Wii U News
Random New Zelda: OOT Speedrunning Route Requires A Wii U GamePad And A Rubber Band
But is it legal?
The world of Zelda: Ocarina of Time speedrunning is a wild one. The best of the best have Any% runs down to under four minutes these days, but there's still hope that it can be done faster. And so we reach the latest discovery, one that utilises a Wii U GamePad and a rubber band to shave three to four seconds off the current world...
News Nintendo Runs Out Of Replacement Parts For Wii U, Ends Repair Service In Japan
"We will no longer be accepting repairs for Wii U"
Last year in May, Nintendo's Japanese support service revealed it would be ending repairs for the Wii U when its current parts inventory ran out. Now, in an update just over a year later on its website, it's announced the service for this system (originally released in 2012) has officially ended...
Random The Last Pokémon Player On 3DS Online Shares Message Of Thanks
Player survived 28 days, 23 hours, and 30 minutes after shutdown
The last remaining player to play Pokémon X & Y via the Nintendo 3DS online servers has shared a message of thanks after surviving for 28 days, 23 hours, and 30 minutes after the official shutdown. Known only as 'Amanda', the player's message was relayed online by Joziken (one of...
Random Four Players Remain On The Nintendo Network Servers, One Month After Closure
Keeping the dream alive
Last month saw Nintendo finally shut down the online servers for the Wii U and 3DS' Nintendo Network. It was a sad day, for sure, but there have been a brave few who, in the month since, have kept the dream alive (thanks, GamesRadar). Yes, a certain group slipped through the cracks of Nintendo's shutdown and
Random 3DS & Wii U Players Beat 14-Year-Old Halo 2 Server Record
Online services were shut down last month
A group of Wii U and 3DS players have managed to stay online, despite servers being shut down, for over 25 days. And, in the process, they've managed to beat a 14-year-old record held by Halo 2 fans. GaffsNotLaffs (via GamesRadar) has been tracking users wh
Video This Controller Has A Screen, But Don't Expect A Wii U GamePad
Alex investigates
After seven years, we have seen Switch controllers of all shapes and sizes. LEDs, glow-in-the-dark, Hall Effect joysticks, the novelties go on. One feature that we were surprised to see on the recently revealed Manba One wireless controller, however, was a screen. Yes, a screen. On the controller. Could this be the Wii U 2.0?...
News Fan-Made Nintendo Network Replacement 'Pretendo' No Longer Requires Hacked Wii U
Just in time
Official online functionality for the Wii U and 3DS may be no more (as of today, 9th April), but unofficial Nintendo Network replacements are already out there. What's more, the fan-made server substitute Pretendo Network is now available even for those who don't want to hack their Wii U. In a blog post released today, the brains...
News 3DS And Wii U Users Say Goodbye To Online Play
"Goodnight"
It's a bit of a sad day in the world of Nintendo, with the company officially shutting down online play functionality for both the 3DS and Wii U systems. Fans have today united by jumping on the servers while they were still active and seeing out the final hours. Across social media, there have been a lot of people having some final...
News It's Over! Nintendo Shuts Down Online Servers For 3DS And Wii U
Thanks for the memories
Nintendo previously confirmed it would end "online play and other functionality" for the 3DS and Wii U in April 2024 and we've now reached the exact date of this shutdown, so this is it! The online services for both of these systems have been officially discontinued - marking the end of Nintendo's Network generation...
News Super Mario Maker Community Clears 'Trimming The Herbs' Just Days Before Wii U Online Shutdown
It's REALLY done now!
Remember how a special task force dubbed 'Team 0%' managed to clear every level in Super Mario Maker before Nintendo's Wii U online shutdown? Well, there was also one "illegitimate upload" titled 'Trimming the Herbs' which the community was determined to overcome. Now, with just days remaining, this level has officially been...
Guide When Does 3DS And Wii U Online Shut Down? Nintendo eShop & Online Play Closure Guide
End game
This is your final reminder that if you want to play your 3DS or Wii U online, you've only got until Monday when the online servers are taken offline for good. There's still time to enjoy some online play with the original Splatoon, then — just not long. Enjoy it while you can! Th
News Capcom Reminds Monster Hunter Fans About 3DS And Wii U Online Shut Down
"Important Nintendo information"
Next week marks the end of online play and other functionality for the 3DS and Wii U, and it's not just Nintendo issuing reminders. Japanese publisher and developer Capcom has now released a message about the shutdown and certain Monster Hunter games that will no longer be playable online. It will also no longer be...
News Splatoon's Final Wii U Stage Rotations Have Been Revealed
Before the servers shut down next week
We're in the endgame now. The online servers for Wii U and 3DS are set to be taken down next week on 8th April and so we enter a phase of 'lasts'. Players have managed to crack the last legitimate level in Super Mario Maker, the last battles will be takin
Reminder Nintendo Is Ending 3DS And Wii U Online Play Early Next Month
The official shutdown is almost here
In case you missed it, Nintendo is shutting down online play and other functionality for the 3DS and Wii U early next month. As we get closer to this deadline, Nintendo's Japanese social media accounts have been issuing regular PSA. The latest one was posted earlier this week, once again reminding everyone...
Random It's Done! Every Super Mario Maker Level Has Been Cleared Before Wii U's Online Shutdown
The last unbeaten course was actually an "illegitimate upload"
Earlier this week, we revealed how a trained task force dubbed 'Team 0%' was attempting to complete every community level in the original Super Mario Maker game before Nintendo shut down online functionality for the Wii U and 3DS on 8th April 2024. While it was struggling to knock over...
Random It's A Race Against The Clock To Complete Mario Maker's Last Unbeaten Level
Mamma mia!
We are now in the final run of Wii U and 3DS online play. Nintendo has confirmed that the consoles' online features and functionality will no longer work from 8th April 2024, and with that will come the end of a lot of game modes. One title that will see some pretty heavy cuts is Super Mario Maker. The end of online play means that all...
PSA You Have Until Next Week To Add "Unused" 3DS And Wii U Funds To Your Nintendo Account
The deadline is almost here
As we get closer to the official shutdown of online play and other functionality for the 3DS and Wii U next month, Nintendo has issued a reminder this week to merge your unused eShop balance while you still can. If you haven't already, now is the time to add these funds to your Nintendo Account, so they can then be used...
Random Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze Could Have Been About Alien Invaders
Donkey Kong Country: Independence Day?
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is all about snow; that much should be obvious from the game's title, even for those who have yet to play Retro Studios' excellent platformer. According to a recent interview from KiwiTalkz in which he chats with former Retro artists Eric Kozlowsky and Ted Anderson,...
Anniversary Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Is Now A Decade Old
Time for a new one?
Just in case you weren't feeling old today, it's now been a decade since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was released for the Wii U in Japan (13 February, 2014). Yes, the latest platformer in the Donkey Kong Country sub-series is now basically old enough to sneak a tenner out of Dad's wallet and laugh incessantly at toilet...
News It's Official, 3DS And Wii U Online Play Ends 8th April 2024
The end of an era
Now that we're in the new year, Nintendo has shared an update about the closure of online play and other functionality for the 3DS and Wii U, confirming these services will end on 8th April 2024. As part of this, it's shared a special message thanking customers for their continued support and also posting an update about how users...
News New 3DS And Wii U Users Can't Go Online In Games
Update: This particular issue has reportedly been resolved
Update [Wed 27th Dec, 2023 05:30 GMT]: Pretendo has provided a new update, confirming the issues occurring were "indeed unintentional". While not all issues have been resolved, it appears new users on both 3DS and Wii U can now connect to servers. "We noted in our last blog post that it...
Feature Why I Still Love My Wii U
Sticking up for Nintendo's much-maligned console
This feature is taken from The Console Chronicles, an upcoming book that we're working on in conjunction with Lost in Cult. If you like what you see, you can pre-order a copy using the link below. <products id="24929"> I began eighth grade in September 2014. After my first day of classes, I...
Random One "New" Wii U Was Apparently Sold In The US Last Month
Who said the system was dead?
There was reportedly one "new Wii U" sold in the US last month and it was the first time a new Wii U has been sold in this location since May 2022. This sales data comes from Circana (formerly The NPD Group) via industry analyst Mat Piscatella. What does it mean exactly? Not much, but it is admittedly a surprise that...
Random Super Mario Maker Players Want To 100% The Game While They Still Can
They have until April '24
With the news that the Wii U and 3DS online services will be shut down in 'early April' 2024, fans are undoubtedly dismayed at the idea of no longer being able to play certain games online. One such title is the original Super Mario Maker, which launched on the Wii U back in 2015 before a 3DS version followed in 2016. The...
News Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Tops Another 'Greatest Games' List
Based on the "past 30 years" of video game history
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has already won a stack of awards and been praised as one of the best games of all time, and now it's topped another list. The publication Edge Magazine recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and as part of this, it ran its biggest poll ever, where...
Random Following 3DS/Wii U Online Shutdown, Fans Look To Create More Public Servers
"We have begun discussing our development road map internally"
Pretendo Network, the fan-run group that has developed an open-source replacement for online servers for the Wii U and 3DS, is discussing plans to "accommodate" the shutdown. In a statement shared on social media, Pretendo Network said that it had been "made aware" of the company's...
Guide When Does 3DS And Wii U Online Shut Down? Nintendo Online Closure Guide
The hows and the whys
It seems only yesterday that Nintendo shut down the eShop functionality for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, doesn't it? After stating that online functionality would remain for the "foreseeable future", the firm has confirmed that 3DS and Wii U online services will be discontinued in "early April 2024". So what does this mean for...
News 3DS And Wii U Online Play Ends In "Early April" 2024
Nintendo officially confirms
In news that's been a long time coming, Nintendo has announced it will be ending "online play and other functionality" that uses online communication for both the 3DS and Wii U as of "early April" 2024. Here's the official confirmation: Nintendo: "In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses...
Poll Do You Prefer Zelda: Wind Waker HD's Bloom Lighting Or The "Flat" OG?
Cel-sword
We know the game didn't look like this, but the box art for both versions cannot be ignored. And just like that, ten years have sailed by — The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD was released on the Wii U ten years ago today, and while we spend most of our days now pining for this incredible seafaring adventure to swim onto Switch, we...
Soapbox Rayman Legends Blew My Mind Then Broke My Heart
Prince of Persia fans beware - he may suffer Rayman’s fate yet!
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Francisco shares his love of Rayman Legends as it celebrates its 10th anniversary — but also laments that it may have been a...
News Nintendo Looks To Be Updating Its Smash Bros. amiibo Packaging
There's supposedly "no mention" of Switch
Nintendo's amiibo line might not be quite as busy as it once was, but there are still new figurines arriving on a regular basis. With this in mind, there are reports of updated packaging for Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate amiibo series. A recent post from a Famiboards forum member shared some photos...
Guide Best First-Party Wii U Games
Nintendo's Wii U games, as ranked by you
Nintendo's Wii U might not have been the commercial hit many Nintendo fans — and Nintendo itself — hoped for, but it had a winning catalogue of first-party software, as evidenced by the fact that many of its games went on to find new life on Switch in 'Deluxe' and upgraded forms where they got the...
News Service For Dragon Quest X Online On Wii U And 3DS Will End Next Year
End of an era for the Japan-only release
Dragon Quest X Online might have never left Japan, but the game has come to a whole host of different platforms since its 2012 launch on Wii including the Wii U, 3DS, Switch and mobile. Service for the game ended on the original console a few years back and now Square Enix has announced that the Wii U and 3DS...
News After 5 Months, Mario Kart 8 And Splatoon Are Finally Going Back Online For Wii U
Titles underwent 'emergency maintenance'
Nintendo has announced that it will be resuming online play for Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon for the Wii U after commencing emergency maintenance back in March 2023. Both games will be back online from August 3rd, 2023. The titles were taken offline entirely after a potentially severe vulnerability was...
News Smash Bros. Ultimate GameCube Controller Getting Restocked (Japan)
Out next month
Nintendo controllers can be some of the hardest products to get your hands on, and new stock of certain pads seems to sell out time and time again. We've seen this with the Switch Online N64 controllers and limited-edition Joy-Con in recent times, but another one that's been out of reach for many is the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate...
News Nintendo "Currently Have No Specifics To Share" About Other Legacy Platforms For Switch Online
Sorry, GameCube fans
Nintendo's Switch Online service added Game Boy games in February this year, but there are obviously requests for even more platforms, so is there a chance of other legacy systems being added? According to the company's president Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo "currently have no specifics to share". He responded with this classic...
Random Sony's Upcoming 'Project Q' Is A Little More Wii U Than Switch
Lots of Qs, no As
Logging onto Twitter this morning after last night's PlayStation Showcase, you might expect to see trending topics from the likes of Sony, Spider-Man and Alan Wake. But what did we notice before any of these? 'Splatoon' and 'Wii U'. The former is in reference to
News Nintendo Japan To End Repairs For Wii U When Current Parts Inventory Runs Out
Get booked in soon
Nintendo's Japanese support service has announced that it will be ending repair support for the Wii U. When exactly? Well, that really depends on when its current parts inventory runs out. The announcement was made on the Japanese Nintendo Support Page, confirming that the period of holding repair parts for the Wii U has now...
Random Forget The Wii U, This Coder Got Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Running In A Web Browser
Original game was written in HTML and Javascript
Many of the Wii U's greatest games have long since been ported over to Switch. It's just something that we have all come to accept with the console — yes, it had some great games, but most of them are now playable elsewhere (often in a better condition). We expect to see these games playing today...
PSA 3DS And Wii U eShop Download Codes Can No Longer Be Redeemed
"Thank you for playing"
Last week, after ending 3DS and Wii U eShop sales, Nintendo announced it would be extending the period to redeem a code to make up for certain technical difficulties. The new date was extended until 4th April 2023 in Japan, and that means this extra time to redeem codes has now also ended here in the west. This marks the end...
News More Indie Developers Are Giving Away Free eShop Codes For Wii U & 3DS
Update: WayForward joins in on the fun
Update [Sat 1st Apr, 2023 03:05 BST]: Mighty Switch Force developer WayForward has joined in on the free giveaway fun sharing codes for Mighty Switch Force 2 on Wii U and 3DS throughout the day. It seems Shovel Knight developer Yacht Club Games was also giving out some codes earlier this week:
News Indie Developer Is Giving Away Free Download Codes For Its Last Wii U Game
Update 3: The final batch for Captain U
Update #3 [Sat 1st Apr, 2023 00:00 BST]: The final batch of codes is now available! Once again, thank you to TaraBates for keeping us in the loop with the developer's tweets. Update #2 [Thu 30th Mar, 2023 10:30 BST]: The second batch of codes is now live! Update: Well, it seems like we opened the...
News Nintendo Extends Code Redemption Deadline For Wii U & 3DS eShops
You've now got until April
The global shutdown of the 3DS and Wii U eShops was technically yesterday, but it seems Nintendo has thrown a lifeline out to anyone who still has any codes left to redeem on these digital storefronts. As highlighted by the company's official Japanese customer support account on Twitter, Nintendo has extended the period...
News The 3DS & Wii U eShops Have Officially Closed, Purchases "No Longer Possible"
You can still download your existing library, but that's about it
Today officially marks the end of the 3DS and Wii U eShops. While you'll still be able to download your existing purchases, you can no longer buy or redeem new games from these digital storefronts. Free content including demos are also off limits. Now that the digital shops have...
Guide 23 Best Wii U eShop Games You Should Get Before They're Gone Forever
Yes, Wii U had games that didn't get Switch ports!
It’s the final countdown — the Wii U eShop is closing for new purchases today, Monday 27th March, so we’re republishing this guide to highlight some gems you might want to consider snapping up... While many are rightly lamenting the upcoming death of the 3DS eShop, we feel like fewer gamers...
Random Twitch Streamer Aims To Beat Breath Of The Wild With Ocarina Controller
Making music
Ridiculous Zelda challenges are our favourite, and they don't come more fun, amusing, and dedicated than what gv_mimi is attempting. The Twitch streamer is aiming to beat The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild by using a custom-made ocarina controller. (Thanks, Polygon!) gv_mimi's most recent accomplishment in BOTW is taking down...
Video Everything To Do Before The 3DS And Wii U eShops Shut Down
The end is nigh
Are you starting to panic about the impending closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops? Do you find yourself wondering which last-minute games to pick up, or even how to link your Nintendo accounts properly? Then worry not, dear readers, we're here for you. Our lovely video producer Zion has put together an extensive video that goes over...
PSA You Only Have One Week To Purchase 3DS And Wii U eShop Games
Can we panic yet?
March 27th, 2023. Judgement Day. The day when Skynet will rain nuclear fire upon the earth and send a Terminator back in time to... Hang on. Sorry, wrong script. Two secs... March 27th, 2023. The day when the 3DS and Wii U eShops will shut down permanently, preventing users from purchasing new games and downloadable content. It's...
Random YouTuber Spends Nearly $23K Buying Every 3DS & Wii U eShop Game
Jirard Khalil completes his preservation mission
The 3DS and Wii U eShop services are shutting down at the end of this month and that means you've only got so much time left to buy all of the digital games you possibly can on Nintendo's older storefronts. YouTuber, streamer and video game media personality Jirard "The Completionist" Khalil has taken...
Reminder Catch All The Pokémon Games On 3DS & Wii U Before The eShop Closure
Gotta purchase 'em all
The 3DS and Wii U eShop services are closing down at the end of this month on 27th March, and while all sorts of games and applications will no longer be available for purchase, one series in particular that's taking quite a hit is Pokémon. Serebii.net has put together a short social media reel to highlight what exactly will...
News Capcom 3DS & Wii U Games Available For Just $2.99 In Final eShop Sale (US)
Get Phoenix Wright, Monster Hunter & more
The 3DS and Wii U eShops are shutting down at the end of this month, and ahead of this, lots of game developers have been slashing prices on their libraries across both platforms. Capcom is the latest to do this - with an absolutely massive sale currently taking place on Nintendo's slightly older digital...
Random Reggie Burns E3 With Miiverse Comparison
Can we get a Rawst Berry please
After reports that the world's big three console manufacturers would not be attending E3 this year (Nintendo's absence was later confirmed), we all settled into the idea of respective announcements being a little more spread across the calendar. PAX organiser ReedPop (who — full disclosure time! — is a partner of...
News Shantae Goes Half Price In WayForward's 'Last Chance' 3DS And Wii U eShop Sale
Mighty Switch Force 1 & 2 also discounted
With the 3DS and Wii U eShops closing in less than a month, WayForward has joined a growing list of publishers discounting their games for one last sale before the end. There are a number of games across both platforms to go over here, including the likes of Shantae and the Pirate's Curse and Mighty Switch...
Update: Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 for Wii U taken offline
Update [Fri 3rd Mar, 2023 15:30 GMT]: Nintendo has announced that it has begun temporary emergency maintenance on Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U. While unconfirmed, it's heavily speculated that the maintenance - which at the time of writing has no time frame attached to it - is...
News You'll Have One Year To Transfer Funds Once 3DS & Wii U eShops Close, Says Nintendo
Get that Nintendo ID linked!
Ahead of the 3DS and Wii U eShop closures next month, Nintendo of Europe has shared a reminder on Twitter on what you can do in the lead up and aftermath of the end of the services. Importantly, Nintendo has clarified that you'll have until March 2024 to merge 3DS and Wii U eShop funds with your Nintendo Account. In
Random This Nintendo Direct Feels Incredibly Quaint Just 10 Years On
Wind Waker HD! Virtual Console! Mr Iwata!
It's an easy business to sit and discuss the failures of the Wii U — lacking purpose, chunky design, confusing name — but what about its successes? It's a much shorter list, we'll admit, but one of the things that many of us will agree on is its stellar games library (we mean, just look at how many have...
Talking Point In 2023, Do You Still Care About amiibo?
Or are you amiibored?
Nintendo's amiibo line has been going for over eight years now. Originally launched back on November 21st, 2014 in North America alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the toys-to-life figurine series has maintained relatively steady interest while competitors like Disney Infinity and Skylanders have completely fallen by the...
Random Indie Dev Giving Away Free Game Codes Until Nintendo Closes Wii U & 3DS eShops
Both eShops will close this March
It's now officially 2023 and that means we're getting closer to the closure of the Wii U and 3DS eShops. The last part of the closure will take place on 27th March 2023 and after this you'll no longer be able to purchase in-game content, download demos, add funds or redeem download codes. In response to this, indie...
Soapbox After 10 Years I Finally Got A Wii U, Here’s What I Thought
The good, the bad, and the ugly
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, following up on his piece from a few weeks back, Jim delivers his verdict on the ten-year-old console and how it holds up in 2022 ... Picture the scene. The year...
Full server shutdowns could be coming sooner than you think, too
Over the holidays we're republishing some choice features from the last 12 months. A mix of talking points, interviews, opinion pieces and more from NL staff and contributors, you'll find our usual blend of thoughtfulness, expertise, frivolity, retro nostalgia, and — of course —...
Soapbox Xenoblade Chronicles X's Influence Is Bigger Than You Think
So why is it *still* stuck on the Wii U?
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, on the 5th anniversary of Xenoblade Chronicles 2's release, Alana wants to celebrate the influence of its predecessor and series spin-off... Xenoblade...
Video Nintendo Land Will Likely Never Come To Switch, But That's Okay
Catching up on the Wii U launch title
The Wii U had a pretty dull launch line-up, all told. There, we said it. Between the likes of New Super Mario Bros. U, ZombiU, and Mass Effect 3, there was a general consensus that while all of these games are undoubtedly good, they didn't exactly set the world on fire and justify the Wii U as a "must-have"...
Video Remembering 10 Years Of Wii U
Looking back on the console's launch and legacy
The Wii U is now ten years old. Crazy, right? The successor to the WIi launched back in November 2012 to - shall we say - lukewarm reception. Nevertheless, for fans of Nintendo, it remains a quaint and beloved entry to the company's console line-up, introducing the likes of Splatoon, Xenoblade...
Feature Wii U Memories - Our Pre-Launch Thoughts On Nintendo's Charming Misstep
You Wii-n some, U lose some
It's the 10th anniversary of the Wii U's North American launch and to mark the occasion we invited erstwhile Nintendo Life editor and all-around thoroughly nice chap Thomas Whitehead to reminisce about the machine, the time he first got his hands on it, and the hot takes he had pre-launch... The Wii U is now 10 years...
Guide 50 Best Wii U Games Of All Time
As ranked by you
Remember, this ranking is based on each game's User Rating in our games database, and is therefore subject to real-time change even as you read this! If you rated the Wii U games you've played, feel free to do so now and potentially alter the ranking below. Enjoy! Despite our affection for the console, there's no denying that Wii...
Feature Wii U Vs. Switch - How Did Those Nintendo Hardware Reveal Trailers Compare?
A lesson in the importance of first impressions
With the Wii U turning ten years old (crikey, we're really starting to feel old now), it's only natural that we're finding ourselves looking back at the console that's graciously gifted so much of its previously-exclusive software to its successor. Where did things really go wrong? What did we like...
Poll What Was The Best Wii U Launch Game?
What do U reckon?
We have arrived at the eve of the 10th anniversary of Wii U's launch. Yes, it was a decade ago when the hardcore Nintendo fans began queuing outside stores across North America at midnight (12 days later in Europe, and 8th December in Japan) to pick up and take home a shiny new piece of Nintendo hardware. It's always a special...
Random Modders Create Halloween DLC For Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Gourd-geous
Are Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Blood Moons and Stalhorses not spooky enough for you this Halloween? Well then, leave it to the well-known Zelda modder Waikuteru to give us what we want. Along with Sockpoppet, the two have created brand new DLC for the hugely popular open-world Switch game, and it's fabulously appropriate for 31st...
Soapbox After 10 Years I'm Finally Getting A Wii U, But Where Should I Start?
What would U suggest for Mii?
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, as the Wii U approaches its tenth anniversary next month, Jim is trying to make amends for missing out on a misunderstood Nintendo console, with your help and ours...
News Nintendo's 3DS & Wii U Image Share Services Have Now Ended
"Thank you for using our service"
Last month, Nintendo revealed it would be discontinuing two more 3DS and Wii U features on 25th October 2022. It's now officially past this point in certain locations around the world, and this means the Image Share feature is no longer available on both of these devices. To remind everyone, Nintendo's Japanese...
News The 3DS And Wii U Are Losing Two More Features Next Month
Update: Changes to Switch log-ins too
Update: You will also be unable to link your Facebook or Twitter account to your Nintendo Account, even on Nintendo Switch. Here is the information on what's changing from Nintendo: As of October 25 , 2022, it will no longer be possible to link a Facebook or Twitter account to a Nintendo Account. - This...
Random Wii U Emulation On Valve's Steam Deck Supports Gyro Controls
Dual screen 3DS and Wii U gaming also possible
Valve's Steam Deck has already proven it's able to run all sorts of video game emulators. What's even more impressive though is just how capable it is when it comes to Wii U and 3DS emulation. As highlighted by the website Steam Deck HQ, Valve's handheld PC is not only able to split screens across...
Random Wii U Owner's Son Stuffs A Bunch Of Switch Carts Into The Disc Drive
We're not entirely sure that will work...
If you're even remotely present on the veritable hellscape that is Twitter, then you'll have no doubt seen a meme in which gamers take photos of their Switch console docked with a game disc from another platform resting on top; a metaphor of the user's desire to see a port of said game arrive on Switch...
News Ubisoft Will Now Close Online Services For Three Wii U Titles In October
Shut down was originally planned for this month
Back in July, Ubisoft announced it would be shutting down multiple online services for a selection of its older games on 1st September. This included the Wii U versions of Assassin's Creed 3, Rayman Legends and ZombiU. Well, we're now past that date - and Ubisoft
News Wii U Receives Its First System Update Of 2022, Here's What's Included
Possibly the first and last
Nintendo has released a new system update for the Wii U. The patch notes mention enhancements to the "overall system stability" and various other minor adjustments. Here's what's apparently included in the Version 5.5.6 U update. This applies to both the Wii U Deluxe and Basic models: Ver. 5.5.6 U (August 29th,...
Reminder Today Is Your Last Chance To Redeem eShop Cards On Wii U And 3DS
Funds can still be added via linked Nintendo Accounts, though
Nintendo is ending 3DS and Wii U eShop functionality with prepaid cards today, 29th August. After today, you won't be able to redeem the card directly on either the 3DS or Wii U consoles. Maintenance is scheduled for 30th August 4:30am UTC, and if we had to guess, that's when the...
News Nintendo Prepares For 3DS & Wii U eShop Closure With Scheduled Maintenance
We're in the endgame now
This week is pretty significant in the world of Nintendo - with the Japanese company previously announcing it would "no longer be possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account on Nintendo eShop for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS". This will take effect "as of" 29th August 2022, and it seems Nintendo has now taken...
Guide Best 3DS And Wii U DLC You Should Get Before The eShops Close Forever
Paid and free DLC to download ASAP
So. The 3DS and Wii U eShops are closing. You probably got that from the title. The full closure will be on the 27th March, 2023, with some games becoming unavailable even before that. We've got the full rundown on the closure here: When Does The 3DS And Wii U eShop Close? Nintendo eShop Closure Guide Of course,...
Random Masahiro Sakurai Reminds Nintendo Fans About 3DS & Wii U eShop Closure Dates
"It's my last chance"
As you probably know by now, Nintendo is discontinuing the 3DS and Wii U eShop as of 28th March 2023. And later this month on 29th August, you'll no longer be able to add eShop card funds (aka points) to accounts. This is happening worldwide, and as a result - Nintendo fans around the globe are grabbing certain digital titles...
News YouTube And Crunchyroll On Wii U Won't Be Available For Much Longer
Support will end later this year
It's another nail in the coffin for the Wii U. Nintendo Everything reports that two video apps for the console — YouTube and Crunchyroll — will be ending support later this year. Anime subscription platform Crunchyroll will be discontinued on the Wii U from 29th August — with emails being sent out about the...
News Reggie Explains Why The Nintendo Wii U Didn't Utilise Dual GamePad Support
Games ideas, install base & system lifespan played a part
The Wii U generation had a lot of potential but its life was cut short in the end due to the lackluster sales of the system. One thing that was never expanded upon was the ability to play with not just one, but two GamePads at the same time - allowing players to come together for some...
News Ubisoft Closing Online Services For Three Wii U Titles This September
To focus resources on "newer" and "more popular titles"
The Wii U generation saw Nintendo embrace online gaming more than the previous generations, and naturally, third-party developers at the time took advantage of this new focus. Unfortunately, these kinds of services have to eventually wind down, and Ubisoft has decided September 1st is the time...
News Footage Of Cancelled 'Epic Mickey' Spin-Off Starring Donald Duck Discovered
Epic Donald would've been epic
Disney's Mickey Mouse has been no stranger to video games over the years, from classic The Magical Quest and Illusion series to kart racers, and even Kingdom Hearts. His best friend, Donald Duck, has also been in the limelight plenty of times too — including a bigger role in Square Enix's action RPG series. Perhaps...
News Developer Says Nintendo Turned Down Upcoming Wii U Horror Game For Being "Too Scary"
Losing balance
The Silver Falls series is incredibly unique among new releases nowadays. Australian developer Jerrel Dulay of Sungrand Studios wants to release his games on the 3DS and Wii U eShops, even though both storefronts are closing this year. Unfortunately, Dulay has hit an issue with one of his Wii U-bound games — Silver Falls - White...
Guide How To Prepare Your 3DS And Wii U For Retirement - Hard Drive, Battery, Backup Tips
Recommendations to help get your affairs in order
The announcement that Nintendo will be closing the 3DS and Wii U eShop stores and effectively sunsetting those consoles has caused many of us to fire up our old systems and survey our digital libraries. Both of these consoles represent the first generation of Nintendo hardware where it was possible...
Random Switch Console Sales Outstrip The Poor Wii U's Total Software Sales
The Switch has pilfered most of its games, after all
Nintendo's latest financial results demonstrate strong sales for the Switch, despite a 20% drop YoY as a result of semiconductor shortages. With a total of 107.65 million Switch units sold, the console is inching ever closer to the lifetime sales of the Game Boy and the Nintendo DS. Just to...
News Star Fox Character Designer Wants Nintendo To Port The Wii U Entry To Switch
Come on Nintendo, make it happen
One game that's been requested time and time again for the Switch is Star Fox Zero. We've seen various other titles from the Wii U generation ported across to Nintendo's hybrid system, but there's still no sign of this 2016 release. In September last year, developer PlatinumGames said it would "definitely" be...
News The Wii U Gets More Love As 'Reversi 32' Releases Later This April
Wii love to see it. U love to see it
Okay, we'll stop speculating when the last Wii U game will hit us. Every time we bring it up, another one sneaks in. We love seeing this underappreciated console get some love, so we're going to shout about any new games we spot on the horizon. April 2022 is becoming the official Wii U revival month, as...
News The Wii U Gets Another New Game As 2.5D Platformer 'Pad Of Time' Launches Next Week
Wii U means life, right?
Back in November, we thought Captain U would be the last Wii U game released on the system. But, thanks to Markanime, that's not the case. Pad of Time is a 2.5D platformer inspired by N64 classics that lets you travel between the past, present, and future of every single level. We hear you, Sonic CD fans! And we don't need...
News Shin'en Kicks Off 'Everything Must Go' 3DS And Wii U eShop Sale, Up To 80% Off
Discounts in US and EU
The 3DS and Wii U eShops are sadly on their way out and, as expected, publishers are beginning to line up with some heavy discounts on their 3DS and Wii U software libraries in preparation for the store closures next March. Just yesterday, Capcom launched their own 3DS sale in the US, and now developer and publisher Shin'en...
Guide Potential Switch Port Round-Up - The Wii U Games That Haven't Come To Switch
Want that one
Back in 2020 we asked you in a poll which games you'd most like to see return from Nintendo's previous console generation for an encore on Switch. Since then, we've seen a good handful of games from that selection make the generation jump, including The Wonderful 101: Remastered and Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water. It's easy to...
News Video Game History Foundation Calls Out Nintendo's "Destructive" 3DS & Wii U eShop Closure
Asks Nintendo to "rethink" things when it comes to preservation
Nintendo this week announced the closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShop, and well...it's caused quite an uproar online. So, what now that roughly 2,000 games will no longer be purchasable on the 3DS and Wii U digital storefronts? There's seemingly not much that can be done from
Random Where Does Hyrule Truly End In Zelda: Breath Of The Wild? Let's Find Out
It's larger than you think
Hyrule in Breath of the Wild is big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely mind-bogglingly big it is. You may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist, but that's just peanuts to Hyrule in BOTW. However, while the map itself is vast, the actual edges of the world – as in, what you can actually...
News 1,000 "Digital-Only" Titles Estimated To Disappear When Nintendo Closes 3DS & Wii U eShop
It's like Nintendo's version of the Blip, but worse
Nintendo yesterday announced the beginnings of a phased shutdown for the 3DS and Wii U eShop stores. It's set to wipe out a huge amount of digital content on these systems, but just how many games can we expect to disappear? While we already know Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation and its D
Feature Our Nintendo 3DS And Wii U Memories, In Infographic Form
Wow, we sure liked Netflix on Wii U
Alongside the rather dispiriting — perhaps even controversial, depending on your take — news of the Wii U and 3DS eShop being shutdown in the next year, Nintendo also shared a rather neat trip down memory lane. Similar to the year-end Switch website many of us used, you can visit My Nintendo 3DS & Wii U...
"it will no longer be possible to make purchases"
Nintendo has announced the discontinuation of the 3DS eShop and the Wii U eShop as of "late March" 2023. While you'll still be able to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and play online beyond this date, the ability to purchase games will "no longer be possible" and new content will...
News The Wii U Is Getting A New eShop Game In 2022, Will Include Balance Board Support
Silver Falls is a horror game launching "later this year"
If you thought the Wii U was dead - think again! Although the platform has been completely abandoned in terms of first-party and major-third party support, there are indie developers out there keeping its legacy alive. Following on from the launch of the 2D platform 'Captain U' last...
News Don't Say It Too Loud, But PS5 Has Outsold Wii U In A Year
...to the surprise of no one?
Despite only being available for just over a year, Sony's PlayStation 5 has outsold the Wii U. The PS5 sold in 17.3 million units as of December 31st, 2021. It launched in November 2020. The Wii U, which launched in 2012, has sold 13.56 million as of December 31st, 2019. None of this will be particularly shocking to...
News The Sonic Lost World PC Mod Has Now Recreated The Legend Of Zelda DLC
Reaching for the sky
Sonic Lost World was a rather interesting entry in the series, and pretty decent in this scribe's humble opinion. It was exclusive to Wii U (with a 3DS version also released) until a little heralded PC port arrived, and of course that opened up the potential for mods; just last year we saw a fan recreation of the Yoshi DLC from...
News Nintendo Is Removing Credit Card Support From The 3DS And Wii U eShop Next Month (Japan)
A timely reminder
Nintendo's customer service Twitter account for Japan has issued a reminder that it will be ending credit card and prepaid card support for the 3DS and Wii U next month on 18th January 2022, 9 AM JST. The company previously announced these changes for 3DS and Wii U users in Europe, Australia and New Zealand back in 2019. Here's a...
