, IBM nor AMD has revealed detailed specifications, such as the number of cores, [[Clock rate|clock rate]], or cache sizes.|name="Unconfirmed hardware"}} Despite being based on the PowerPC 750, the Espresso also shares some architectural concepts with the [[Engineering:POWER7|POWER7]] architecture, such as the use of [[EDRAM|eDRAM]] cache and being manufactured at a 45&nbsp;nm node.<ref name="IBM CPU specs" /><ref name="Watson" />{{efn|Official reports made by IBM only confirm that the chip contains "a lot" of eDRAM and "the same processor technology found in [[Engineering:Watson (computer)|Watson]]".<ref name=Watson/>|name="Unconfirmed cache"}} The Latte graphics chip contains both a "GX2" GPGPU, which runs Wii U applications, and a "GX" GPU, which enables backward compatibility with [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] games. The GX2, designed by AMD, is based on the Radeon R600/R700 architecture and is clocked at approximately 550&nbsp;MHz.<ref name="fail0verflow" /><ref name="clock speeds" />{{efn|name="Unconfirmed hardware"}} It contains 32&nbsp;MB of eDRAM cache memory, which can also act as L3 cache for the CPU.{{efn|name="Unconfirmed hardware"}} The GX, originally designed by [[Company:ArtX|ArtX]], contains a 1&nbsp;MB and a 2&nbsp;MB bank of eSRAM cache memory.<ref name="fail0verflow" /> The Latte chip also includes a secondary custom [[Engineering:ARM9|ARM9]] processor with 96&nbsp;KB of SRAM memory that handles system tasks in the background during gameplay or while the system is in [[Sleep mode|sleep mode]], and dedicated hardware audio [[Engineering:Digital signal processor|DSP]] module.<ref name="fail0verflow" /><!-- Memory (RAM) and storage -->The console contains 2&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] of DDR3 system memory consisting of four 512&nbsp;MB [[Dynamic random-access memory|DRAM]] chips with a maximum bandwidth of 12.8&nbsp;GB/s. This is 20 times the amount found in the [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Pedro |title=Wii U to Have 2GB Internal Memory, GPGPU Support |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31665/wii-u-to-have-2gb-internal-memory-gpgpu-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726232357/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31665/wii-u-to-have-2gb-internal-memory-gpgpu-support |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |website=Nintendo World Report }}</ref> Of this, 1&nbsp;GB is reserved for the operating system and is unavailable to games. The memory architecture allows the CPU and GPU to access both the main DDR3 memory pool and the eDRAM cache memory pool on the GPU, removing the need for separate, dedicated memory pools.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Wii U Teardown |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/6465/nintendo-wii-u-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205062729/http://www.anandtech.com/show/6465/nintendo-wii-u-teardown |archive-date=December 5, 2015 |access-date=November 26, 2012 |publisher=AnandTech}}</ref> The console includes either an 8&nbsp;GB (Basic) or 32&nbsp;GB (Deluxe <small>(NA)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small>) internal eMMC [[Flash memory|flash memory]], expandable via [[Secure Digital|SD]] memory cards up to 32&nbsp;GB and USB external [[Engineering:Hard disk drive|hard disk drives]] up to 2&nbsp;TB.<ref>{{cite web |title=&#124; Wii U Internal Storage Space Information |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wiiu/en_na/external_usb_storage.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118201234/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wiiu/en_na/external_usb_storage.jsp |archive-date=November 18, 2012 |access-date=November 26, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref><ref name="wired_japan">{{cite news |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=September 12, 2012 |title=Wii U Coming to Japan December 8 In Two Configurations |publisher=Wired.com |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/09/liveblog-wii-u-japan/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915052849/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/09/liveblog-wii-u-japan/ |archive-date=September 15, 2012}}</ref><!-- Connectivity / Input+Output --> The Nintendo Wii U can also use DVD-RAM for extended storage over USB.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/05/random_did_you_know_the_wii_u_can_burn_eshop_games_to_discs|title=Did you know the Wii U can burn eShop games to disc?|last=Craddock|first=Ryan|date=17 May 2021|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Hookshot Media|access-date=26 July 2022|archive-date=November 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126172321/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/05/random_did_you_know_the_wii_u_can_burn_eshop_games_to_discs|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.destructoid.com/wii-u-can-format-dvds-and-burn-eshop-games-to-them-it-turns-out/|title=Wii U can format DVDs and burn eShop games to them, it turns out|last=Friscia|first=John|date=17 May 2021|work=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|access-date=26 July 2022|archive-date=November 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126172331/https://www.nintendo.destructoid.com/wii-u-can-format-dvds-and-burn-eshop-games-to-them-it-turns-out/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Wii U features 802.11 b/g /n [[Engineering:Wireless network|wireless network]] connectivity and support for [[Fast Ethernet]] with an accessory, Bluetooth 4.0, a total of four USB 2.0 ports, and an SD/[[Secure Digital|SDHC]] memory card slot.<ref name="bluetooth">[http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s722281 Delivers Advanced Wireless Connectivity to Nintendo's Wii U Gaming Experience] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102011654/http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s722281|date=November 2, 2016}}. Broadcom. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wii U Technical Specs |url=https://www.nintendo.com/wiiu/features/tech-specs/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227131607/http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu/features/tech-specs |archive-date=February 27, 2016 |access-date=November 18, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref> An additional power port is also included to power the Wii Sensor Bar, an auxiliary infrared emitter used by [[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]] peripherals for motion tracking. Video output options include [[Engineering:1080p|1080p]], [[Engineering:1080i|1080i]], [[Engineering:720p|720p]], [[576i|576i]], [[Engineering:480p|480p]] and [[Engineering:480i|480i]], through HDMI 1.4 and [[Engineering:Component video|component video]] <small>([[YPbPr|{{YPbPr}}]], [[Engineering:D-Terminal|D-Terminal]] and RGB [[Engineering:SCART|SCART]])</small> or 576i, 480i [[Engineering:Anamorphic widescreen|anamorphic widescreen]] through [[Composite video|composite video]] <small>([[S-Video]], SCART and D-Terminal)</small>. Audio output options include six-channel [[Engineering:5.1 surround sound|5.1]] linear PCM surround sound and analog stereo. The console also supports [[Stereoscopy|stereoscopic]] (3D) images and video.<ref name="WiiU3D" /><ref name="Official specs" />

===Controllers===
[[File:Wii_U_controller_illustration.svg|thumb|An illustration of the Wii U GamePad (White)]]
The Wii U GamePad is the console's primary controller: its main feature is a built-in 6.2&nbsp;inch (15.7&nbsp;cm) [[Engineering:Resistive touchscreen|resistive touchscreen]], which can be used as a [[Engineering:Second screen|companion]] to games being played on a television, or as a means of playing games on the GamePad itself without a television. The GamePad is designed to enable a concept referred to by Nintendo as "[[Asymmetry|asymmetric]] gaming": in [[Software:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] games, a player using the GamePad may have a different gameplay objective and experience than other players.<ref name="gamasutra-gamepad">{{cite web |date=June 3, 2012 |title=Nintendo Unveils Wii U, Controller With Built-In 6.2" Touchscreen |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/171695/Nintendo_reveals_Wii_Us_Miiverse_new_hardware_specifics.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605020453/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/171695/Nintendo_reveals_Wii_Us_Miiverse_new_hardware_specifics.php |archive-date=June 5, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012 |publisher=Gamasutra}}</ref><ref name="metro-nl">{{cite web |date=June 6, 2012 |title=Nintendo Land preview: Zelda: Battle Quest and Luigi's Ghost Mansion |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/901203-nintendo-land-preview-zelda-battle-quest-and-luigis-ghost-mansion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608223943/http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/901203-nintendo-land-preview-zelda-battle-quest-and-luigis-ghost-mansion |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2012 |publisher=Metro}}</ref>

The GamePad's display contents are rendered on the Wii U itself, and streamed wirelessly as video to the GamePad.<ref name="crecente1">{{cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=November 16, 2012 |title=Wireless Tech Behind WiiU Gamepad |url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/16/3653294/wii-u-range-test-gamepad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121141019/http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/16/3653294/wii-u-range-test-gamepad |archive-date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |work=Polygon}}</ref> The GamePad also supports near field communications;<ref>{{cite web |last=Kee |first=Edwin |title=Wii U details released, gets redesigned controller and NFC capability |url=http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/06/wii-u-details-released-gets-redesigned-controller-and-nfc-capability/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608053450/http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/06/wii-u-details-released-gets-redesigned-controller-and-nfc-capability/ |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=Ubergizmo}}</ref> cards and specially-designed figurines, such as Nintendo's Amiibo line, can be used with the GamePad to interact with games. In Japan, it can also be used for [[Finance:Contactless payment|contactless payments]] from eShop with Suica cards.<ref name="polygon-suica">{{cite web |date=May 8, 2014 |title=Wii U will let you purchase items using compatible transport money cards |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/5/8/5694142/wii-u-nintendo-suica-transport-card |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224034822/http://www.polygon.com/2014/5/8/5694142/wii-u-nintendo-suica-transport-card |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=LeJacq |first1=Yannick |title=How Nintendo's Amiibo Toys Will Work In Smash Bros. And Beyond |url=http://kotaku.com/how-nintendos-amiibo-toys-will-work-in-smash-bros-and-1588803303 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729011754/http://kotaku.com/how-nintendos-amiibo-toys-will-work-in-smash-bros-and-1588803303 |archive-date=July 29, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |website=Kotaku |date=June 10, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Briefing">{{cite web |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing/Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/04.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217213152/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/04.html |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=February 11, 2012 |publisher=[[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=JC Fletcher |date=January 31, 2012 |title=Iwata interested in NFC payments, tolerant of microtransactions |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/iwata-interested-in-nfc-payments-tolerant-of-microtransactions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616013059/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/iwata-interested-in-nfc-payments-tolerant-of-microtransactions/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |work=Joystiq}}</ref>
[[File:Nintendo-Wii-U-Pro-Controller-Black.jpg|thumb|The Wii U Pro Controller, a more conventional controller compared to the Gamepad]]
A new Wii U Pro Controller was released alongside the Wii U. The Wii U Pro Controller is an updated version of the Wii's Classic Controller that is designed to appeal to "[[Software:Gamer#Hardcore gamer|hardcore]]" players, with a more traditional [[Engineering:Gamepad|gamepad]] design that resembles those used by the [[Engineering:PlayStation|PlayStation]] and [[Engineering:Xbox|Xbox]] lines (and in particular, the [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]]'s controller), and a claimed 80-hour battery life.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 16, 2012 |title=Wii U Pro Controller Boasts 80-Hour Battery Life |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/10/16/wii-u-pro-controller-boasts-80-hour-battery-life |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207165127/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/10/16/wii-u-pro-controller-boasts-80-hour-battery-life |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=September 21, 2013 |work=IGN.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Franich |first=Darren |date=June 3, 2012 |title=The Wii U Pro Controller looks very familiar... |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/06/03/wii-u-pro-controller-xbox/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224013911/https://ew.com/article/2012/06/03/wii-u-pro-controller-xbox/ |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |access-date=July 28, 2012 |publisher=EW.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=June 5, 2012 |title=Nintendo's Smart Decision With Its Wii U Pro Controller |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/06/05/nintendos-smart-decision-with-its-wii-u-pro-controller/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609114329/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/06/05/nintendos-smart-decision-with-its-wii-u-pro-controller/ |archive-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeffrey |date=June 3, 2012 |title=Nintendo's Wii U Pro Controller may make Microsoft blush |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/06/03/nintendos-wii-u-pro-controller-may-make-microsoft-blush/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308100926/https://venturebeat.com/2012/06/03/nintendos-wii-u-pro-controller-may-make-microsoft-blush/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=July 28, 2012 |publisher=VentureBeat}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Liebl |first=Matt |date=June 12, 2012 |title=Nintendo defends Wii U Pro Controller design |url=http://www.gamezone.com/products/wii-u/news/nintendo-defends-wii-u-pro-controller-design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620030003/http://www.gamezone.com/products/wii-u/news/nintendo-defends-wii-u-pro-controller-design |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=July 28, 2012 |publisher=GameZone}}</ref> The Wii U Pro Controller is compatible with supported Wii U games, but is not supported by Wii games.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 18, 2012 |title=Wii U Pro Controller Not Compatible With Wii Games |url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Wii-U-Pro-controller-compatibility,18475.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616051142/http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Wii-U-Pro-controller-compatibility,18475.html |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2012 |work=Tom's Hardware Guide}}</ref>

The Wii U is compatible with existing [[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]] and Wii Remote Plus controllers, along with their Nunchuk and Classic Controller attachments. A combination of up to four Wii Remotes or Pro Controllers can be used simultaneously, and the console can theoretically support up to two GamePads. Most software requires a Wii Sensor Bar in order to use Wii Remotes with the system, though some aspects, such as Off-TV Play and the Wii Mode, allow the Wii U GamePad to detect Wii Remotes.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jon Fingas |date=June 5, 2012 |title=Nintendo: two Wii U Gamepads will work on one system |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/nintendo-two-wii-u-gamepads-will-work-on-one-system/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607163120/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/nintendo-two-wii-u-gamepads-will-work-on-one-system/ |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=June 5, 2012 |website=Engadget}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Unveils Hardcore Wii U Controller |url=http://kotaku.com/5915318/nintendo-unveils-hardcore-wii-u-controller |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606004534/http://kotaku.com/5915318/nintendo-unveils-hardcore-wii-u-controller |archive-date=June 6, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |work=Kotaku|date=June 3, 2012 }}</ref> The Wii U does not support [[Engineering:GameCube controller|GameCube controllers]] – while a USB adapter accessory allows GameCube controllers to be used on the console in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', it is not compatible with any other software.<ref name="eurogamer-gcwiiu">{{cite web |date=October 8, 2014 |title=Wii U GameCube controller adapter compatible with more than just Smash Bros. |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-10-08-wii-u-gamecube-controller-adaptor-compatible-with-more-than-just-smash-bros |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010005854/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-10-08-wii-u-gamecube-controller-adaptor-compatible-with-more-than-just-smash-bros |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=December 24, 2014 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref><ref name="GameCube Controller and SSB at E3">{{cite web |last=Newhouse |first=Alex |date=June 10, 2014 |title=E3 2014: Wii U's GameCube Controller Adapter Launches Alongside Super Smash Bros., Costs $20 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-wii-u-s-gamecube-controller-adapter-launches-alongside-super-smash-bros-costs-20/1100-6420330/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613105529/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-wii-u-s-gamecube-controller-adapter-launches-alongside-super-smash-bros-costs-20/1100-6420330/ |archive-date=June 13, 2014 |access-date=June 11, 2014 |work=GameSpot}}</ref>

==Software==
{{Main|Software:Wii U system software}}
The Wii U's main menu has two main components: by default, the GamePad displays a home screen consisting of a grid with shortcuts to games and apps, while the television screen displays a lobby (WaraWara Plaza) populated by other users' Miis. The two displays can be switched between the television screen and GamePad.<ref name="verge-onlinewarawara">{{cite web |date=June 3, 2012 |title=Wii U's online gaming and 'Miiverse' outlined, including video chat and web client |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/3/3061382/nintendo-wii-u-online-gaming-ios-app-community-messaging |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207165129/https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/3/3061382/nintendo-wii-u-online-gaming-ios-app-community-messaging |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=December 24, 2014 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref name="polygon-warawara">{{cite web |date=November 7, 2012 |title=Nintendo reveals English version of 'Mii WaraWara': the WaraWara Plaza |url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/7/3612588/nintendo-reveals-english-version-of-mii-warawara-the-warawara-plaza |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224035205/http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/7/3612588/nintendo-reveals-english-version-of-mii-warawara-the-warawara-plaza |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |access-date=December 24, 2014 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 5, 2012 |title=Social networking comes to Wii U, Miiverse will interface with PCs and phones |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/06/05/social-networking-comes-to-wii-u-miiverse-will-interface-with-pcs-and-phones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609001651/http://venturebeat.com/2012/06/05/social-networking-comes-to-wii-u-miiverse-will-interface-with-pcs-and-phones/ |archive-date=June 9, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=VentureBeat}}</ref>

Pressing the controller's "Home" button suspends the current game or app and opens the Home Menu: it shows basic information (such as the current time, controller battery levels, and notifications), and allows access to several "multitasking" functions, including the Nintendo eShop, Miiverse, download manager, a web browser,<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii U Internet Browser Functionality Detailed – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30407 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616020456/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30407 |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}{{cite web |date=December 9, 2012 |title=The Wii U web browser's HTML5 gaming capabilities |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/MattHackett/20121209/183160/The_Wii_U_web_browsers_HTML5_gaming_capabilities.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214013845/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/MattHackett/20121209/183160/The_Wii_U_web_browsers_HTML5_gaming_capabilities.php |archive-date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012 |publisher=Gamasutra}}</ref> and the user's friends list. To play [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] games, the user must enter "Wii Mode", a [[Legacy mode|legacy mode]] that emulates the Wii's system software and [[Wii Menu]] interface. Initially, Wii Mode could only be used on the television screen, but the October 2013 firmware update enables Wii Mode to be used off-TV. Either way, Wii controllers must be used.<ref name="time-wiiofftv">{{cite magazine |date=October 1, 2013 |title=Nintendo's Massive New Wii U Update Is *THIS* Shy of Greatness |url=http://techland.time.com/2013/10/01/nintendos-massive-new-wii-u-update-is-this-shy-of-greatness/ |url-status=live |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224115155/http://techland.time.com/2013/10/01/nintendos-massive-new-wii-u-update-is-this-shy-of-greatness/ |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref>

===Online services===
The Wii U uses the Nintendo Network platform for online services (replacing the friend code system of the Wii), enabling online multiplayer, downloading and purchasing games or apps via Nintendo eShop, video chat using the GamePad's camera and the Wii U Chat service, and other services.<ref name="iw-videochat">{{cite web |date=November 19, 2012 |title=Nintendo Wii U Adds Video Chat |url=http://www.informationweek.com/nintendo-wii-u-adds-video-chat/d/d-id/1107458? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225234051/http://www.informationweek.com/nintendo-wii-u-adds-video-chat/d/d-id/1107458 |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |website=InformationWeek}}</ref> Up to twelve accounts can be created per console.<ref name="eg-nnetwork12">{{cite web |date=November 12, 2012 |title=Wii U allows 12 user accounts per system, eShop downloads playable by all |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-07-wii-u-allows-10-user-accounts-per-system-eshop-downloads-played-by-all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225232400/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-07-wii-u-allows-10-user-accounts-per-system-eshop-downloads-played-by-all |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref>

A [[Social:Social networking service|social networking service]] known as Miiverse is integrated into the Wii U's system software; it allows players to interact and share content in game-specific communities using their Mii as an avatar. Miiverse allows users to share accomplishments, screenshots, drawings and hand-written notes. Select games are integrated with Miiverse, where social interactions can also occur within the game, or appear within their content (such as in ''[[Software:Splatoon (video game)|Splatoon]]'', where drawn posts can appear as graffiti on walls in its settings).<ref name="verge-onlinewarawara" /><ref name="polygon-warawara" /><ref name="avclub-splatoonmiiverse">{{cite web |title=Checking in on Splatoon's lively community and sleazy amiibo support |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/checking-splatoons-lively-community-and-sleazy-ami-220375 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729133205/http://www.avclub.com/article/checking-splatoons-lively-community-and-sleazy-ami-220375 |archive-date=July 29, 2015 |access-date=July 26, 2015 |website=The AV Club|date=June 5, 2015 }}</ref> Miiverse is moderated through software filtering as well as a [[Social:Human resources|human resource]] team in order to ensure that the content shared by users is appropriate and that no spoilers are shared. In order to facilitate this, it was initially stated that comments posted could take up to 30 minutes to appear on Miiverse.<ref>{{cite web |author=JC Fletcher on |date=June 7, 2012 |title=Miiverse messages will be subject to moderation before posting |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/miiverse-messages-will-be-subject-to-moderation-before-posting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616040116/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/miiverse-messages-will-be-subject-to-moderation-before-posting/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |work=Joystiq}}</ref>

===Multimedia integration===
The Wii U supported online video services through apps, such as Amazon Video, [[Company:Crunchyroll|Crunchyroll]], [[Software:Hulu|Hulu]], [[Company:Netflix|Netflix]], and [[Company:YouTube|YouTube]].<ref name="polygon-tviidiscontinued">{{cite web |date=July 24, 2015 |title=Nintendo shutting down Wii U TVii service in August |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/24/9037965/nintendo-wii-u-tvii-closure |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725110453/http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/24/9037965/nintendo-wii-u-tvii-closure |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |access-date=July 25, 2015 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 17, 2012 |title=PSA: Nintendo Wii U day-one patch now live, includes entire online infrastructure |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/11/17/psa-day-one-patch-wii-u/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119231813/http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/17/psa-day-one-patch-wii-u/ |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |access-date=November 18, 2012 |work=Engadget}}</ref> The Wii U does not support playback of [[Engineering:DVD|DVDs]] or [[Engineering:Blu-ray|Blu-rays]]; Iwata explained that the decision to exclude these formats was motivated primarily by patent licensing fees, and the fact that such functionality would be redundant to DVD and Blu-ray players that users may already own.<ref name="engadget-nodvd">{{cite web |title=Wii U will not play DVDs or Blu-ray, Iwata says |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/wii-u-will-not-play-dvds-or-blu-ray-iwata-says/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226000508/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/wii-u-will-not-play-dvds-or-blu-ray-iwata-says/ |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |website=Engadget|date=June 15, 2011 }}</ref>

The Nintendo TVii service allowed program listings from a user's television provider to be aggregated with online video on demand services into an [[Engineering:Electronic program guide|electronic program guide]] with recommendations and search functionality, and the ability to use the GamePad's infrared functionality to tune a [[Engineering:Set-top box|set-top box]] to a particular program. The app also provided integration with [[Social:IMDb|IMDb]], Rotten Tomatoes, and [[Wikipedia]] to provide additional information, and social connectivity through [[Company:Facebook|Facebook]], [[Company:Twitter|Twitter]], or Miiverse.<ref name="ign-tvii">{{cite web |date=December 21, 2012 |title=Nintendo TVii for Wii U Hands-On |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2012/12/21/nintendo-tvii-for-wii-u-hands-on |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141225213046/http://ca.ign.com/articles/2012/12/21/nintendo-tvii-for-wii-u-hands-on |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nintendo TVii Streams Video, DVR, Live TV to Wii U |work=PC Magazine |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409681,00.asp |url-status=live |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007054127/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2c2817%2c2409681%2c00.asp |archive-date=October 7, 2014}}</ref> TVii was made available with the Wii U's release in Japan on December 8, 2012,<ref>{{cite web |date=November 27, 2012 |title=Nintendo TVii will launch with Wii U in Japan on December 8th, IR remote costs $1 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/11/27/nintendo-tvii-launch-japan-december-8/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219174427/http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/27/nintendo-tvii-launch-japan-december-8/ |archive-date=December 19, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |website=Engadget}}</ref> and in North America on December 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 19, 2012 |title=Nintendo officially launching TVii for Wii U in the US and Canada on December 20th |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/12/19/3783800/nintendo-launching-tvii-for-wii-u-on-december-20th |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231003400/http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/19/3783800/nintendo-launching-tvii-for-wii-u-on-december-20th |archive-date=December 31, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |work=Engadget}}</ref> Following delays, a European launch was cancelled.<ref name="gameinformer-notviieurope">{{cite magazine |title=Nintendo Officially Cancels TVii Support For Wii U In Europe |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/02/14/nintendo-officially-cancels-tvii-support-for-wii-u-in-europe.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215181658/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/02/14/nintendo-officially-cancels-tvii-support-for-wii-u-in-europe.aspx |archive-date=February 15, 2015 |access-date=February 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="techradar-tviiuk">{{cite web |date=January 14, 2014 |title=Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon Wii U TVii will hit Europe |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/maybe-not-today-maybe-not-tomorrow-but-soon-wii-u-tvii-will-hit-europe-1215138 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225235325/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/maybe-not-today-maybe-not-tomorrow-but-soon-wii-u-tvii-will-hit-europe-1215138 |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |website=TechRadar}}</ref>

TVii was discontinued in North America on August 11, 2015<ref name="polygon-tviidiscontinued" /> and was discontinued in Japan on November 8, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wii U『Nintendo TVii（ニンテンドーティービー）』サービス終了のお知らせ｜サポート情報｜Nintendo |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/information/2017/0829_nintendotv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115185413/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/information/2017/0829_nintendotv.html |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |access-date=December 23, 2018 |website=www.nintendo.co.jp}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo TVii &#124; Wii U｜Nintendo |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/hardware/tvii/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322044542/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/hardware/tvii/index.html |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |access-date=June 16, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo.co.jp |language=ja}}</ref> The Netflix app was discontinued on July 1, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Netflix No Longer Works On Wii U Or 3DS, So Where's The Switch Version? |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/netflix_no_longer_works_on_wii_u_or_3ds_so_wheres_the_switch_version |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702113110/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/netflix_no_longer_works_on_wii_u_or_3ds_so_wheres_the_switch_version |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |publisher=Nintendo Life |accessdate=July 1, 2021}}</ref> The YouTube app was delisted from the Nintendo eShop on April 27, 2022, and discontinued on October 27, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Support: Discontinuation of YouTube Service for Wii U |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/58618/~/discontinuation-of-youtube-service-for-wii-u |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104173954/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/58618/~/discontinuation-of-youtube-service-for-wii-u |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Wii Street U'' was an app that used [[Software:Google Maps|Google Maps]] and released as a digital download on the Nintendo eShop. The software allows players to use [[Software:Google Street View|Google Street View]] as using the Wii U Gamepad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Paul |date=2013-09-18 |title=Nintendo reveals new Wii Fit U, Wii Sports Club, Wii Street U details |url=https://gaming-age.com/2013/09/nintendo-reveals-new-wii-fit-u-wii-sports-club-wii-street-u-details/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Gaming Age |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327233418/https://gaming-age.com/2013/09/nintendo-reveals-new-wii-fit-u-wii-sports-club-wii-street-u-details/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Maps and TiVo integration on Nintendo Wii U delayed beyond January |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-30-google-maps-tivo-wii-u-delayed-again.html |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Engadget |date=January 30, 2013 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231907/https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-30-google-maps-tivo-wii-u-delayed-again.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Matt |date=2013-02-14 |title=Google Maps With Street View Is Now Available For The Wii U |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/14/google-maps-with-street-view-is-now-available-for-the-wii-u/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231915/https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/14/google-maps-with-street-view-is-now-available-for-the-wii-u/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon initial release, the software was available for free until October 31, 2013,<ref>{{Cite web |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |date=2013-02-14 |title=Wii Street U available now on eShop, free for a limited time |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/2/14/3988126/wii-street-u-available-now |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231907/https://www.polygon.com/2013/2/14/3988126/wii-street-u-available-now |url-status=live }}</ref> and the software was ended altogether on January 29, 2016, when it was announced that service for ''Wii Street U'' would be discontinued effectively on March 31, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2016-01-29 |title=Nintendo shutting down Wii Street U in March |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/29/10872550/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-street-u-in-march |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231915/https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/29/10872550/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-street-u-in-march |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Matt |date=2013-02-14 |title=Google Maps With Street View Is Now Available For The Wii U |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/14/google-maps-with-street-view-is-now-available-for-the-wii-u/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231915/https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/14/google-maps-with-street-view-is-now-available-for-the-wii-u/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=2012-12-05 |title=Google Maps On The Wii U Lets You Wander The World's Streets With Your GamePad Beginning In January |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/05/google-maps-on-the-wii-u-lets-you-wander-the-worlds-streets-with-your-gamepad-beginning-in-january/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231906/https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/05/google-maps-on-the-wii-u-lets-you-wander-the-worlds-streets-with-your-gamepad-beginning-in-january/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Wii Street U'' was announced in 2013 as part of [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]'s Nintendo Web Framework, and is one of the first applications to use it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kollar |first=Philip |date=2013-03-27 |title=Nintendo hopes to win app and web devs to Wii U with JavaScript tools |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4155152/nintendo-app-web-devs-wii-u-javascript |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327231906/https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4155152/nintendo-app-web-devs-wii-u-javascript |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Games==
{{anchor|Wii U Optical Disc}}
{{See also|List of best-selling Wii U video games|List of cancelled Wii U games}}<!-- Availability -->
Wii U games can be downloaded digitally through Nintendo eShop, or at retail on physical media. Retail copies of Wii U games are distributed on Wii U Optical Disc, a proprietary high-density [[Engineering:Optical disc|optical disc]] format co-developed with [[Company:Panasonic|Panasonic]]. The format is similar in design and specifications to a [[Engineering:Blu-ray|Blu-ray]], with a capacity of 25&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] per layer, but the discs themselves have a soft, rounded rim.<ref>{{cite web |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |title=Wii U Discs Will Be 25GB In Size |date=June 8, 2011 |url=http://kotaku.com/5809701/wii-u-discs-will-be-25gb-in-size |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611040345/http://kotaku.com/5809701/wii-u-discs-will-be-25gb-in-size |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |access-date=June 8, 2011 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=June 7, 2011 |title=Hands-On: With Wii U's Touchscreen Controller, Nintendo Could Radically Change Games |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2011/06/nintendo-controller-hands-on/ |url-status=live |magazine=Wired |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230100408/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2011/06/nintendo-controller-hands-on/ |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |access-date=March 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |date=November 12, 2012 |title=Take a very, very close look at the round-edged Wii U proprietary discs |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/11/12/nintendo-wii-u-proprietary-disc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113003010/https://www.engadget.com/2012/11/12/nintendo-wii-u-proprietary-disc/ |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=November 18, 2012 |publisher=Engadget}}</ref> Unlike previous Nintendo consoles, game manuals are only available digitally. The console is [[Social:Regional lockout|region locked]]; software purchased in a region can be only played on that region's hardware.<!-- Support (1st, 3rd and indie) 3D Classics --> New games in Nintendo's flagship franchises (including ''[[Software:Super Mario|Super Mario]]'', ''[[Software:Donkey Kong|Donkey Kong]]'' and ''[[Software:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]''), as well as several ''Wii'' series games (including ''[[Software:Wii Sports Club|Wii Sports Club]]'', ''[[Software:Wii Fit U|Wii Fit U]]'' and ''[[Software:Wii Party U|Wii Party U]]'') have been released, in addition to many original games and third-party-developed games. Nintendo has received third-party support from companies such as [[Company:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]], [[Company:Sega|Sega]], [[Company:Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment|Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]], [[Company:Activision Blizzard|Activision Blizzard]], and [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]], and various independent developers such as Two Tribes. As of late July 2016, there have been 39 first-party and 118 third-party Wii U games physically released in the United States; both figures are the lowest for any Nintendo console.<ref>{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=July 27, 2016 |title="The Wii U Has No Games", A Study |url=http://kotaku.com/the-wii-u-has-no-games-a-study-1784419013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729162515/http://kotaku.com/the-wii-u-has-no-games-a-study-1784419013 |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2016 |work=Kotaku}}</ref><!-- Best-selling titles (2+ million sold) -->

A total of 103.53 million Wii U games have been sold worldwide {{as of|2022|09|30|df=US|lc=y|since=y}},<ref name="Hardware Software Sales" /> with ten games surpassing the million-unit mark. The highest selling game is ''[[Software:Mario Kart 8|Mario Kart 8]]'' at 8.46 million units, followed by ''[[Software:Super Mario 3D World|Super Mario 3D World]]'' at 5.88 million units, and ''[[Software:New Super Mario Bros. U|New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' at 5.82 million units.<ref name="Wii U best-selling games">{{cite web |title=IR Information: Sales Data |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/wiiu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028233935/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/wiiu.html |archive-date=October 28, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd.}}</ref> ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' was the fastest selling Wii U game {{as of|2014|11|25|df=US|lc=y|since=}}.<ref name="cvg-smashwiiusales">{{cite web |author=Tom Ivan |date=November 25, 2014 |title=Super Smash Bros becomes fastest-selling Wii U game in the US |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/481700/smash-bros-becomes-fastest-selling-wii-u-game-in-the-us/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141128015902/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/481700/smash-bros-becomes-fastest-selling-wii-u-game-in-the-us |archive-date=November 28, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |work=Computer and Video Games}}</ref>

===Launch games===
The Wii U was launched with 29 games in North America,<ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=September 26, 2012 |title=Wii U launching with 23 games |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-launching-with-23-games/1100-6397199/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122210049/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-launching-with-23-games/1100-6397199/ |archive-date=November 22, 2013 |access-date=November 22, 2013 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> 26 games in Europe, 25 games in Australia, and 11 games in Japan. Some download-only games were also available on launch day for the Wii U via Nintendo eShop. An additional 30 games were announced for release during the system's launch window, which included the three months after the system's launch date.

'''Key:'''

*<sup>NA</sup> [[Earth:North America|North America]]
*<sup>JP</sup> {{wipe|Japan}}
*<sup>PAL</sup> [[PAL region]] (broadly)

{| class="wikitable"
|+List of Wii U launch games by region released
!Launch game
!Region(s) released
on launch day
|-
|''[[Software:Assassin's Creed III|Assassin's Creed III]]''
|<sup>JP, NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Batman: Arkham City|Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition]]''
|<sup>JP, NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Ben 10: Omniverse (video game)|Ben 10: Omniverse]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Call of Duty: Black Ops II|Call of Duty]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Darksiders II|Darksiders II]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two|Epic Mickey 2]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''Sports Connection''<small><sup>NA</sup>''ESPN Sports Connection''</small>
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''FIFA 13''<small><sup>NA</sup>''FIFA Soccer 13''</small>
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Funky Barn|Funky Barn]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''Game Party Champions''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Just Dance 4|Just Dance 4]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Madden NFL 13|Madden NFL 13]]''
|<sup>NA</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Mass Effect 3|Mass Effect 3: Special Edition]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
|<sup>JP</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:NBA 2K13|NBA 2K13]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:New Super Mario Bros. U|New Super Mario Bros. U]]''
|<sup>JP, NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge|Ninja Gaiden 3]]''
|<sup>JP, NA</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Nintendo Land|Nintendo Land]]''
|<sup>JP, NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Rabbids Land|Rabbids Land]]''
|<sup>NA</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Scribblenauts Unlimited|Scribblenauts Unlimited]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''Sing Party''
|<sup>NA</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Skylanders: Giants|Skylanders]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Tank! Tank! Tank!|Tank! Tank! Tank!]]''
|<sup>NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Tekken Tag Tournament 2|Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition]]''
|<sup>JP, NA, PAL</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Transformers: Prime – The Game|Transformers]]''
|<sup>NA</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:Warriors Orochi 3|Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper]]''
|<sup>JP, NA</sup>
|-
|''Wipeout 3''
|<sup>NA</sup>
|-
|''Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013''
|<sup>NA</sup>
|-
|''[[Software:ZombiU|ZombiU]]''
|<sup>JP, NA, PAL</sup>
|}

===Virtual Console===
In January 2013, Nintendo announced that [[Engineering:Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] and [[Engineering:Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] games would be made available for the Virtual Console service on the Wii U in April 2013 and would include the option to use Off-TV Play on the GamePad.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |date=January 23, 2013 |title=Wii U Virtual Console, OS Upgrades Announced |publisher=IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wii-u-virtual-console-os-upgrades-announced |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325232516/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wii-u-virtual-console-os-upgrades-announced |archive-date=March 25, 2015}}</ref> On March 26, 2014, Game Boy Advance games were confirmed and started to appear on the eShop the following month.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 26, 2014 |title=Game Boy Advance Classics on Virtual Console |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/nYsZbKYHFhIgQQZVo1qjim_YP3PB233Z |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328182704/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/nYsZbKYHFhIgQQZVo1qjim_YP3PB233Z |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2015 |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> [[Engineering:Nintendo 64|Nintendo 64]] and Nintendo DS games were added in April 2015.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 1, 2015 |title=Nintendo-64-and-DS-Games-Coming-to-Wii-U-Virtual-Console |publisher=IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/01/nintendo-64-and-ds-games-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console |url-status=live |access-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127045028/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/01/nintendo-64-and-ds-games-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console |archive-date=November 27, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=April 1, 2015 |title=Nintendo DS and Nintendo 64 titles launching on Wii U Virtual Console |publisher=Polygon |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/4/1/8328063/nintendo-ds-64-wii-u-virtual-console |url-status=live |access-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723032807/http://www.polygon.com/2015/4/1/8328063/nintendo-ds-64-wii-u-virtual-console |archive-date=July 23, 2015}}</ref>

===Backward compatibility===
The Wii U is compatible with all [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] games and Wii accessories such as the [[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]] (Plus), Wii Nunchuk, and the Wii Balance Board. It is possible to migrate most downloaded software and save files from a Wii to a Wii U.<ref name="wired_japan" /> Although Wii games can be displayed on the GamePad's screen, they can only be controlled using a Wii controller, and not the GamePad's controller.<ref name="time-wiiofftv" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Peckham |first=Matt |date=September 17, 2012 |title=Nintendo: Wii U Is Core Enough and It's the Most Innovative Game System Ever Made |url=http://techland.time.com/2012/09/17/nintendo-wii-u-is-core-enough-and-its-the-most-innovative-game-system-ever-made |url-status=live |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123145636/http://techland.time.com/2012/09/17/nintendo-wii-u-is-core-enough-and-its-the-most-innovative-game-system-ever-made/ |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref>

The Wii U is not compatible with [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]] discs or accessories, although a [[Software:Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] application for Wii Mode exists that enables GameCube hardware and GameCube controller support.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bogos |first1=Steven |date=March 13, 2014 |title=Wii U Mod Allows Gamecube Games to Be Played |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/132884-Wii-U-Mod-Allows-Gamecube-Games-to-Be-Played |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312201322/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/132884-Wii-U-Mod-Allows-Gamecube-Games-to-Be-Played |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |access-date=March 12, 2017 |website=The Escapist}}</ref> A USB [[Engineering:GameCube controller|GameCube controller]] adapter with four ports was released exclusively for use with ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' and does not support any other Wii or Wii U games.<ref name="eurogamer-gcwiiu" /><ref name="GameCube Controller and SSB at E3" />

==Development tools==
The Nintendo Web Framework, unveiled in 2013, is a toolset that uses modern web technology ([[Software:WebKit|WebKit]], [[HTML5]], and [[JavaScript]]) to simplify the process of porting games to the Wii U's GamePad and TV. It was designed to make web-based games easier to port to the system than it would to code specifically for the Wii U.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kollar |first=Philip |date=March 27, 2013 |title=Nintendo hopes to win app and web devs to Wii U with JavaScript tools |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4155152/nintendo-app-web-devs-wii-u-javascript |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329122835/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/27/4155152/nintendo-app-web-devs-wii-u-javascript |archive-date=March 29, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2016 |website=Polygon}}</ref> Nintendo also released a custom [[Software:Unity (game engine)|Unity]] package to allow game developers to quickly make games on Unity for the Wii U.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Developer Portal |url=https://developer.nintendo.com/tools |access-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303184621/https://developer.nintendo.com/tools |url-status=live }}</ref> These tools are no longer available on the Nintendo Developer Portal, however users who have these tools downloaded are still able to use them. 

==Reception==
John Teti of ''The A.V. Club''{{'}}s Gameological Society considers the Wii U a compelling video game system which lacks focus, citing ''Nintendo Land'' as "ideas act[ing] in service of the technology".<ref name="avclub">{{cite web |last=Teti |first=John |date=November 18, 2012 |title=Wii U: Every Which Way |url=http://gameological.com/2012/11/review-wii-u/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121191405/http://gameological.com/2012/11/review-wii-u/ |archive-date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2012 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref> Ben Gilbert of [[Software:Engadget|Engadget]] states that Nintendo delivers on its promise of releasing "a modern HD gaming console" but notes that "there are also some major missteps and half-baked ideas: a befuddling Friends List/Miiverse connection, a complete lack of many system-wide console standards (group chat, achievements, the ability to play non-game disc-based media) and a game controller that lasts only 3.5 hours", and stated that he could not give a complete assessment of the console with online components such as Nintendo TVii missing at launch.<ref name="engadget">{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |date=November 18, 2012 |title=Nintendo Wii U review |url=https://www.engadget.com/wii-u-review/nintendo-wii-u-review/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119232202/https://www.engadget.com/wii-u-review/nintendo-wii-u-review/ |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2012 |publisher=[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]]}}</ref> Similarly, ''[[TechRadar]]'' praised the system's GamePad functionality and HD graphics, but criticized the limited battery power on the GamePad, and the insufficient number of top-tier launch games.<ref>{{cite web |author=Andrew Hayward |title=Nintendo Wii U review &#124; Games consoles Reviews |url=http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/games-consoles/nintendo-wii-u-1084120/review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616081810/http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/games-consoles/nintendo-wii-u-1084120/review |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |access-date=April 22, 2013 |publisher=TechRadar}}</ref> Some industry figures do not consider the Wii U to be an eighth-generation console,<ref>{{cite web |last=Shearer |first=Stew |date=May 11, 2013 |title=Insomniac "Not Working" on the Wii U |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/123927-Insomniac-Not-Working-on-the-Wii-U |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105033703/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/123927-Insomniac-Not-Working-on-the-Wii-U |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |access-date=May 12, 2013 |website=The Escapist}}</ref> with many citing the hardware's processing speed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=February 5, 2013 |title=Wii U graphics power finally revealed |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-wii-u-graphics-power-finally-revealed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208051753/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-wii-u-graphics-power-finally-revealed |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |publisher=EuroGamer.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=June 26, 2013 |title=Dreamfall Chapters: "We are preparing to go to consoles" |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-26-dreamfall-chapters-we-are-preparing-to-go-to-consoles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629220351/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-26-dreamfall-chapters-we-are-preparing-to-go-to-consoles |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2013 |publisher=eurogamer.net}}</ref> However, Fils-Aimé has noted that similar comments were made in 2006 when the [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] first launched.<ref>{{cite web |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=June 18, 2013 |title=Nintendo: Saying Next-Gen is Only Sony vs. Microsoft Is So 2006 |url=http://kotaku.com/nintendo-saying-next-gen-is-only-sony-vs-microsoft-is-514050644 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621170452/http://kotaku.com/nintendo-saying-next-gen-is-only-sony-vs-microsoft-is-514050644 |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |publisher=kotaku.com}}</ref><!-- PS4 and Xbox One launches --> Following the launch of other eighth-generation consoles, the [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]] and [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]], in November 2013, some critics suggested that the Wii U would continue to struggle as it lacked the third-party support of its rivals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=December 5, 2013 |title=What the Hell Is Wrong With Nintendo? |publisher=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/12/wii-u-sales/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229211610/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/12/wii-u-sales |archive-date=December 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Nowak |first=Peter |date=December 30, 2013 |title=Year in review: The biggest tech flops of 2013 |work=CBC News |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/year-in-review-the-biggest-tech-flops-of-2013-1.2467354 |url-status=live |access-date=December 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111210538/https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/year-in-review-the-biggest-tech-flops-of-2013-1.2467354 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |series=Technology & Science}}</ref> In a December 2013 article, Chris Suellentrop of ''{{wipe|The New York Times}}'' argued that the Wii U was the only new console with a video game worth playing—''[[Software:Super Mario 3D World|Super Mario 3D World]]''—which he described as being "the best ''Mario'' game in years". Despite the praise, he noted that "one great game won't save a console", and although other games exist on the Wii U, he admitted that its original lineup "was still pretty thin".<ref>{{cite news |last=Suellentrop |first=Chris |date=November 24, 2013 |title=Mario Tries to Rescue His Console |work={{wipe|The New York Times}} |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/25/arts/video-games/super-mario-3d-world-could-make-the-wii-u-popular.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&ref=arts&adxnnlx=1386890554-ggZNG/r8oOu1Q+l0dZMD5w |url-status=live |access-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202004821/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/25/arts/video-games/super-mario-3d-world-could-make-the-wii-u-popular.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&ref=arts&adxnnlx=1386890554-ggZNG%2Fr8oOu1Q+l0dZMD5w |archive-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref> {{wipe|Time (magazine)}} writer Matt Peckham said that the Wii U was the system of choice to pick up during that Christmas season, praising the console's game lineup, affordable price, Off-TV Play, the absence of subscription fees for its online services, [[Backward compatibility|backward compatibility]] and media features. However, he noted that the system still needs a price cut and an improved first and third-party software lineup.<ref>{{cite news |last=Peckham |first=Matt |date=December 4, 2013 |title=10 Reasons I'd Pick the Wii U over the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Today |work=Time Tech |publisher=Time |url=http://techland.time.com/2013/12/04/10-reasons-id-pick-the-wii-u-over-the-playstation-4-and-xbox-one-today/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214155129/http://techland.time.com/2013/12/04/10-reasons-id-pick-the-wii-u-over-the-playstation-4-and-xbox-one-today/ |archive-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref> CNET also noted that the Wii U had a better lineup of games and lower price in comparison to its competitors, mainly due to its one-year head start.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xbox or PS4? Maybe that's the wrong question |url=http://news.cnet.com/1606-2_3-50159685.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126030943/http://news.cnet.com/1606-2_3-50159685.html |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |access-date=December 14, 2013 |publisher=CNET}}</ref>

==Sales==
<!-- Do not change these numbers without a reference --> 
<!-- VGCHARTZ.COM and NEXGENWARS.COM are ''not'' reliable sources -->
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="float:center; text-align:right; margin:10px"
|+Life-to-date number of hardware and software [[Engineering:List of best-selling game consoles|units shipped]], in millions
! rowspan="2" |Date
! colspan="2" |Japan
! colspan="2" |Americas
! colspan="2" |Other
! colspan="2" |Total
|-
! scope="row" |Hard{{shy}}ware
! scope="row" |Soft{{shy}}ware
! scope="row" |Hard{{shy}}ware
! scope="row" |Soft{{shy}}ware
! scope="row" |Hard{{shy}}ware
! scope="row" |Soft{{shy}}ware
! scope="row" |Hard{{shy}}ware
! scope="row" |Soft{{shy}}ware
|-
!2012-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2012">{{cite web |date=January 24, 2012 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1212.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228025231/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1212.pdf |archive-date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|0.83
|1.48
|1.32
|6.40
|0.90
|3.82
!3.06
!11.69
|-
!2013-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2013">{{cite web |date=April 24, 2012 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1303.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526130209/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1303.pdf |archive-date=May 26, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|0.92
|1.73
|1.52
|7.28
|1.01
|4.40
!3.45
!13.42
|-
!2013-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2013">{{cite web |date=July 30, 2013 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1306.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810035526/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1306.pdf |archive-date=August 10, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|1.01
|1.91
|1.58
|7.80
|1.02
|4.73
!3.61
!14.44
|-
!2013-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2013">{{cite web |date=October 29, 2013 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1309.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101034057/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1309.pdf |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|1.15
|2.57
|1.75
|10.97
|1.01
|6.17
!3.91
!19.71
|-
!2013-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2013">{{cite web |date=January 28, 2014 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1312.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201192958/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1312.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|1.75
|5.21
|2.61
|15.23
|1.49
|8.94
!5.86
!29.37
|-
!2014-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2014">{{cite web |date=May 7, 2014 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1403.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508062158/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1403.pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2014 |access-date=May 7, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|1.81
|5.62
|2.81
|16.98
|1.56
|9.67
!6.17
!32.28
|-
!2014-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2014">{{cite web |date=July 30, 2014 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1406.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052538/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1406.pdf |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|1.87
|6.43
|3.08
|19.28
|1.73
|10.95
!6.68
!36.67
|-
!2014-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2014">{{cite web |date=October 29, 2014 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1409.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029102815/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1409.pdf |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |access-date=October 29, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|1.97
|6.96
|3.43
|22.58
|1.88
|12.13
!7.29
!41.67
|-
!2014-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2014">{{cite web |date=January 28, 2015 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1412.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128175000/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1412.pdf |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2015 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|2.30
|8.48
|4.45
|29.25
|2.46
|15.15
!9.20
!52.87
|-
!2015-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2015">{{cite web |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Consolidated Financial Statements – Consolidated Results for the Years Ended March 31, 2014 and 2015 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2015/150507e.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507082110/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2015/150507e.pdf |archive-date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|2.33
|8.95
|4.65
|31.59
|2.56
|16.13
!9.54
!56.68
|-
!2015-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2015">{{cite web |date=July 29, 2015 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1506.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807051131/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1506.pdf |archive-date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=July 29, 2015 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|2.48
|9.97
|4.85
|33.65
|2.68
|17.61
!10.01
!61.23
|-
!2015-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2015">{{cite web |date=October 28, 2015 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1509.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121041604/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1509.pdf |archive-date=November 21, 2015 |access-date=October 28, 2015 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|2.66
|11.00
|5.21
|38.28
|2.87
|19.77
!10.73
!69.05
|-
!2015-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2015">{{cite web |date=February 2, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1512.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207005602/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1512.pdf |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|3.08
|12.68
|6.10
|43.76
|3.42
|22.86
!12.60
!79.30
|-
!2016-03-31<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2016">{{cite web |date=April 27, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427084600/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |access-date=April 27, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|3.13
|13.48
|6.20
|46.38
|3.47
|24.18
!12.80
!84.04
|-
!2016-06-30<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2016">{{cite web |date=July 26, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1606.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727092003/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1606.pdf |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|3.21
|14.08
|6.29
|48.84
|3.53
|25.79
!13.02
!88.72
|-
!2016-09-30<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2016">{{cite web |date=October 26, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1609.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727092003/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1609.pdf |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|3.30
|14.55
|6.41
|50.62
|3.65
|27.18
!13.36
!92.35
|-
! class="nowrap" |2016-12-31<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2016">{{cite web |date=January 31, 2017 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1612.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727092003/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1609.pdf |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=January 31, 2017 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|3.34
|15.10
|6.49
|52.84
|3.73
|28.59
!13.56
!96.52
|}<!-- Total -->
By December 2019, Nintendo reported life-time sales of 13.56&nbsp;million Wii U console units and by September 2022 103.53 million software units worldwide.<ref name="Hardware Software Sales" />

===Launch===
During its first week of release in the United States, Nintendo sold its entire allotment of over 400,000 units<ref name="NintenHardware_cnet">{{cite web |last=Reisigner |first=Don |title=Nintendo:1.2 million hardware units sold, 400,000 Wii U |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57554183-235/nintendo-1.2-million-hardware-units-sold-400000-wii-u/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201134203/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57554183-235/nintendo-1.2-million-hardware-units-sold-400000-wii-u/ |archive-date=December 1, 2012 |access-date=November 26, 2012 |publisher=cnet.com}}</ref> and sold a total of 425,000 units for the month of November, according to the NPD Group.<ref name="NPD">{{cite news |last1=Snider |first1=Mike |last2=Molina |first2=Brett |date=December 6, 2012 |title='Call of Duty,' Wii U can't stop video game slide |work=[[Software:USA Today|USA Today]] |publisher=[[Company:Gannett Company|Gannett Company]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2012/12/06/npd-video-game-sales-november/1752081/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207002728/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2012/12/06/npd-video-game-sales-november/1752081/ |archive-date=December 7, 2012}}</ref> It also sold over 40,000 consoles in the UK in its first weekend.<ref name="UK">{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Dave |title=Wii U: 40,000 Consoles Sold Over UK Launch Weekend&nbsp;– Report |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/03/wii-u-40000-consoles-sold-over-uk-launch-weekend-report/comment-page-1/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208013754/http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/03/wii-u-40000-consoles-sold-over-uk-launch-weekend-report/comment-page-1/ |archive-date=December 8, 2012 |access-date=December 3, 2012 |publisher=VG247}}</ref> In Japan, over 600,000 Wii U units were sold during December 2012.<ref name="Japan">{{cite news |date=January 7, 2013 |title=Year-end Wii U sales steady, says Nintendo chief |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-console-sales-idUSBRE90605420130107 |url-status=live |access-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110055538/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/07/us-nintendo-console-sales-idUSBRE90605420130107 |archive-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Nearly 890,000 Wii U units were sold in the United States after 41 days on the market.<ref name="NintenHardware_register">{{cite web |last=Reisigner |first=Don |title=Wii U sales surpass Wii's through first six weeks |url=http://www.news10.net/entertainment/gameguys/article/224725/99/Wii-U-sales-surpass-Wiis-through-first-six-weeks/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004232118/http://www.news10.net/entertainment/gameguys/article/224725/99/Wii-U-sales-surpass-Wiis-through-first-six-weeks/ |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=January 10, 2013 |publisher=news10.net}}</ref> From the Wii U's launch till December 31, 2012, Nintendo reported that 3.06 million consoles and 11.69 million software units had been shipped worldwide.<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2013" /><!-- Q1/Q2 2013 -->In January 2013, Nintendo sold 57,000 Wii U units in the US.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=February 15, 2013 |title=Wii U sells 57,000 systems in January |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-02-15-wii-u-sells-57-000-systems-in-january |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217211347/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-02-15-wii-u-sells-57-000-systems-in-january |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |access-date=February 17, 2013}}</ref> By comparison, the original [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] sold 435,000 in January 2007, also two months after launch.<ref name="January2013NPDSalesCNET">{{cite web |author=Don Reisinger |date=February 15, 2013 |title=Uh-oh: Nintendo sold 57,000 Wii U units in the U.S. in January |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57569583-235/uh-oh-nintendo-sold-57000-wii-u-units-in-the-u.s-in-january/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217000306/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57569583-235/uh-oh-nintendo-sold-57000-wii-u-units-in-the-u.s-in-january/ |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2013 |publisher=CNET}}</ref> Initial sales numbers in the U.S. and other territories were lower than expected, resulting in Nintendo cutting sales projections for [[Physics:Fiscal year|fiscal year]] 2013 by 17%, from 5.5 million to 4 million;<ref>{{cite news |author=Jason Evangelho |date=January 30, 2013 |title=Nintendo Cuts FY 2013 Sales Projections By 17% Based On Sluggish Wii U Sales |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2013/01/30/nintendo-cuts-sales-projections-by-17-based-on-sluggish-wii-u-sales/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204003052/http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2013/01/30/nintendo-cuts-sales-projections-by-17-based-on-sluggish-wii-u-sales/ |archive-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref> the system actually ended up selling 3.5 million units.<ref name="2012sales">{{cite web |last=Shaer |first=Matthew |date=January 30, 2013 |title=Nintendo Admits the Wii U Is Struggling to Gain Traction |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2013/0130/Nintendo-admits-the-Wii-U-is-struggling-to-gain-traction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131095101/http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2013/0130/Nintendo-admits-the-Wii-U-is-struggling-to-gain-traction |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2013 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |publisher=Christian Science Publishing Society}}</ref> During the first quarter of 2013, Nintendo reported that 390,000 consoles and 1.73 million software units were shipped worldwide.<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2013" /> From March to June 2013, the system sold approximately 160,000 units, which was down 51% from the three months prior.<ref name="bbcsales">{{cite news |date=July 31, 2013 |title=Nintendo's Wii U sales disappoint |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23515086 |url-status=live |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308090344/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23515086 |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> During the second quarter of 2013, Nintendo reported that 160,000 consoles and 1.03 million software units were shipped worldwide.<ref name="nintendosales Q2 2013" />

===Loss of support===
In May 2013, [[Company:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]] announced that it was reducing support for the Wii U and had no games in development for it,<ref name="ea">{{cite web |last=Shaer |first=Matthew |date=May 17, 2013 |title=EA Turns Its Back on the Nintendo Wii U: Report |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2013/0517/EA-turns-its-back-on-the-Nintendo-Wii-U-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521005228/http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2013/0517/EA-turns-its-back-on-the-Nintendo-Wii-U-report |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2013 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |publisher=Christian Science Publishing Society}}</ref> but then partially reconsidered this decision a few days later, with EA's CFO announcing that "We are building titles for the Nintendo console, but not anywhere near as many as we are for PlayStation or Xbox".<ref>{{cite web |last=Tach |first=Dave |date=May 21, 2013 |title=EA is developing Wii U games, has bigger plans for PS4 and Xbox One, CFO says |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/5/21/4351844/ea-developing-wii-u-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607201600/http://www.polygon.com/2013/5/21/4351844/ea-developing-wii-u-games |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=June 30, 2013 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref> At E3 2013, Ubisoft revealed that it was not going to make any more exclusives for the Wii U until sales of the console improved,<ref>{{cite news |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=June 6, 2013 |title=Ubisoft to Nintendo: Sell More Systems and We'll Make More Exclusives |newspaper=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/ubisoft-to-nintendo-sell-more-systems-and-well-make-m-512860061 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615230354/http://kotaku.com/ubisoft-to-nintendo-sell-more-systems-and-well-make-m-512860061 |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2013}}</ref> though it stated shortly thereafter that it was still a "big supporter" of the Wii U, and planned to release as many Wii U games in 2013 as it did in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |date=June 24, 2013 |title=Ubisoft 'Big Supporters' of Wii U, Mobile Companion Apps |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/06/24/ubisoft-big-supporters-of-wii-u-mobile-companion-apps |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625011408/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/06/24/ubisoft-big-supporters-of-wii-u-mobile-companion-apps |archive-date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2013 |publisher=ign.com}}</ref> In July 2013, [[Company:Bethesda Softworks|Bethesda Softworks]] announced that it had no games in development for the Wii U, with Bethesda VP of PR and marketing Pete Hines explaining: "It depends on the games that we are making and how we think it aligns with that console, and how the hardware aligns with the other stuff we are making".<ref>{{cite web |last=Crossley |first=Rob |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Bethesda has 'no games in development for Wii U' |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/419305/bethesda-has-no-games-in-development-for-wii-u/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718235916/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/419305/bethesda-has-no-games-in-development-for-wii-u/ |archive-date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=July 17, 2013}}</ref> This explanation was later refined to being largely due to the hardware.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mallory |first=Jordan |date=August 6, 2013 |title=Wii U not on Bethesda's short-term radar |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/06/wii-u-not-on-bethesdas-short-term-radar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807180245/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/06/wii-u-not-on-bethesdas-short-term-radar/ |archive-date=August 7, 2013 |access-date=August 8, 2013 |publisher=joystiq.com}}</ref> Contrarily, [[Company:Activision|Activision]] has stated that it will "do everything they can" to support the system.<ref>{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=July 26, 2013 |title=Activision: we're doing "everything we can" to support Wii U |newspaper=Eurogamer |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-26-activision-were-doing-everything-we-can-to-support-wii-u |url-status=live |access-date=August 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730223301/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-26-activision-were-doing-everything-we-can-to-support-wii-u |archive-date=July 30, 2013}}</ref><!-- Q3 2013 - Retailers --> At the end of July 2013, Asda, the second-largest supermarket chain in the UK, confirmed that it had no plans to stock the Wii U, but would still stock games "on a title by title merit basis".<ref>{{cite web |last=Crossley |first=Rob |date=July 29, 2013 |title=Asda suspends Wii U stock |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/421340/asda-suspends-wii-u-stock/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801065656/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/421340/asda-suspends-wii-u-stock/ |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=July 30, 2013 |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com}}</ref> Despite this, many specialist retailers continued to emphasize their support, with Game CEO Martyn Gibbs saying "We fully support all Nintendo products, including Wii U."<ref>{{cite news |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=August 2, 2013 |title=Specialist Retailers Emphasize Their Support for the Wii U |newspaper=Nintendo Life |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/specialist_retailers_emphasize_their_support_for_the_wii_u |url-status=live |access-date=August 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130803191506/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/specialist_retailers_emphasize_their_support_for_the_wii_u |archive-date=August 3, 2013}}</ref>

===Price cut and first-party games===
Following the system's $50 price cut and the release of ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD'' on September 20, 2013, Wii U sales in North America saw a 200% rise over August.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckley |first=Sean |date=November 18, 2012 |title=Wii U sales jump in wake of price cut, increased by 200% in September |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/10/17/wii-u-sales-jump/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018030718/https://www.engadget.com/2013/10/17/wii-u-sales-jump/ |archive-date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=November 22, 2013 |publisher=Engadget}}</ref> From July to September 2013, the system sold approximately 300,000 units, which was up 87% from the three months prior. Despite only having sold 460,000 consoles since April, Nintendo maintained its 9 million Wii U sales forecast for the fiscal year through March 2014. Wii U software showed improvement in the Q2 period, reaching 5.27 million units, a 400% jump on the previous quarter. Nintendo credited the software growth to key first-party releases like ''[[Software:Pikmin 3|Pikmin 3]]'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Andy Robinson |date=October 30, 2013 |title=News: Nintendo reports 300k Wii U console sales in Q2 |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/435868/nintendo-reports-300k-wii-u-console-sales-in-q2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101222459/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/435868/nintendo-reports-300k-wii-u-console-sales-in-q2/ |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=November 22, 2013 |work=ComputerAndVideoGames}}</ref> During the third quarter of 2013, Nintendo reported that 300,000 consoles and 5.27 million software units were shipped worldwide.<ref name="nintendosales Q3 2013" /><!-- Q4 2013 --> In October 2013, online retailer ''Play.com'' announced that its Wii U sales saw a 75% sales increase. The company also predicted that the Wii U would be more popular than its competition, the [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]] and [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]], among children during the holiday season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Parfitt |first=Ben |title=Play.com predicts Wii U dominance this Christmas |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/play-com-predicts-wii-u-dominance-this-christmas/0125450 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209071236/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/play-com-predicts-wii-u-dominance-this-christmas/0125450 |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=December 12, 2013 |publisher=MCV UK}}</ref> Following the release of ''[[Software:Wii Party U|Wii Party U]]'' on October 31 in Japan, weekly Wii U sales spiked to 38,802 units sold.<ref>{{cite web |last=Haywald |first=Justin |title=Wii U sales in Japan surpass PS3, Vita, and Xbox 360 this week |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-sales-in-japan-surpass-ps3-vita-and-xbox-360-this-week/1100-6416036/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110042302/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-sales-in-japan-surpass-ps3-vita-and-xbox-360-this-week/1100-6416036/ |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=December 19, 2013 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> On November 29, 2013, Nintendo of France deputy general manager Philippe Lavoué announced that the Wii U had sold approximately 175,000 units in France since launch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hellio |first=Patrick |title=Super Mario 3D World Killer-App De La Wii U ? |url=http://www.jdli.com/super-mario-3d-world-killer-app-de-la-wii-u-art-508-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207073601/http://www.jdli.com/super-mario-3d-world-killer-app-de-la-wii-u-art-508-1.html |archive-date=February 7, 2015 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |publisher=JDLI.com |language=fr}}</ref> During the first two weeks of December, the Wii U was the top performing home console in Japan, with 123,665 units sold.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Dave |date=December 18, 2013 |title=Japanese game charts: Puzzles & Dragons Z tops software, Wii U sales up |url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/12/18/japanese-game-charts-puzzles-dragons-z-tops-software-wii-u-sales-up/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220070046/http://www.vg247.com/2013/12/18/japanese-game-charts-puzzles-dragons-z-tops-software-wii-u-sales-up/ |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |access-date=December 19, 2013 |publisher=VG247}}</ref> After one year in the market, the Wii U had sold approximately 150,000 units in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=December 2, 2013 |title=PlayStation 4 UK launch sales hit 250k |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-12-02-playstation-4-uk-launch-sales-are-over-250k |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203073946/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-12-02-playstation-4-uk-launch-sales-are-over-250k |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 14, 2013 |publisher=Eurogamer.net}}</ref> According to the NPD Group, Wii U sales in November increased by 340% over sales in October in North America, selling approximately 220,700 units sold in that month.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mike |title=NPD: PS4 tops Xbox One in North American November sales |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/442452/npd-ps4-tops-xbox-one-in-north-american-november-sales/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214234309/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/442452/npd-ps4-tops-xbox-one-in-north-american-november-sales/ |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=December 14, 2013 |publisher=CVG}}</ref> According to several publications, including NPD Group, December 2013 was the best-selling Wii U month in the US since its launch, selling around 481,000 units.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 17, 2014 |title=3DS Tops US Hardware Sales as Wii U Achieves "Its Highest Month" in December |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/01/3ds_tops_us_hardware_sales_as_wii_u_achieves_its_highest_month_in_december |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119030358/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/01/3ds_tops_us_hardware_sales_as_wii_u_achieves_its_highest_month_in_december |archive-date=January 19, 2014 |access-date=January 18, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref> Independent estimates put the number of Wii U consoles sold by the end of 2013 between 4.5 and 5.2 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Davis |first=Justin |date=January 7, 2014 |title=What Sony's '4.2 Million PS4s Sold' Figure Actually Means |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/07/what-sonys-42-million-ps4s-sold-figure-actually-means |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108095902/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/07/what-sonys-42-million-ps4s-sold-figure-actually-means |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> During the fourth quarter of 2013, Nintendo reported that 1.95 million consoles and 9.96 million software units were shipped worldwide.<ref name="nintendosales Q4 2013" /><!-- Q1 2014 -->

In January 2014, citing lower-than-expected sales during the 2013 holiday season, Nintendo announced that Wii U sales forecasts for fiscal year 2014 had been cut from 9 million units to 2.8 million.<ref>{{cite news |author=Chang-Ran Kim |date=January 17, 2014 |title=UPDATE 2-Nintendo heads for third consecutive annual loss as Wii U flops |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/nintendo-earnings-idUSL3N0KR26H20140117 |url-status=live |access-date=January 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201105025/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/17/nintendo-earnings-idUSL3N0KR26H20140117 |archive-date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> In light of this announcement, the Wii U's long-term viability had been called into question.<ref>{{cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |date=January 17, 2014 |title=Does it Really Matter if the Wii U Fails? |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/17/does-it-really-matter-if-the-wii-u-fails |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118120507/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/17/does-it-really-matter-if-the-wii-u-fails |archive-date=January 18, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> In February 2014, Nintendo revealed that the Wii U had improved about 180% in year-over-year sales in the United States due to the launch of ''[[Software:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze|Donkey Kong Country]]'', which sold 130,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web |last=Haywald |first=Justin |title=Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS see strong February sales over last year |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-s-wii-u-and-3ds-see-strong-february-sales-over-last-year/1100-6418305/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314023313/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-s-wii-u-and-3ds-see-strong-february-sales-over-last-year/1100-6418305/ |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> By February 26, Wii U sales had surpassed those of the [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=February 26, 2014 |title=Wii U Lifetime Sales in Japan Overtake the Xbox 360 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/wii_u_lifetime_sales_in_japan_overtake_the_xbox_360 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302131217/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/wii_u_lifetime_sales_in_japan_overtake_the_xbox_360 |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref> In March 2014, Nintendo sold just over 70,000 Wii U units, tracking it down 50% less than the [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]] and 90% less than the [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] during equivalent time periods.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 23, 2014 |title=Wii U sales tracking 50% less than GameCube, one-tenth of Wii |url=http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/23/wii-u-sales-tracking-50-less-than-gamecube-one-tenth-of-wii-4706243/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425204626/http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/23/wii-u-sales-tracking-50-less-than-gamecube-one-tenth-of-wii-4706243/ |archive-date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |publisher=Metro}}</ref> During the month, total worldwide sales of the [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]] surpassed those of the Wii U.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=March 4, 2014 |title=Latest PS4 Sales Figures Take it Past Wii U Life-to-Date Q3 Total |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/latest_ps4_sales_figures_take_it_past_wii_u_life_to_date_q3_total |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304230342/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/latest_ps4_sales_figures_take_it_past_wii_u_life_to_date_q3_total |archive-date=March 4, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref> During the first quarter of 2014, Nintendo reported that 310,000 consoles and 2.91 million software units were shipped worldwide.<ref name="nintendosales Q1 2014" /><!-- Q2 2014 --> During an annual investors' meeting, Satoru Iwata revealed Nintendo's projection of 3.6 million Wii U unit sales during the fiscal year ending {{end date|March 2015}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=May 13, 2014 |title=Satoru Iwata Explains "Conservative" Wii U Sales Projection of Just 3.6 Million Units |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/05/satoru_iwata_explains_conservative_wii_u_sales_projection_of_just_36_million_units |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516033755/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/05/satoru_iwata_explains_conservative_wii_u_sales_projection_of_just_36_million_units |archive-date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref> On May 22, 2014, Nintendo France announced that sales were 50% higher compared to the last year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Woitier |first1=Chloe |date=May 22, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 va relancer les ventes de la Wii U |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/secteur/high-tech/2014/05/22/01007-20140522ARTFIG00230-mario-kart-8-va-relancer-les-ventes-de-la-wii-u.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522160242/http://www.lefigaro.fr/secteur/high-tech/2014/05/22/01007-20140522ARTFIG00230-mario-kart-8-va-relancer-les-ventes-de-la-wii-u.php |archive-date=May 22, 2014 |access-date=June 2, 2014 |website=Le Figaro |language=fr}}</ref> With ''Mario Kart 8'' being Nintendo's biggest game launch,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Castle |first1=Matthew |title=Mario Kart 8 and Wii U celebrate chart success! |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/57958/mario-kart-8-and-wii-u-celebrate-chart-success/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110043503/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/57958/mario-kart-8-and-wii-u-celebrate-chart-success/ |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=June 2, 2014 |website=Official Nintendo Magazine UK |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> Wii U console sales reportedly increased by 666% in the United Kingdom, with the ''Mario Kart 8'' console bundle representing 82% of the region's Wii U console sales for the week.<ref name="MK8 UK hardware">{{cite web |last=Ivan |first=Tom |date=June 2, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 boosts UK Wii U hardware sales 666% |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/465552/mario-kart-8-boosts-uk-wii-u-hardware-sales-666/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604001538/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/465552/mario-kart-8-boosts-uk-wii-u-hardware-sales-666/ |archive-date=June 4, 2014 |access-date=June 2, 2014 |publisher=Computer and Video Games}}</ref> NPD Group reported that in the United States, when comparing the month of June 2013 to the same month in 2014, Wii U software sales were up 373% and console sales were up 233%.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peckham |first1=Matt |date=July 18, 2014 |title=PlayStation 4 Sweeps June Game Sales, While Mario Kart 8 Resuscitates the Wii U |magazine=Time |publisher=Time |url=http://time.com/3004621/playstation-xbox-mario-kart-wii/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718224531/http://time.com/3004621/playstation-xbox-mario-kart-wii/ |archive-date=July 18, 2014}}</ref><!-- Q4 2014 -->

The record would be surpassed in November 2014 by ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', which sold 490,000 copies in the United States during its first three days of availability.<ref name="cvg-smashwiiusales" /> According to Nintendo of America, December 2014 was Wii U's biggest month in terms of sales in the United States. Hardware sales increased 29%, and software sales increased 75% in comparison to December 2013.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 15, 2015 |title=Nintendo says Wii U just had its biggest month of sales |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/15/7554785/nintendo-says-wii-u-just-had-it-biggest-month-of-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116135739/http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/15/7554785/nintendo-says-wii-u-just-had-it-biggest-month-of-sales |archive-date=January 16, 2015 |access-date=February 22, 2015 |work=Polygon}}</ref>

In July 2015, Nintendo announced that as of the end of fiscal third quarter 2015, and nearly three years following its launch, it had shipped over ten million Wii U units worldwide. However, sales of Wii U units during this quarter were down in comparison to the same quarter in 2014, with 470,000 units sold (in comparison to 510,000 in 2014). In comparison, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One had each yielded sales of ten million units after approximately one year from their respective launches.<ref name="cnet-10mwiiu">{{cite web |title=Wii U sales finally hit 10 million units as Nintendo nabs tiny profit |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/wii-u-sales-finally-hit-10m-units-as-nintendo-turns-out-tiny-profit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730144352/http://www.cnet.com/news/wii-u-sales-finally-hit-10m-units-as-nintendo-turns-out-tiny-profit/ |archive-date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |website=CNET}}</ref>

==Legacy==
The future of the Wii U was left unclear with Nintendo's announcement of a new console platform codenamed [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|NX]], which was scheduled to be launched worldwide in March 2017. Nintendo stated that NX would have a "brand-new concept", and not be a direct successor to the Wii U or {{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}} product lines; in an interview with the ''Asahi Shimbun'', company president Tatsumi Kimishima reiterated this position and stated that while he thinks that the Wii U business would "slow" after the release of NX, he felt that the console would "have a larger impact than the Wii U".<ref name="vg247-nxsuccessor">{{cite web |date=May 16, 2016 |title=Nintendo NX "is neither the successor to the Wii U nor to the 3DS" |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/05/16/nintendo-nx-is-neither-the-successor-to-the-wii-u-nor-to-the-3ds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517101355/http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/16/nintendo-nx-is-neither-the-successor-to-the-wii-u-nor-to-the-3ds/ |archive-date=May 17, 2016 |access-date=May 17, 2016 |website=VG24/7}}</ref> The announcement that ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'' was in development for both Wii U and NX further supported Nintendo's view of the console as being a new product line, rather than a replacement for its existing hardware.<ref name="geekcom-wontreplace">{{cite web |title=Nintendo NX launches March 2017, won't simply replace Wii U and 3DS |url=http://www.geek.com/games/nintendo-nx-launches-march-2017-wont-simply-replace-wii-u-and-3ds-1653398/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501211459/http://www.geek.com/games/nintendo-nx-launches-march-2017-wont-simply-replace-wii-u-and-3ds-1653398/ |archive-date=May 1, 2016 |access-date=May 3, 2016 |website=Geek.com}}</ref><ref name="CnetNX">{{cite web |last1=Westaway |first1=Luke |title=Nintendo will make games for phones, new 'NX' system |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/mario-set-for-smartphones-as-nintendo-forges-new-mobile-deal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318071603/http://www.cnet.com/news/mario-set-for-smartphones-as-nintendo-forges-new-mobile-deal/ |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |access-date=March 17, 2015 |website=CNET}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Reilly |first1=Luke |date=April 27, 2016 |title=Nintendo NX Will Launch In March 2017 |url=http://ign.com/articles/2016/04/27/nintendo-nx-will-launch-in-march-2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428095149/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/27/nintendo-nx-will-launch-in-march-2017 |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=April 27, 2016 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref><ref name="ign-zelda17">{{cite web |date=April 27, 2016 |title=Zelda Wii U Delayed to 2017, Also Coming to NX |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2016/04/27/zelda-wii-u-delayed-to-2017-also-coming-to-nx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709171629/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/27/zelda-wii-u-delayed-to-2017-also-coming-to-nx |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2016 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis Media}}</ref> In a shareholders report in July 2016, Kimishima and Miyamoto stated that they had expected the Wii U to sell one hundred million units, comparable to the success of the Wii, but with only thirteen million units sold worldwide, they would now need to rely on NX to make up for losses on Wii U sales.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brightman |first=James |date=July 7, 2016 |title=Wii U was expected to sell 100 million units |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-07-07-wii-u-was-expected-to-sell-100-million-units |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708124529/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-07-07-wii-u-was-expected-to-sell-100-million-units |archive-date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2016 |work=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref>

The new platform, now known as the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]], was officially announced on October 20, 2016; it is a [[Engineering:Tablet computer|tablet]]-like hybrid video game console with detachable controllers, and the ability to be placed in a [[Engineering:Docking station|docking station]] with an output to allow games to be played on a television. Although it is a hybrid device capable of being used as both a portable and home console, Nintendo officially positioned the platform as "a home gaming system first and foremost". Following the unveiling, a Nintendo spokesperson confirmed that the company would slow production of Wii U hardware, stating that "as we prepare for the launch of Nintendo Switch in March of 2017, Nintendo will ship 800,000 Wii U hardware units to the global market for this fiscal year."<ref name="polygon-homefirst2">{{cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Nintendo: Switch is a home gaming system 'first and foremost' |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/20/13347910/nintendo-switch-home-gaming-system |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021004824/http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/20/13347910/nintendo-switch-home-gaming-system |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=October 20, 2016 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=October 21, 2016 |title=One day later, additional Nintendo Switch details dribble out |work=[[Ars Technica]] |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/what-we-now-know-about-the-nintendo-switch/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021155231/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/what-we-now-know-about-the-nintendo-switch/ |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |via=Condé Nast}}</ref> In mid-November 2016, Nintendo announced that Japanese production of the Wii U would be ending "in the near future", and that shipments to the North American market for the year had already been sent out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Osborn |first=Alex |date=November 10, 2016 |title=Nintendo Officially Announces Wii U Production is Ending |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/10/nintendo-officially-announces-wii-u-production-is-ending-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111001354/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/10/nintendo-officially-announces-wii-u-production-is-ending-in-japan |archive-date=November 11, 2016 |access-date=November 11, 2016 |work=IGN}}</ref>

In an interview with ''{{wipe|Time (magazine)}}'' in January 2017, Reggie Fils-Aimé commented that the system was "a necessary step, in order to get to Nintendo Switch." Fils-Aimé also compared the system to the [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]], claiming that the Wii U will be remembered fondly despite its relatively poor sales.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peckham |first1=Matt |date=January 15, 2017 |title=Nintendo America Boss: Switch Will Have 'Nintendo Flair' |work=TIME.com |url=http://time.com/4635415/nintendo-switch-online-reggie-fils-amie/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115162536/http://time.com/4635415/nintendo-switch-online-reggie-fils-amie/ |archive-date=January 15, 2017}}</ref> Fils-Aimé stated that the commercial failure of the Wii U, specifically the lack of clarity of the Wii U GamePad's function, and the lack of support from third-party publishers to build out its software library, led to how they changed the marketing and promotion for the Switch. He said the Switch's promotion was developed "to make it crystal clear what the proposition is" for the systems, and that they had "strong support" from large and small software developers and publishers to support the new console.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yuriff |first=Kaya |date=November 9, 2017 |title=Nintendo exec: Failed Wii U is responsible for Switch's success |url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/11/09/technology/nintendo-switch-wii-u/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109233526/http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/09/technology/nintendo-switch-wii-u/index.html |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |access-date=November 10, 2017 |work=CNN}}</ref>

In mid-January 2017, Fils-Aimé told ''Polygon'' that ''Breath of the Wild'', which would ship at launch with the Switch in March 2017, would be Nintendo's final first-party game for the Wii U.<ref name="polygon-lastgame">{{cite web |date=January 19, 2017 |title=Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be the last Nintendo game for Wii U |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/1/19/14313914/legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-last-nintendo-game-for-wii-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119161852/http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/19/14313914/legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-last-nintendo-game-for-wii-u |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> Nintendo formally announced that production of the Wii U had ended worldwide on January 31, 2017.<ref name="kotaku eol" /> Despite this, the console had third party releases until 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-16 |title=Shakedown: Hawaii For Wii U Arrives Next Week |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/08/shakedown_hawaii_for_wii_u_arrives_next_week |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924213552/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/08/shakedown_hawaii_for_wii_u_arrives_next_week |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-12 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> Most of the Wii U's popular exclusive games have been re-released on the Nintendo Switch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=2018-05-01 |title=Nintendo is slowly erasing the Wii U from existence |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/1/17301860/nintendo-switch-ports-wii-u-obsolete |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=[[The Verge]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yaden |first=Joseph |date=2022-11-10 |title=10 years ago, Nintendo released a major flop — and paved the way for an even bigger success |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/nintendo-wii-u-10th-anniversary |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<!-- Hardware -->
<ref name="Iwata Asks: Wii U 1">{{cite web|title=Iwata Asks : Wii U: The Console : Changes in Television|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/console/0/0|website=Iwata Asks – Nintendo|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=August 1, 2014|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513072726/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/console/0/0|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=fail0verflow>{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Hector|title=Console Hacking 2013: Omake|url=https://fail0verflow.com/blog/2014/console-hacking-2013-omake.html|website=Fail0verflow|access-date=August 1, 2014|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728234904/https://fail0verflow.com/blog/2014/console-hacking-2013-omake.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Official specs">{{cite web|title=Wii U Technical Specs|url=https://www.nintendo.com/wiiu/features/tech-specs/|website=Nintendo|access-date=August 1, 2014|archive-date=February 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227131607/http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu/features/tech-specs|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="clock speeds">{{cite web|last1=Leadbetter|first1=Richard|title=Wii U has 1.24GHz CPU, 550MHz graphics core – report|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-wii-hacker-reveals-wii-u-cpu-secrets|website=Eurogamer|access-date=August 1, 2014|date=November 29, 2012|archive-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811202331/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-wii-hacker-reveals-wii-u-cpu-secrets|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="IBM CPU specs">{{cite web|title=IBM Microprocessors to Power the New Wii U System from Nintendo|url=http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/34683.wss|website=IBM|access-date=August 1, 2014|date=June 7, 2011|archive-date=July 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702140332/http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/34683.wss|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=Watson>{{cite web|last1=Michael|first1=Gorman|title=IBM puts Watson's brains in Nintendo Wii U|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/ibm-puts-watsons-brains-in-nintendo-wii-u/|website=Engadget|date=June 7, 2011 |access-date=August 1, 2014|archive-date=June 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625210447/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/ibm-puts-watsons-brains-in-nintendo-wii-u/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{Eighth generation game consoles}}
{{Home video game consoles}}
[[Category:Home video game consoles]]

{{Sourceattribution|Wii U}}