Top 10 Reasons Why the Wii U Undersold
Released by Nintendo in 2012, the Wii U was supposed to be the successor to the massively popular Wii, but things didn't quite go according to plan.Despite its innovative features and beloved franchises, the Wii U struggled to find an audience and ultimately became one of Nintendo's biggest commercial failures. But why did it undersell?
First, let's talk a bit about what made the Wii U special. The console was unique in that it offered a second screen experience via its GamePad controller, which could be used to play games independently of the TV. It also boasted a strong lineup of Nintendo exclusives, including Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon.
Despite these strengths, however, the Wii U failed to capture the imagination of the gaming public. So what went wrong?
Nintendo fans often argue that they don't need third-party support and that they prefer to play only Nintendo games. However, if you want Nintendo to continue creating games, third-party support is essential. Without it, the continuation of even the most famous franchises is at risk. While these franchises are popular, they no longer generate the revenue they once did. It's crucial for Nintendo to innovate and introduce new offerings like Splatoon, while also supporting third-party developers. This support is not just beneficial for the third parties. It also helps Nintendo profit and continue producing its own games.
The launch lineup included a New Super Mario Bros game, which was enjoyable but not original, and a few decent ports. There were no brand-new or highly anticipated games.
The launch was definitely lackluster. However, the release of Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. Wii U marked a turning point for the console.
To be fair, Nintendo's hardware has always been weaker than that of Microsoft and Sony. It is clear that high-end hardware is not their focus, although stepping up their game in this area could be beneficial.
While it was a step up from the original Wii, the Wii U was still considerably weaker than the PS4 and Xbox One.
I hope Nintendo has learned from its hardware mistakes during the Wii era with the introduction of the Nintendo Switch.
Wii Sports was captivating and showcased the fun of motion controls. Nintendo Land, however, failed to make a compelling case for the tablet controller. If only Super Mario Maker had been released two and a half years earlier!
2013 was a dry year for new titles, with almost no releases until Pikmin 3 in the fall.
When Nintendo first introduced its controller, it was a novel concept. However, the rapid evolution of the tablet market soon overshadowed its uniqueness.
Zelda was announced late in the console's life cycle. To be fair, Skyward Sword was released only a year before the Wii U. A title from the Metroid Prime series could have been beneficial. While production values are not everything, the console would have benefited from a few big-budget exclusives.
Many people thought the Wii U was merely an upgrade to the Wii, rather than a new console.
The gamepad feels awkward to hold, particularly the triggers. Many gamers find it challenging to simultaneously look at both the gamepad screen and the TV screen.
The gamepad did not seem fun to use. It was just awkward.
Before the Wii U was launched, I thought it would have been a great idea if the GamePad included a cartridge slot for DS games. The touchscreen could have been integrated into the GamePad, with the other screen displayed on the TV.
Splatoon was released nearly three years later, but aside from that, most offerings were sequels.