What is the Wii U?

Wii U is Nintendo's first high definition home console, a powerful system with a controller that changes the way you can play games and connect together. There are several hardware packs available – take a look at the available hardware options on our Wii U website.

Does Wii U play Wii games?

Yes, you can. As Wii U has backwards compatibility with Wii games, it's possible to play Wii games and use Wii accessories on Wii U. Actually, nearly all Wii games can be played on Wii U by inserting the relevant disc or by downloading the game from WiiWare or Virtual Console.

What's the difference between Wii U and Nintendo Switch?

The main difference here, of course, is that the Wii U GamePad can't be taken on the go — or at least not beyond the relatively short wireless range of the console. With the Switch, on the other hand, the console is a handheld system.

Do you need a Wii to play the Wii U?

No. You can play the Wii games on Wii U without Wii, but if you want to continue where you left off, you must do the Wii system transfer (this requires a Wii). Thanks!

What do you need to use a Wii U?

Wii U - Overview Video

Can you play Wii U without a TV?

For supported games, a television isn't required to be connected to the Wii U; the Wii U can operate in Off-TV Play mode as long as the console is connected to a power source.

Why was the Wii U discontinued?

It had low sales, primarily credited to a weak lineup of launch games, limited third-party support, and poor marketing including the lack of distinguishing the unique functionality of the GamePad from just being a tablet device for the Wii. Wii U production ended in January 2017.

Is Wii U outdated?

The Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShops will be discontinued in "late March 2023," Nintendo announced today, effectively closing off access to a host of content that can only be found on those platforms. The shutdown will be a multi-stage process that will last through 2022 and until 2023.

Can you run Wii U games on Switch?

No. Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch is an all-new way to play, and does not include backwards compatibility with digital or physical games designed for other systems.

Can the Wii U play dvds?

The Wii U system supports both Wii U and Wii Game Discs. GameCube discs, Blu-ray discs, DVD discs, CDs, etc. are not supported.

Can you play Mario Kart Wii on Wii U?

All games for the Wii can be played on the Wii U system with the Wii remote, but no games for the Wii U can be used on the Wii. For example, Mario Kart Wii can be played on both the Wii and Wii U but Mario Kart 8 can only be played on the Wii U.

Are Wii games still made?

The list of Wii games spans from the console's launch in 2006 to the last game release in 2020. There are 1640 video games for the Wii video game console.

Is it better to buy a Wii U or Wii?

The Wii U is basically an improved Wii. Nearly all Wii games are playable on the Wii U and in HD, no less, making it the best way to experience almost any Wii game you desire. Backward compatibility is something that Switch owners have never experienced.

What is special about the Wii U?

Wii U is Nintendo's first high definition home console, a powerful system with a controller that changes the way you can play games and connect together. There are several hardware packs available – take a look at the available hardware options on our Wii U website.

Which is better Wii or Wii U or Switch?

The newer Nintendo Switch has better internal storage and a massive leap in processing power. It also resembles much of the Wii U, except it's a standalone device and isn't an auxiliary controller to the console. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Wii also has amazing features to boast, like the wheel used to play Mario Kart Wii.

Can you still play Wii U in 2023?

Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS digital storefronts are shutting down today, March 27th, 2023 at 8PM ET. While you'll no longer be able to purchase games or DLC from either eShop, you'll still be able to redownload the games you've already bought and play online for the time being.

How much did a Wii U cost?

The Wii U launched in the US on November 18, 2012. It initially shipped in a "Basic Set" for $299.99 and a "Deluxe Edition" for $349.99 that came with a copy of NintendoLand (more on that later).

Can I watch Netflix on my Wii U?

Download Netflix App and Play on Nintendo Wii U. For the Nintendo Wii U supports online video services, the easiest way to play Netflix movies or TV shows is to set up Netflix app and then connect your Nintendo Wii U to your Netflix account. Just follow the next steps. 1.

Is the Wii U considered a failure?

Contrary to Nintendo's expectations, the Wii U was a commercial failure, and sold around 13.5 million units, second only to Nintendo's abysmal Virtual Boy, which sold less than a million units. It lost some of the goodwill Nintendo had gained with the Wii and left the gaming giant's future unclear.

Are Wii U games still sold?

As of March 27, 2023 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, it is no longer possible to make purchases in Nintendo eShop for the Wii U system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. It is also no longer possible to download free content, including game demos.

Can I still buy games on Wii U eShop?

As it promised more than a year ago, Nintendo is shutting down those digital storefronts tonight at 8 pm Eastern, after previously halting the ability to add eShop funds in May 2022.

Can you bring a Wii U on a plane?

Checked Bags: Yes

Please place the console in a separate bin for X-ray screening. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.

Is Wii U handheld only?

The Wii U isn't a portable gaming system, and unlike the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo 3DS, the controller isn't meant to be played outside the house or away from the Wii U console. Like the Wii, the Wii U console is meant to be played indoors.