The Wii U, Nintendo’s eighth-generation home console, had a tumultuous run during its lifespan from 2012 to 2017. Despite its innovative GamePad controller and diverse game library, the console struggled to gain traction in the market, ultimately leading to its discontinuation. However, even as the Wii U’s popularity waned, developers continued to release games for the console, with some of them still being remembered fondly today. But what was the last game released for the Wii U?
A Brief History of the Wii U
Before we dive into the last game released for the Wii U, it’s essential to understand the console’s journey and the events that led to its demise. The Wii U was announced in 2011 and released in 2012, succeeding the highly successful Wii console. The Wii U was designed to appeal to a wider audience, with a focus on core gamers who were drawn to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Despite its ambitious goals, the Wii U struggled to find its footing in the market. The console’s confusing name, lack of third-party support, and limited marketing efforts all contributed to its poor sales. The Wii U’s innovative GamePad controller, which featured a 6.2-inch touchscreen and motion controls, was seen as a gimmick by many, and its graphics capabilities were not on par with its competitors.
Nintendo’s Shift in Focus
As the Wii U’s sales continued to decline, Nintendo began to shift its focus towards developing games for mobile devices and creating a new, more powerful console. The company’s decision to release Super Mario Run on iOS in 2016 marked a significant turning point, as it signaled a commitment to exploring new platforms and revenue streams.
Meanwhile, rumors began to circulate about Nintendo’s next-generation console, codenamed “NX.” The company officially announced the Nintendo Switch in 2016, and the hybrid console’s release in 2017 marked the end of the Wii U’s production run.
The Last Game Released for the Wii U
With the Wii U’s discontinuation imminent, developers were still hard at work creating games for the console. The last game released for the Wii U was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which launched on March 3, 2017.
This open-world adventure marked a radical departure from previous Zelda games, offering a massive open world to explore, a dynamic weather system, and innovative physics-based gameplay mechanics. The game’s development was a response to the Wii U’s dwindling sales, as Nintendo aimed to create a swan song for the console that would leave a lasting impression on gamers.
A Critical and Commercial Success
Breath of the Wild received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising its expansive open world, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals. The game’s score on Metacritic, a review aggregation website, stands at an impressive 94%, making it one of the highest-rated games of all time.
Commercially, Breath of the Wild was a success, selling over 1.3 million copies in its first month alone. The game’s performance helped to boost the Wii U’s sales, albeit briefly, as fans and collectors clamored to experience the console’s final hurrah.
The Legacy of the Wii U
Despite its commercial failure, the Wii U has left a lasting legacy in the world of gaming. The console’s innovative GamePad controller paved the way for the Nintendo Switch’s detachable Joy-Con controllers, which have become a hallmark of the hybrid console’s design.
Moreover, the Wii U’s game library, although limited in quantity, features some of the most beloved titles in Nintendo’s repertoire, including Super Mario 3D World, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD. These games continue to be cherished by fans and serve as a testament to the Wii U’s underrated potential.
A Collector’s Item
As the Wii U becomes increasingly scarce, the console and its games have become sought-after collector’s items. The Wii U’s rarity, combined with its nostalgic value, has driven up prices for used consoles and games on online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon.
In particular, Breath of the Wild has become a highly prized collector’s item, with sealed copies selling for hundreds of dollars. The game’s scarcity, coupled with its critical and commercial success, has cemented its status as a classic of the Wii U era.
Conclusion
The Wii U’s last game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, serves as a fitting tribute to the console’s innovative spirit and creative genius. Although the Wii U ultimately failed to achieve the same level of success as its predecessors, it has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
As we look back on the Wii U’s tumultuous journey, we are reminded of the importance of innovation, risk-taking, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The Wii U may be gone, but its legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of gamers and developers alike.
| Game Title | Release Date | Metacritic Score |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | March 3, 2017 | 94% |
Note: The Metacritic score mentioned in the table is based on the Wii U version of the game.
What was the last game released for the Wii U?
The last game released for the Wii U was Shiftlings, a puzzle-platformer developed by Sierra Entertainment. It was released on April 13, 2015, in North America and on April 16, 2015, in Europe. Shiftlings is a unique game that involves two characters, one big and one small, who are connected by a tube and must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
The game features beautiful hand-drawn graphics and a charming soundtrack, making it a great addition to the Wii U’s library. Although it received mixed reviews from critics, Shiftlings is still a fun and challenging game that is worth checking out, especially for fans of puzzle-platformers.
Why was the Wii U discontinued?
The Wii U was discontinued in January 2017, after a lifespan of just over four years. There were several reasons for its discontinuation, including poor sales, a lack of popular games, and the rise of its successor, the Nintendo Switch. The Wii U struggled to compete with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, which were released around the same time and offered more powerful hardware and a wider range of games.
Nintendo also faced challenges in getting third-party developers to create games for the Wii U, which limited its appeal to gamers. The company decided to focus on the Switch, which has been a huge success and has helped to revitalize Nintendo’s fortunes. Although the Wii U is no longer in production, it still has a loyal following and its games remain popular among gamers.
Is the Wii U still worth buying?
Despite being discontinued, the Wii U is still worth buying for those who are interested in playing its unique games, such as Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The console is still available from many retailers, both online and in-store, and its price has dropped significantly since its release.
Additionally, the Wii U has a vibrant community of gamers who continue to play and share their experiences online. The console also has a wide range of accessories, including the innovative GamePad, which offers a unique gaming experience. Overall, the Wii U is still a great option for those who are looking for a fun and affordable gaming console.
Can I still buy Wii U games?
Yes, you can still buy Wii U games from various retailers, both online and in-store. Many popular games are still available for purchase, including new releases and classic titles. You can also buy digital copies of games from the Nintendo eShop, which offers a wide range of titles, including indie games and classic Nintendo games.
In addition, many retailers still carry a selection of Wii U games, including GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon. You can also find used copies of games from online marketplaces and second-hand stores. However, be aware that the availability of certain games may be limited, and prices may vary depending on the retailer and the condition of the game.
Is the Wii U compatible with the Nintendo Switch?
No, the Wii U is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch. The two consoles have different architectures and operating systems, which means that they are not compatible with each other. The Switch is a hybrid console that combines the features of a home console and a handheld device, while the Wii U is a traditional home console.
Although the two consoles share some similarities, they are distinct and separate systems. The Switch is designed to be more portable and versatile, with a focus on playing games both at home and on the go. The Wii U, on the other hand, is a more traditional console that is designed to be played primarily at home.
Can I transfer my Wii U data to the Switch?
Yes, you can transfer some of your Wii U data to the Switch, but there are some limitations. You can transfer your digital game purchases, as well as your save data, from the Wii U to the Switch using the Nintendo Network ID system. This means that you can pick up where you left off in certain games, such as Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario Maker, on the Switch.
However, not all Wii U data can be transferred to the Switch. For example, you cannot transfer your Wii U console’s system data, such as your console’s settings and preferences, to the Switch. Additionally, some games may not be compatible with the Switch, or may require a separate purchase. Be sure to check the Nintendo website for more information on transferring data between consoles.
Is the Wii U still online?
No, the Wii U’s online services are no longer available. In January 2022, Nintendo shut down the Wii U’s online services, including the Nintendo Network and the Miiverse social network. This means that you can no longer access online multiplayer, download new content, or share messages and screenshots with other players.
However, you can still play games offline, and access any digital content that you have already downloaded to your console. The Wii U’s online services may be gone, but the console still has a lot to offer, including a wide range of games and a unique gaming experience.