We knew it was coming, but that's not the case. Nintendo shut down the online servers for both the Wii U and 3DS today. This means the end of online multiplayer gaming for both consoles, making mario kart 7 for 3DS and the original Splatoon for Wii U in single-player experiences or couch co-op. The first Super Mario Creator It's also effectively dead, as there's no way to search and download player-created levels.
Both consoles are relatively controversial. The 3DS was originally considered a , although it eventually became a . This was thanks to a host of amazing titles, from Super Mario Land 3D and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds at more specific rates such as Kid Icarus: Uprising and Fire Emblem Awakening. The handheld console also had a strong lineup of online exclusive titles, such as Pushmo and Box boy!.
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 culture-defining Wii, so it had big shoes to fill. However, the company chose a name that was an absolute nightmare for the Wii's core audience of casual gamers. Was it an accessory for the original Wii? A new console? A shitty iPad? Those of us who were glued to the gaming media knew the answer, but the casuals never stood a chance.
There was also the console itself. The company never presented a compelling use case for the “asymmetric gameplay” the device offers. Simply put, the Wii U gave you two screens. Of course, there was the TV, but also a touchscreen tablet. This was supposed to lead to a unique gameplay mechanic that would give the person holding the tablet a different task than those holding traditional controllers, but only a few titles actually explored this concept.
However, like the 3DS, the Wii U was boosted by a solid selection of first-party classics. I found the Wii era's offerings to be mostly disappointing, with desperate attempts to shoehorn in meticulous, gimmicky movement. I still panic remembering how horrible it felt to blow Link up in The legend of zelda's skyward sword. The Wii U, on the other hand, brought back to Nintendo a novel concept called “just making good games.”
The console brought us mario kart 8which remains the gold standard for digital kart racing, and the underrated Super Mario 3D World. There was also Super Mario Creatora great Super Smash Bros. title, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Frost, 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 Switch. It is worth noting that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild . Plus, I had Miiverse! Nintendo, for the love of Bowser,. It was the only pure social network.
Of course, a strong argument can be made that both the design of the Wii U and its failure led to the Switch. Both devices allow for portable gaming, but the Wii U required people to be tethered to a bulky console. The Switch, on the other hand, is the (not bulky) console. Nintendo's successful hybrid , to December. The Wii U sold fewer than 14 million devices over its lifetime.
Nintendo already released 3DS and Wii U last year, so this is the final goodbye. Luckily, speedrunners to Super Mario Creator level that a few days ago was thought impossible. Life always finds a way. Sleep well, my two old friends.
