The Nintendo Wii U has not exactly been a golden console for the Japanese computer company. As of the 30th September the Wii U had shipped a little over 13 million units. In comparison, its predecessor, the Nintendo Wii sold more than 100 million units. Conflicting reports this week suggest that the end of the line may be in site for Nintendo’s latest console.
Eurogamer reported yesterday, that it had “numerous sources” confirming the final production run is drawing to a close, perhaps as soon as this week. Nintendo declined to comment on the article, but since then, the claims have been denied. In an interview with Japanese site IT Media (via Kotaku), a Nintendo spokesperson has stated, “There is no change to our continuing [Wii U] production.” The spokesperson went as far as to say there is also upcoming titles yet to be released for the console.
The rumors of the Wii U being shelved may have something to do with last month’s unveiling of the Nintendo Switch console, scheduled for release next year. Further to that, Tatsumi Kimishima, head of Nintendo, spoke in April after a previous Wii U cancellation rumor. Back in March, Japanese newspaper Nikkei (via Kotaku) claimed Wii U production was set to end in order to make way for the Switch, then code-named the NX. Nintendo also denied that at first, stating “From the next quarter and thereafter as well, production [of the Wii U] is scheduled to continue.” Kimishima a month later however, admitted that production and shipment of the Wii U would be greatly reduced.
It is up to you to make up your own mind whether the end of the road is in sight for the Wii U. New details will be revealed about the Nintendo Switch 13th January, 2017. Until then, the fate of the second generation Wii console may be postponed. Owners of the console may still be able to play games such as its best selling title, Mario Kart 8, in the knowledge they aren’t enjoying the fun on an obsolete machine.