The Wii U failed to replace the original Wii as a hit game console and Nintendo will end production later this week, according to Eurogamer. Switch and mobile gaming is the future of Nintendo.
Wii U has struggled
Nintendo launched the Wii U in November 2012 to replace the wildly successful original Wii. However, Wii U never took off and in January 2014 it had basically flopped.
As of September 30, 2016, Nintendo had sold 13.36 million Wii U consoles. For comparison the company sold 101 million Wii consoles.
The Japanese company will therefore end its misery and shut down production by the end of this week, “multiple sources” have confirmed to Eurogamer.
The future is Switch and mobile apps
Nintendo will shift its focus to a new game console that has been rumored for some time under codename “Project NX”. The console was officially announced last month as the Nintendo Switch.
Switch is a hybrid between a TV console and a mobile tablet. Specifications and price will be announced in January 2017 and the console will go on sale starting from March 2017.
In addition, Nintendo has started venturing into to mobile realm through partnerships. Nintendo and partners have already achieved incredible success with Pokémon GO for iOS / Android. Later this year, Nintendo will release Super Mario Run for iPhone and iPad. The game has not been confirmed for Apple TV.
Nintendo declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Eurogamer.
- Source: Eurogamer
