Editing Wii U

{{Infobox information appliance
| name = Wii U
| logo = [[File:WiiU.svg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
| image = Wii U Console and Gamepad.png
| caption = A Wii U console <small>(right)</small> and [[Wii U GamePad]] <small>(left)</small>.
| aka = Project Café <small>(code name)</small>
| developer = [[Nintendo Integrated Research & Development|Nintendo IRD]], [[Nintendo Technology Development|NTD]]
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]], [[Foxconn]], [[Mitsumi]]
| family =
| type = [[Home video game console]]
| generation = [[Eighth generation of video game consoles|Eighth generation]]
| releasedate = [[United States of America|US]] / [[Canada|CA]]: November 18, 2012<br />[[Mexico|MEX]] / [[South Africa|SA]]: November 29, 2012<br />[[Europe|EU]] / [[Australasia|AU]]: November 30, 2012<br />JP: December 8, 2012<br />BR: November 26, 2013
| lifespan = 2012–2017
| price = [[US$]]299/[[¥]]26,250 <small>(Basic Set)</small><br />US$349/¥31,500 <small>(Deluxe/Premium Set)</small>
| discontinued = WW: January 31, 2017
| unitssold = '''Worldwide:''' 13.56&nbsp;million<br /><small>(2017-03-31)</small>
| unitsshipped =
| media = Physical and digital
* [[Wii U Optical Disc]] <small>(25&nbsp;GB)</small>
* [[Wii Optical Disc]] <small>(4.7&nbsp;GB/8.54&nbsp;GB)</small>
* [[Digital distribution in video games|Digital distribution]] <small>([[Nintendo eShop]])</small>
| os = [[Wii U system software]]
| power = 75&nbsp;[[Watt|W]]
| soc =
| cpu = 1.24&nbsp;GHz Tri-Core [[IBM]] [[PowerPC]] "[[Espresso (microprocessor)|Espresso]]"
| memory = 2&nbsp;GB [[DDR3]]
| storage = Internal [[flash memory]]:<br />8&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] <small>(Basic Set)</small> / 32&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] <small>(Deluxe Set)</small><br />[[Secure Digital|SD]]/[[SDHC]] card<br />[[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] storage device
| memory card =
| display = Video output formats<br />
 [[Composite video]]
* [[S-Video]] <small>(480i)</small>
* [[RGBS|RGB]] [[SCART]] <small>(480i, [[576i]])</small>
 [[Component video]]
* [[YPbPr]]
* [[D-Terminal]]
:<small>(480i, [[480p]], [[720p]], [[1080i]], [[1080p]])</small>
[[HDMI]] <small>(480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)</small>
 [[Wii U GamePad]] <small>([[FWVGA]])</small>
| graphics = 550&nbsp;MHz [[AMD]] [[Radeon]] "[[Latte (graphics chip)|Latte]]"
| sound = [[5.1 surround sound|5.1]] [[Linear pulse-code modulation|Linear PCM]], [[Stereophonic sound|Analog stereo]]
| input =
| controllers = [[Wii U GamePad]], [[Wii U Pro Controller]], [[Wii Remote]] ([[Wii Remote Plus|Plus]])
* [[Wii Nunchuk|Nunchuk]] attachment
* [[Classic Controller]] attachment
 [[Wii Balance Board]]
| camera = 1.3 [[Megapixels]] <small>(Wii U GamePad)</small>
| touchpad = [[Resistive touchscreen]] <small>(Wii U GamePad)</small>
| connectivity = [[Wi-Fi]] [[IEEE 802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]]/[[IEEE 802.11n-2009|n]]<br />[[Bluetooth 4.0]]<br />4 × [[USB 2.0]]
| platform =
| service = [[Nintendo Network]]
* [[Nintendo eShop]]
* [[Nintendo Network#Miiverse|Miiverse]] (discontinued)
* [[Nintendo Network#Nintendo TVii|Nintendo TVii]] (discontinued)
* [[Nintendo Network#Wii U Chat|Wii U Chat]] (discontinued)
| dimensions = '''Width:''' {{convert|17.2|cm|in|abbr=on}}<br />'''Height:''' {{convert|4.6|cm|in|abbr=on}}<br />'''Length:''' {{convert|26.9|cm|in|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1.5|kg}}
| topgame = ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', 8.42 million<br /><small>(2018-03-31)</small>
| compatibility = [[Wii]]<!-- Do not list Virtual Console service here, as it is software emulation -->
| predecessor = Wii<!-- Stop linking this. It is already linked above. See [[WP:MOS]] for more info. -->
| successor = [[Nintendo Switch]]
| related =
| website = [https://www.nintendo.com/wiiu https://www.nintendo.com/wiiu]
| title = Nintendo Wii U
}}

=Introduction=

The '''Wii U''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|w|iː|_|ˈ|j|uː}} {{respell|WEE|_|YOO}}) is<!--Do NOT change to "was". This violates [[MOS:TENSE]], which specifies that all articles on video game consoles are written in present tense, even if discontinued.--> a [[home video game console]] developed by [[Nintendo]], and the successor to the [[Wii]].<ref name="codename">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1162045p1.html|title='Wii 2' Codenamed 'Project Café'|date=April 15, 2011|publisher=IGN|accessdate=April 16, 2011|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69bbVT4QO?url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1162045p1.html#|archive-date=August 2, 2012|dead-url=yes}}</ref> The console was released in November 2012<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/888470-wii-u-confirmed-for-europe-this-year|title=Wii U confirmed for Europe this year|date=January 26, 2012|newspaper=Metro}}</ref><ref name=pricerelease>{{cite web|url=http://wiiu.dcemu.co.uk/wiiu-price-and-release-date-announced-491879.html| title=WiiU Price and Release Date Announced| publisher=WiiU News | date=September 13, 2012 | accessdate=September 13, 2012}}</ref> and was the first [[eighth generation of video game consoles|eighth-generation video game console]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Nintendo's Project Cafe: Will Gamers Feel The Buzz?|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendos-project-cafe-will-gamers-feel-the-buzz-2011-5|accessdate=June 11, 2011|newspaper=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Weekend Hot Topic, Part 2: Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/864607-weekend-hot-topic-part-2-xbox-720-and-playstation-4|publisher=Metro.co.uk|accessdate=June 11, 2011}}</ref> as it competed with [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox One]] and [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 4]].

The Wii U is the first Nintendo console to support [[High-definition video|HD]] [[Video game graphics|graphics]]. The system's primary [[Gamepad|controller]] is the [[Wii U GamePad]], which features an embedded [[touchscreen]], and combines directional buttons, analog sticks, and action buttons. The screen can be used either as a supplement to the main display (either providing an alternate, [[wikt:asymmetric|asymmetric]] gameplay experience, or a means of local multiplayer without resorting to a [[Split screen (computer graphics)|split screen]]), or in supported games, to [[Off-TV Play|play the game directly on the GamePad independently of the television]]. The Wii U is [[Backward compatibility|backward compatible]] with all Wii software and accessories – games can support any combination of the GamePad, [[Wii Remote]], [[Wii Nunchuk|Nunchuk]], [[Wii Balance Board|Balance Board]], or Nintendo's more traditionally designed [[Classic Controller]] or [[Wii U Pro Controller]] for input. Online functionality centers around the [[Nintendo Network]] platform and [[Nintendo Network#Miiverse|Miiverse]], an integrated [[social networking service]] which allows users to share content in game-specific communities.

The Wii U was met with a generally positive reception, including praise for its GamePad controller, improvements to online functionality over the Wii, backwards compatibility with existing Wii software and controllers, affordability in comparison to other eighth-generation consoles, and non-reliance on a subscription for online functionality. However, the Wii U received criticism in several areas, including the GamePad's battery life and issues with the console's user interface and functionality, along with a weak lineup of launch titles and a lack of clear vision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-wii-u-failure-success-2017-10|title=Nintendo learned from 2 huge mistakes with the Wii U to make the Switch a runaway success|last=Gilbert|first=Ben|date=October 9, 2017|newspaper=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-saved-nintendo-from-irrelevancy-2017-12|title=Nintendo started 2017 as a punching bag — and ended up with the hottest gadget of the year|last=Weinberger|first=Matt|date=December 31, 2017|newspaper=Business Insider}}</ref> The Wii U was met with [[List of commercial failures in video gaming|slow consumer adoption]], with low sales  primarily credited to a weak lineup of [[launch title]]s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twinfinite.net/2016/03/every-single-way-the-nintendo-wii-u-failed/|title=Every Single Way the Nintendo Wii U Failed|last=Romero|first=Ishmael|date=March 2, 2016|publisher=Twinfinite}}</ref> limited third-party support,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://videogamesuncovered.com/features/why-the-wii-u-really-failed/|title=Why the Wii U Really Failed|last=Gittins|first=Liam|date=July 3, 2015|publisher=VGU}}</ref> and poor marketing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/5/5970787/wii-u-nintendo-bad-name|title=The Wii U name is still hurting Nintendo|first=Ben|last=Kuchera|date=August 5, 2014|publisher=Polygon}}</ref> Wii U production officially ended in January 2017.<ref name="kotaku eol">{{Cite news |url=http://kotaku.com/wii-u-production-has-officially-ended-for-japan-1791813878 |title=Wii U Production Has Officially Ended For Japan [Update] |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=January 31, 2017 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=January 31, 2017}}</ref> On March 3, 2017, Nintendo released a new flagship home console, the [[Nintendo Switch]], although the Wii U was noted for pioneering several concepts that were refined in the Switch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2018/01/31/nintendo-switch-wii-u-failure-success/#KvMr7kP1Ziq3|title=Thank Nintendo's failed Wii U for the Switch's wild success|last=Clark|first=Peter Allen|date=January 31, 2018|publisher=Mashable}}</ref>

{{TOC level|3}}

=Specifications=

== Hardware ==
[[File:Nintendo-Wii-U-Console-FL.jpg|link=File:Nintendo-Wii-U-Console-FL.jpg|thumb|right|The black Wii U console, with 32 GB of internal storage.]]

The Wii U uses a custom [[multi-chip module]] (MCM) developed by [[AMD]], [[IBM]] and [[Renesas]] in co-operation with [[Nintendo Integrated Research & Development|Nintendo IRD]] and [[Nintendo Technology Development]]. The MCM combines an "[[Espresso (microprocessor)|Espresso]]" [[central processing unit]] (CPU) and a "Latte" [[graphics processing unit|graphics chip]] (GPU), as well as a [[SEEPROM]] memory chip. The Espresso CPU, designed by IBM, consists of a [[PowerPC 750]]-based tri-core processor with 3&nbsp;MB of shared [[L2 cache]] memory and clocked at approximately 1.24&nbsp;GHz. Despite belonging to the [[PowerPC]] family, the Espresso also shares some architectural concepts with the [[POWER7]] architecture, such as the use of [[eDRAM]] cache and being manufactured at a [[45 nanometer|45&nbsp;nm]] node. The Latte graphics chip contains both a "GX2" GPGPU, which runs Wii U applications, and a "GX" GPU, which enables backward compatibility with [[Wii]] games. The GX2, designed by AMD, is based on the [[Radeon R600]]/[[Radeon R700|R700]] architecture and is clocked at approximately 550&nbsp;MHz. It is manufactured at a 40&nbsp;nm node and contains 32&nbsp;MB of eDRAM cache memory, which can also act as [[L3 cache]] for the CPU. The GX, originally designed by [[ArtX]], contains a 1&nbsp;MB and a 2&nbsp;MB banks of [[eSRAM]] cache memory. The Latte chip also includes a secondary custom [[ARM9]] processor with 96&nbsp;KB of SRAM memory that handles system tasks in the background during gameplay or while the system is in [[sleep mode]], and dedicated hardware audio [[Digital signal processor|DSP]] module.

<!-- Memory (RAM) and storage -->
The console contains 2&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] of [[DDR3 SDRAM|DDR3]] system memory consisting of four 512&nbsp;MB [[Dynamic random-access memory|DRAM]] chips with a maximum bandwidth of 12.8&nbsp;GB/s. This is 20 times the amount found in the [[Wii]]. Of this, 1&nbsp;GB is reserved for the operating system and is unavailable to games. The memory architecture allows the CPU and GPU to access both the main DDR3 memory pool and the eDRAM cache memory pool on the GPU, removing the need for separate, dedicated memory pools. The console includes either an 8&nbsp;GB (Basic) or 32&nbsp;GB (Deluxe <small>(NA)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small>) internal [[eMMC]] [[flash memory]], expandable via [[Secure Digital|SD]] memory cards up to 32&nbsp;GB and [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] external [[hard disk drive]]s up to 2&nbsp;TB.

<!-- Connectivity / Input+Output -->
The Wii U features [[802.11 b/g]] [[802.11 n|/n]] [[wireless network]] connectivity and support for [[Fast Ethernet]] with an accessory, [[Bluetooth 4.0]], a total of four [[USB 2.0]] ports, and an SD/[[Secure Digital|SDHC]] memory card slot. An additional power port is also included to power the [[Wii Sensor Bar]], an auxiliary infrared emitter used by [[Wii Remote]] peripherals for motion tracking. Video output options include [[1080p]], [[1080i]], [[720p]], [[576i]], [[480p]] and [[480i]], through [[HDMI 1.4]] and [[component video]] ([[YPbPr]], [[D-Terminal]] and [[RGBS|RGB]] [[SCART]]) or 576i, 480i [[anamorphic widescreen]] through [[composite video]] <small>([[S-Video]], [[SCART]] and D-Terminal)</small>. Audio output options include six-channel [[5.1 surround sound|5.1]] [[Linear pulse-code modulation|linear PCM]] surround sound or [[Stereophonic sound|analog stereo]]. The console also supports [[stereoscopy|stereoscopic]] (3D) images and video.

=== Controllers ===
[[File:Wii U controller illustration.svg|thumb|An illustration of the Wii U GamePad (White)]]
The [[Wii U GamePad]] is the console's primary [[video game controller|controller]]: its main feature is a built-in 6.2&nbsp;inch (15.7&nbsp;cm) [[resistive touchscreen]], which can be used as a [[Second screen|companion]] to games being played on a television, or as a means of playing games [[Off-TV Play|on the GamePad itself]] without a television. The GamePad is designed to enable a concept referred to by Nintendo as "[[Asymmetry|asymmetric]] gaming": in [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] games, a player using the GamePad may have a different gameplay objective and experience than other players.

The GamePad's display contents are rendered on the Wii U itself, and streamed wirelessly as video to the GamePad. The GamePad also supports [[near field communication]]s; cards and specially-designed figurines, such as Nintendo's [[Amiibo]] line, can be used with the GamePad to interact with games. In Japan, it can also be used for [[contactless payment]]s from eShop with [[Suica]] cards.

[[File:Nintendo-Wii-U-Pro-Controller-Black.jpg|link=File:Nintendo-Wii-U-Pro-Controller-Black.jpg|thumb|The Wii U Pro Controller, a more conventional controller compared to the Gamepad.]]
A new [[Wii U Pro Controller]] was released alongside the Wii U. The Wii U Pro Controller is an updated version of the Wii's [[Classic Controller]] that is designed to appeal to "[[Gamer#Hardcore gamer|hardcore]]" players, with a more traditional [[gamepad]] design that resembles those used by the [[PlayStation]] and [[Xbox]] lines (and in particular, the [[Xbox 360]]'s [[Xbox 360 Controller|controller]]), and a claimed 80-hour battery life.

The Wii U is compatible with existing [[Wii Remote]] and [[Wii Remote Plus]] controllers, along with their [[Wii Nunchuk|Nunchuk]] and [[Classic Controller]] attachments. A combination of up to four Wii Remotes or Pro Controllers can be used simultaneously, and the console can theoretically support up to two GamePads. Most software requires a Wii Sensor Bar in order to use Wii Remotes with the system, though some aspects, such as Off-TV Play and the Wii Mode, allow the Wii U GamePad to detect Wii Remotes. The Wii U does not natively support [[GameCube controller]]s. While a USB adapter accessory allows GameCube controllers to be used on the console in ''[[Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', it is not compatible with any other software.

== Software ==

The Wii U's main menu has two main components: by default, the GamePad displays a home screen consisting of a grid with shortcuts to games and apps, while the television screen displays a lobby (WaraWara Plaza) populated by other users' [[Mii]]s. The two displays can be switched between the television screen and GamePad.

Pressing the controller's "Home" button suspends the current game or app and opens the Home Menu: it shows basic information (such as the current time, controller battery levels, and notifications), and allows access to several "multitasking" functions, including the [[Nintendo eShop]], Miiverse, download manager, a web browser, and the user's friends list. To play [[Wii]] games, the user must enter "Wii Mode", a [[legacy mode]] that emulates the Wii's system software and [[Wii Menu]] interface. Initially, Wii Mode could only be used on the television screen, but the October 2013 firmware update enables Wii Mode to be used off-TV. Either way, Wii controllers must be used.

=== Online services ===
The Wii U uses the [[Nintendo Network]] platform for online services (replacing the [[friend code]] system of the Wii), enabling online multiplayer, downloading and purchasing games or apps via Nintendo eShop, [[video chat]] using the GamePad's camera and the [[Nintendo Network#Wii U Chat|Wii U Chat]] service, and other services. Up to twelve accounts can be created per console.

A [[social networking service]] known as [[Nintendo Network#Miiverse|Miiverse]] is integrated into the Wii U's system software; it allows players to interact and share content in game-specific communities using their [[Mii]] as an avatar. Miiverse allows users to share accomplishments, screenshots, drawings and hand-written notes. Select games are integrated with Miiverse, where social interactions can also occur within the game, or appear within their content (such as in ''[[Splatoon]]'', where drawn posts can appear as [[graffiti]] on walls in its settings). Miiverse is moderated through software filtering as well as a [[human resources|human resource]] team in order to ensure that the content shared by users is appropriate and that no [[Spoiler (media)|spoilers]] are shared. In order to facilitate this, it was initially stated that comments posted could take up to 30 minutes to appear on Miiverse.

=== Multimedia integration ===
The Wii U supports online video services through apps, such as [[Amazon Video]], [[Crunchyroll]], [[Hulu]], [[Netflix]], and [[YouTube]]. The Wii U does not support playback of [[DVD]] or [[Blu-ray Disc]]; Iwata explained that the decision to exclude these formats was motivated primarily by patent licensing fees, and the fact that such functionality would be redundant to DVD and Blu-ray players that users may already own.

The [[Nintendo Network#Nintendo TVii|Nintendo TVii]] service allowed program listings from a user's television provider to be aggregated with online video on demand services into an [[electronic program guide]] with recommendations and search functionality, and the ability to use the GamePad's infrared functionality to tune a [[set-top box]] to a particular program. The app also provided integration with [[IMDB]], [[Rotten Tomatoes]], and [[Wikipedia]] to provide additional information, and social connectivity through [[Facebook]], [[Twitter]], or Miiverse. TVii was made available with the Wii U's release in Japan on December 8, 2012, and in North America on December 20, 2012. Following delays, a European launch was cancelled, and the service was discontinued in North America on August 11, 2015. The service was discontinued in Japan on November 8, 2017.

[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]