How Much Was Wii U at Launch?
The Wii U, Nintendo’s innovative console, launched in 2012, marking a new era in gaming. With its unique controller, the GamePad, and a range of exciting games, the Wii U was expected to make a splash in the gaming world. But how much did it cost at launch? In this article, we’ll dive into the details and explore the answer to this question.
The Launch Price
The Wii U launched in the United States on November 18, 2012, with two main variants: the Basic Set and the Deluxe Edition. The Basic Set came with a 8GB memory version and a black or white GamePad, priced at $299.99. The Deluxe Edition, on the other hand, came with a 32GB memory version, a black or white GamePad, and a copy of NintendoLand, priced at $349.99.
Comparison to Other Consoles
To put the Wii U’s launch price into perspective, let’s compare it to other consoles at the time. The Xbox 360, a popular console at the time, was priced around $250 for the basic model, while the PlayStation 3 was priced around $300 for the basic model. The Wii, Nintendo’s previous console, was priced at $250 for the basic model.
Key Features and Accessories
The Wii U’s launch price included some key features and accessories, such as:
- The GamePad, a tablet-like controller with a 6.2-inch screen and motion controls
- A HDMI cable for connecting the console to a TV
- A Wii U console with 8GB or 32GB of internal memory
- A copy of NintendoLand, a exclusive game for the Wii U
Additional Costs
While the launch price of the Wii U included some key features and accessories, there were some additional costs to consider. For example:
- Games: The Wii U had a range of games available at launch, including Mario Kart 8, Super Mario Bros. U, and NintendoLand. However, some games required additional costs, such as purchasing the game itself or additional content.
- Online subscription: The Wii U required an online subscription, known as the Nintendo Network Premium, which cost $20 per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Wii U launched at a price of $299.99 for the Basic Set and $349.99 for the Deluxe Edition. While the launch price included some key features and accessories, there were some additional costs to consider. Overall, the Wii U’s launch price was competitive with other consoles at the time, but its unique features and innovative controller set it apart from the competition.
Table: Wii U Launch Price
| Model | Price | Memory | GamePad Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Set | $299.99 | 8GB | Black or White |
| Deluxe Edition | $349.99 | 32GB | Black or White |
Key Takeaways
- The Wii U launched at a price of $299.99 for the Basic Set and $349.99 for the Deluxe Edition.
- The Basic Set came with an 8GB memory version and a black or white GamePad, while the Deluxe Edition came with a 32GB memory version and a black or white GamePad.
- The Wii U’s launch price included some key features and accessories, such as the GamePad, HDMI cable, and a copy of NintendoLand.
- There were some additional costs to consider, such as games and online subscription.