Warning Signs Abounded as Wii U Launched 10 Years Ago

Historically, Nintendo had not prioritized being the first to market with new consoles. However, with the Wii U, the company had a unique opportunity to set the pace for a console generation. The Wii U's launch plans were announced in September 2012, with a release date set for November in both the US and Europe. The system would be available in two models: a basic white version for $300 and a black Deluxe model with more internal memory and a copy of Nintendo Land for $350. Despite some concerns over the pricing, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime was confident that the system offered strong value. The company had a solid lineup of first-party titles, including New Super Mario Bros. U, Pikmin 3, and Wii Fit U, but the third-party picture was less clear. Many of the third-party games available for the Wii U were already available on other platforms, and some analysts questioned whether the system could compete with the next-generation consoles from Microsoft and Sony. In the years that followed, the Wii U struggled to gain traction, and Nintendo ultimately merged its handheld and console hardware divisions, paving the way for the development of the Switch. The Wii U's legacy is complex, with some considering it a commercial disappointment, while others appreciate its innovative games and hardware.