Technology
The Wii U is an interesting piece of technology, and one with a unique gimmick. Where the original Wii introduced motion control, the Wii U focused on its Gamepad integration. This allowed developers to put aspects of the game onto the pad, as well as give the system the ability to switch the screen for a game from the TV to the pad.
Unfortunately, much of the integration we saw for the game pad initially consisted of inventory management and map systems. These alone are fine, as it helps clear up the HUD in games and can reduce menu navigation. However, Nintendo didn’t really set a great example at the system’s launch for what developers could do with the Gamepad. Later in the consoles life we’d see inventive uses for the Gamepad like Kirby and the Rainbow Curse and Splatton. Mario Maker might even be the perfect example of how to use the Gamepad.
The system also helped strengthen Nintendo’s online infrastructure. The use of friend codes can still be a bit frustrating, but the Wii U’s internet strength is leaps and bounds above the original Wii. The console even had a way to integrate your television’s service, something we’d see again with the Xbox One later.
The Wii U was Nintendo’s first foray into HD gaming, and the company’s colorful cast of mascots has never looked better. The detailed screen of the Gamepad could display the games in almost as much color and vibrancy as your TV screen. This made the console perfect for families, where one party might want to use the TV while anyone playing the Wii U could just switch their game over to the controller and keep going.
The Wii U may have been a step behind when we saw the PS4 and Xbox One release, but many of its ideas were ahead of its time. The Gamepad hit around the time that we saw a prevalence of tablet use and second screen experiences. The technology wasn’t the game changer that motion controls on the Wii were, but gave the system a fresh and unique feel.
