"WIIU" redirects here. For the industrial labor union, see Workers' International Industrial Union

The Wii U ( ; WEE YOO) is 🎉 a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii.[6] Released in late 2012,[7] it is 🎉 the first eighth-generation video game console[8][9] and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.

The Wii U is the 🎉 first Nintendo console to support HD graphics. The system's primary controller is the Wii U GamePad, which features an embedded 🎉 touchscreen, a D-pad, analog sticks, and action buttons. The screen can be used either as a supplement to the main 🎉 display or in supported games to play the game directly on the GamePad. The Wii U Pro Controller can be 🎉 used in its place as a more traditional alternative. The Wii U is backward compatible with Wii software and accessories. 🎉 Games can support any combination of the GamePad, Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Balance Board, or Nintendo's Classic Controller or Wii U 🎉 Pro Controller. Online functionality centers around the Nintendo Network platform and Miiverse, an integrated social networking service which allowed users 🎉 to share content in game-specific communities.

Response to the Wii U was mixed. It was praised for its innovative GamePad controller, 🎉 improvements to online functionality over the Wii, backwards compatibility with Wii software and peripherals, and price. However, it was criticized 🎉 for its user interface and functionality, and the GamePad's short battery life.[10][11] It had low sales, primarily credited to a 🎉 weak lineup of launch games,[12] limited third-party support,[13] and poor marketing including the lack of distinguishing the unique functionality of 🎉 the GamePad from just being a tablet device for the Wii.[14] Production of the Wii U ended on January 31, 🎉 2024.[15] On March 3, 2024, Nintendo released its successor, the Nintendo Switch, which retained and refined concepts introduced with the 🎉 Wii U.[16]

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