Wii U: Final Post

This blog has been fun. I may even post on it again someday. But for the time being, I will not be visiting this blog. But it is fitting for me to make my final (for now) post the final yearly review of the Wii U. I've been doing this since 2013. But just as Nintendo has announced the end of Wii U production, so I announce the end of this series. You might be thinking, "but today is the 19th, not the 18th!" I could say that it was intentional, considering that today is the 10 year anniversary of the release of the Nintendo Wii. But in reality I just didn't have time. So let's look at how Nintendo did the past year, in relation to my previous suggestions.

Lower the Price

No dice. Another year, another $300 price tag. No reason to think it will change. Even Nintendo's next generation system, the Nintendo Switch, is rumored to cost less than that!

Actually release Zelda for Wii U

Again, no dice. But now we know considerably more about the game. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be released for the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch sometime in 2017. Originally rumored to be March, it appears it will slip due to localization issues.  As long as I've waited for this game, I can wait a little longer.

Cross-Platform Innovations

Unfortunately, while Nintendo is certainly getting into the mobile space, what with Miitomo and Super Mario Run, there is little for cross-platform. My fear is that with the mobile nature of the Switch, Nintendo will overlook the great cross-platform possibilities afforded.

2017: Wii U Out, Switch In


I have no intention on writing a blog post for next year regarding this topic. But it would still do well to give some brief thoughts on what Nintendo can do.

Hype up the Switch

So far, Nintendo has done a great job building momentum for this system. Now keep it going. Marketing, contracts, pull out all the stops.

Competitive Pricing

If Nintendo releases the Switch for $250 (with a rumored $300 Splatoon bundle), then things would be great for them. Sony has already released the PS4 Pro for $400, and many people are wondering what the purpose of the system is. Microsoft's Project Scorpio looks to be released next year for the same, and people are also confused. In fact, Microsoft just this year announced and released the Xbox One S, offering 4K gaming and viewing. These systems have an identity crisis. The Switch does not have this. If they can offer gamers a different experience for that price, Nintendo will rake in money.

Pump Out Wii U ports

The Switch announcement video was filled with what appears to be enhanced ports of Wii U games, such as Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon. The fact is, the Wii U was a great system. Don't let these games die on that console. Many of the most important games on Wii U never made use of the now defunct Gamepad. Bring them to the Switch, and let the Xbox/Playstation players in on the fun I've been having for years now.

Well, I could say more, but I'm done. For anyone who for some reason has enjoyed reading my opinions on this, I truly thank you for giving me your time. I hope I didn't waste it. Now, on to better things, and on to better systems.