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''' 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]]. The console was released in November 2012 and was the first [[eighth generation of video game consoles|eighth-generation video game console]], 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. 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, limited third-party support, and poor marketing. Wii U production officially ended in January 2017. 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.

=Specifications=

== Release ==
The Wii U was originally released in two bundles: the Basic bundle and the Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> bundle. The Basic bundle contains a white Wii U with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, a white [[Wii U GamePad]] and stylus and an HDMI cable, while the Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> contains a black Wii U with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black GamePad and stylus, an HDMI cable, and adds a [[Nintendo Network#Nintendo Network Premium|Nintendo Network Premium]] subscription, the ''[[Nintendo Land]]'' game (except Japan), as well as stands for the console and controller and a [[Wii Sensor Bar|sensor bar]] (except Japan).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendowiiu.com/wii-u-price-and-release-date-just-announced/ |title=Wii U Price And Release Date Just Announced |last=White |first=Mike |date=September 12, 2012 |publisher=NintendoWiiU.com |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926032226/http://nintendowiiu.com/wii-u-price-and-release-date-just-announced/ |archivedate=September 26, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="wired">{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/09/wii-u-liveblog-us/|title=Wii U Will Ship in North America Nov. 18 In $300, $350 Bundles|last=Kohler|first=Chris|date=September 13, 2012|publisher=Wired.com|accessdate=September 15, 2012}}</ref> The Wii U launched in North America priced at [[US$]]299.99 for the Basic Set and US$349.99 for the Deluxe Set.  The system launched in Europe, Australia and South Africa, with European pricing set by retailers.<ref name="south africa launch">{{cite web|title=Wii U to launch in South Africa with 17 games available on launch day|url=http://www.nintendo.co.za/News/2012/Wii-U-to-launch-in-South-Africa-with-17-games-available-on-launch-day-675154.html|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|accessdate=November 30, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vooks.net/wii-u-out-in-australia-on-november-30th-349-and-429/|title=Wii U out in Australia on November 30th, $349 and $429|publisher=Vooks|accessdate=September 15, 2012}}</ref> The system launched in Japan priced at [[¥]]26,250 for the Basic Set and [[¥]]31,500 for the Premium Set.

=== Retail configurations ===
<!-- White 32 GB model -->
On July 13, 2013, Nintendo released a white version of the Premium Pack in Japan, as well as an official battery pack and charger dock for the Wii Remote. The battery pack is capable of about 3 hours of gameplay before needing to be recharged. On July 25, the company released an improved battery pack for the Wii U GamePad. In contrast to the standard 1500mAh battery bundled with the console, the new 2550mAh battery pack increases longevity to between five and eight hours before needing to be recharged.<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/05/30/improved-wii-u-gamepad-battery-and-more-headed-to-japan Improved Wii U GamePad Battery and More Headed to Japan – IGN]. Uk.ign.com. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref>

<!-- Price drop and bundles-->
On August 28, 2013, Nintendo announced that the Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> 32 GB model would drop in price from US$349.99 to US$299.99 in North America. The price drop took effect on September 20, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/wii-u-getting-price-cut-september-20-6413745 |title=Wii U getting price cut September 20 |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=August 28, 2013 |accessdate=September 21, 2013}}</ref> In Europe, Nintendo didn't confirm a formal price cut since individual retailers set their own prices. However, starting October 4, 2013, the company reduced the wholesale price of the system to retailers.<ref name="EU price cut">{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=Nintendo Confirms Wii U "Price Reduction Initiative" in Europe from 4th October|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/nintendo_confirms_wii_u_price_reduction_initiative_in_europe_from_4th_october|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nintendo Life|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref> Coinciding with the system's price cut, Nintendo released a limited edition ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD]]'' Wii U Deluxe Set bundle. The bundle included a black Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black Wii U GamePad decorated with a golden [[Triforce]] and other thematic symbols, a download code for the game and, in North America, a digital copy of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia]]'', a collector's book about ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' series.<ref name="EU price cut" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Corriea|first1=Alexa|title=The Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle coming Sept. 20|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/28/4667836/the-wind-waker-hd-wii-u-bundle-coming-sept-20|website=Polygon|publisher=Polygon|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref> In Europe, Nintendo also released a limited edition ''[[Lego City Undercover]]'' Wii U Premium Pack bundle. Both European bundles featured a 7-day trial of the ''[[Wii Karaoke U]]'' service.<ref name="EU price cut" /> Nintendo did not cut the price of the Wii U in Australia or New Zealand nor did it release any of the previous bundles in the regions.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vuckovic|first1=Daniel|title=No Wii U price drop for Australia or New Zealand|url=http://www.vooks.net/no-wii-u-price-drop-for-australia-or-new-zealand/|website=Vooks|publisher=Vooks|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Vuckovic|first1=Daniel|title=No Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle or Limited Edition for Australia|url=http://www.vooks.net/no-wind-waker-hd-wii-u-bundle-or-limited-edition-for-australia/|website=Vooks|publisher=Vooks|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref>

<!-- Family Set bundles -->
On October 31, 2013, Nintendo introduced two new Wii U Premium Pack bundles in Japan, called Family Set. The first included either a black or white Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black or white Wii U GamePad, ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' and ''[[Wii Party U]]'' preloaded, a black or white [[Wii Remote]], a [[Wii Sensor Bar]], and a 30-day trial of the ''[[Wii Karaoke U]]'' service. The second bundle included all of the previous one's contents, additionally preloaded with ''[[Wii Fit U]]'' and including Nintendo's official Fit Meter [[pedometer]] (with the [[Wii Balance Board]] available separately).<ref>{{cite web|title=Wii U すぐに遊べる ファミリープレミアムセット|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/hardware/familyset/|website=Nintendo Japan|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=July 19, 2014|language=Japanese}}</ref>

<!-- Holiday bundles -->
On November 1, 2013, Nintendo released a Mario & Luigi Deluxe Set in North America with the intention of replacing the original Wii U Deluxe Set, which included a copy of ''[[Nintendo Land]]''. The Mario & Luigi bundle contains both ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' and ''[[New Super Luigi U]]'' packaged as a "2 in 1" disc alongside a black Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage and black Wii U GamePad controller.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldfarb|first1=Andrew|title=New Wii U Deluxe Bundle Includes New Super Mario U, Luigi U|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/10/23/new-wii-u-deluxe-bundle-includes-new-super-mario-u-luigi-u|website=IGN UK|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref> The bundle was later released in Europe on November 8.<ref name="EU bundles 2013">{{cite web|last1=East|first1=Thomas|title=Nintendo announce three new Wii U bundles for Christmas|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55214/nintendo-announce-three-new-wii-u-bundles-for-christmas/|website=Official Nintendo Magazine|publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine|accessdate=July 23, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110043612/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55214/nintendo-announce-three-new-wii-u-bundles-for-christmas/|archivedate=November 10, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> On November 14, Nintendo released a ''[[Just Dance 2014]]'' Basic Pack bundle in Australia and New Zealand. It contains a white Wii U console with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, a white Wii U GamePad and Wii Remote Plus controllers, a Sensor Bar, and disc versions of both [[Ubisoft]]'s ''Just Dance 2014'' and ''Nintendo Land''.<ref name="AUS bundles 2013">{{cite web|last1=Southcott|first1=Chris|title=New Wii U bundles coming to Australia, but still no price drop|url=http://techgeek.com.au/2013/10/31/new-wii-u-bundles-coming-australia-still-price-drop/|website=TechGeek|publisher=TechGeek|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref> The bundle was later released in Europe on November 22.<ref name="EU bundles 2013" /> On November 15, Nintendo released a ''[[Wii Party U]]'' Wii U Basic Pack bundle in Europe. It features a white Wii U console with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, a white Wii U GamePad and Wii Remote Plus controllers, a Sensor Bar, and disc versions of both ''Wii Party U'' and ''Nintendo Land''.<ref name="EU bundles 2013" /> On November 15, Nintendo also released a ''[[Skylanders: Swap Force]]'' Wii U Basic Set bundle in North America. It contains white Wii U with 8&nbsp;GB of storage, [[Activision]]'s ''Skylanders Swap Force'' game, a Portal of Power, three Skylanders figures, a collector poster, trading cards and sticker sheets, and a ''Nintendo Land'' game disc.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=Nintendo Announces Skylanders SWAP Force Wii U Hardware Bundle|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/10/nintendo_announces_skylanders_swap_force_wii_u_hardware_bundle|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nintendo Life|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref> The bundle was released in Australia and New Zealand on November 21.<ref name="AUS bundles 2013" />

<!-- Brazil -->
On November 26, 2013, the Wii U was released in Brazil. However, the system is only available in the black Deluxe Set in the region.<ref name="brazil launch">{{cite web|last=Azevedo|first=Théo|title=Mais caro do mundo, Wii U sai no Brasil por R$ 1.899 em 26/11|url=http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/2013/11/07/mais-caro-do-mundo-wii-u-sai-no-brasil-por-r-1899-em-2611.htm|publisher=UOL Jogos|accessdate=November 7, 2013|language=Portuguese}}</ref> On January 10, 2015, Nintendo announced that it would cease selling consoles and games in Brazil due to the [[Brazil cost|high cost of doing business in the country]].<ref name=polygon-nintendobrazil>{{cite web|title=Nintendo ends console and game distribution in Brazil, citing high taxes|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/10/7524759/nintendo-brazil-wii-u-3ds-tariffs-taxes|website=Polygon|accessdate=January 10, 2015}}</ref>

<!-- Mario Kart 8 bundle -->
On May 30, 2014, Nintendo released a ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' Deluxe <small>(U.S.)</small> / Premium <small>(WW)</small> Set bundle in Europe and North America. It features a black Wii U console with 32&nbsp;GB of storage, a black Wii U GamePad, a copy of ''Mario Kart 8'', a Sensor Bar, and special edition red [[Wii Wheel]] (North America only). Additionally, registering the game on [[Club Nintendo]] before July 31, 2014 presents the buyer a free Wii U game from a selection of four in North America and ten in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dyer|first1=Mitch|title=Mario Kart 8 Bundle Announced for North America|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/04/30/mario-kart-8-bundle-announced-for-north-america|website=IGN UK|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref><ref name="EU Mario Kart 8 bundle">{{cite web|last1=Corriea|first1=Alexa|title=Mario Kart 8 Wii U bundle, Peach and Yoshi Wii Remotes hitting Europe May 30|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/24/5646850/mario-kart-8-wii-u-bundles-peach-yoshi-remotes-europe|work=Polygon|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref> The bundle was released in Australia and New Zealand on May 31.<ref name="AUS Mario Kart 8 bundle">{{cite web|last1=Sobrello|first1=Andrew|title=Mario Kart 8 Premium Wii U Bundle, new Wii Remote Plus designs confirmed for Australia|url=http://techgeek.com.au/2014/04/25/mario-kart-8-premium-wii-u-bundle-new-wii-remote-plus-designs-confirmed-australia/|work=TechGeek|accessdate=July 23, 2014}}</ref>

In June 2015, the basic Wii U was discontinued in Japan, and replaced by a 32&nbsp;GB "Premium" set that includes white hardware and a Wii Remote Plus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/21/basic-wii-u-model-to-be-discontinued-in-japan|title=Basic Wii U to be discontinued in Japan|publisher=Wesley Copeland|work=IGN|accessdate=May 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/05/21/nintendo-kills-off-the-basic-wii-u-in-japan/|title=Nintendo kills off the basic Wii U in Japan|first=Steve|last=Dent|work=Engadget|accessdate=May 22, 2015}}</ref>

== 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]]