We knew it was coming, but not like this . Nintendo has shut down the online servers for both Wii U and 3DS today. This means the end of online multiplayer for both consoles Mario kart 7 For 3DS and original Splatoon to single player or couch co-op experiences for Wii U. First Super Mario Maker it’s also effectively dead as there’s no way to view and load player-created levels.
Both consoles are relatively controversial. 3DS was originally considered although ultimately . This was due to the number of incredible names Super Mario 3D Land and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds as a more niche fare Icarus the Child: Rebellion and Fire Emblem Awakening. The portable console also had a solid lineup of online exclusive titles, e.g Pushmo and BoxBoy!.
The Wii U, on the other hand, never found a significant audience and is largely considered one of Nintendo’s biggest mistakes. It was the next home console after the Wii to define culture, so it had big shoes to fill. However, the company went with a name that was an absolute nightmare for the Wii’s core audience of casual gamers. Was this an accessory for the original Wii? A new console? Bad iPad? Those of us in the gaming media knew the answer, but casuals never had a chance.
There was also the console itself. The company has never presented a compelling use case for the “asymmetrical gaming” that the device offers. Simply put, the Wii U gave you two screens. Of course, there was a TV, and a tablet with a touch screen. This was supposed to lead to unique game mechanics that gave the person holding the tablet a different task than those with traditional controllers, but only a few titles really explored this concept.
Just like the 3DS, the Wii U featured a strong selection of first-party classics. I found the first-party offerings of the Wii era to be very difficult, trying to shoehorn in quick and gimmicky swings. I still panic when I remember how terrifying it was to fly into Link The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The Wii U, on the other hand, brought Nintendo back to a new concept of “just make good games.”
The console brought us Mario kart 8it’s still the gold standard for digital kart racing, and it’s low cost Super Mario 3D World. And there was Super Mario Makerexcellent Super Smash Bros. name, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Ice Cream, Pikmin 3 and Captain Toad: Treasure Trackeramong many others.
Even if you’ve never owned a Wii U, you’ve probably played some of these games. Nintendo knew the console itself was a failure, but the games were good. This led to numerous re-releases on the Switch. It is worth noting that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild . Also, there was Miiverse! Nintendo, for the love of Bowser, . It was the only pure social network.
There’s certainly a strong case to be made that both the Wii U’s design and its failure led to the Switch. Both devices allow for portable gaming, but the Wii U required people to be tethered to a large console. The Switch on the other hand is a (not bulky) console. Nintendo’s smash hybrid , as of December. The Wii U sold less than 14 million units in its lifetime.
Nintendo already Last year for 3DS and Wii U, so this is a final goodbye. Fortunately, fast runners a Super Mario Maker a level that was considered impossible just a few days ago. Life always finds a way. Sleep well, my two old friends.
