When Did Wii Get Discontinued?
The Nintendo Wii was a groundbreaking gaming console that revolutionized the way we play games. Released in 2006, it was a massive hit, selling over 101 million units worldwide. However, all good things must come to an end, and the Wii was eventually discontinued by Nintendo in 2013. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Wii’s discontinuation and what happened to it afterwards.
The Birth of the Wii
The Wii was first released on November 19, 2006, in North America, and it quickly became a sensation. Its innovative motion controls and affordable price made it accessible to gamers of all ages and skill levels. The console’s success was unprecedented, and it quickly outsold its competitors.
Wii’s Golden Age
During its early years, the Wii was plagued by a shortage of games and hardware. However, this did not deter fans, who eagerly anticipated new releases and waited in lines to buy new consoles. The Wii’s golden age was marked by the release of hit games like Super Mario Galaxy, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and Wii Sports.
Decline and Discontinuation
However, the Wii’s popularity began to wane around 2011-2012. The console’s graphics were no longer competitive with newer releases, and the lack of support from third-party developers meant fewer games were being released. In 2011, Nintendo released the Wii U, which many considered to be the Wii’s successor.
On October 20, 2013, Nintendo officially discontinued the Wii in North America, and production was halted. The reason for the discontinuation was the shift in focus to the Wii U and other new products.
What Happened to the Wii?
After discontinuation, the Wii’s availability was severely limited, making it difficult for gamers to get their hands on a console. The Wii U was released shortly after, and the attention shifted to the new console.
Price Drop
In the years following discontinuation, the Wii’s price dropped significantly, making it more affordable for gamers on a budget. The console’s hardware was still capable of providing hours of entertainment, and many gamers snapped up the affordable console.
Second-Hand Market
The Wii’s popularity continued through the second-hand market. Gamers would buy used Wii consoles and games online or at local stores, extending the console’s lifespan. The Wii’s resale value remained relatively high, and it became a staple in many gaming communities.
Gaming Community
The Wii’s community remained strong, even after the console’s discontinuation. The Wii U and later the Nintendo Switch carried over some of the Wii’s innovations, keeping the gaming spirit alive.
Comparison with Wii U
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the Wii’s key specs and features versus the Wii U:
| Spec | Wii | Wii U |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | IBM PowerPC 4×3.2 GHz | IBM PowerPC 4×1.8 GHz |
| RAM | 512 MB | 2 GB |
| Graphics | ATI Hollywood 3D | AMD Radeon HD 760 |
| Games | 1,564 | 1,235 |
| Controllers | Wii Remote, Nunchuk | Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller |
| Price (at launch) | $249.99 | $299.99 |
As you can see, the Wii U had a more powerful processor, more RAM, and improved graphics. However, the Wii U’s launch was marked by confusion and poor marketing, leading to its poor sales.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Wii’s discontinuation was a natural result of the shift towards newer, more powerful consoles. The Wii’s legacy continued through its gaming community, second-hand market, and its influence on future consoles. Although it’s no longer in production, the Wii remains an iconic gaming console, paving the way for Nintendo’s future success.
Final Thoughts
- The Wii U’s release was a significant factor in the Wii’s decline.
- The Wii’s price drop after discontinuation made it more affordable for gamers.
- The Wii’s gaming community continued to thrive, even after its discontinuation.
- The Wii U and Nintendo Switch built upon the Wii’s innovations, extending its gaming spirit.
Overall, the Wii’s discontinuation was a turning point in Nintendo’s history, marking the beginning of a new era for the company. Its legacy continues to be felt in the gaming community, and its influence on the industry is undeniable.