Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U: What is the Difference?

Filed in Articles by on May 25, 2021

The gaming community is quite informed about the Wii, as well as the Wii U both being video game consoles that originate from the mother company of Nintendo. But are both versions different? Tag along to find out. 

Difference between Nintendo Wii U and Wii

The best, or the most incredible, thing about the console switch of the Nintendo is its compatibility or suitability for everybody. The Wii and Wii U are not so similar to each other. The main difference therein is Wii U.

On one hand, you have two totally different iterations of consoles, on the other side. There are 2 game systems, “Wii” and “Wii U.” 

The Wii is the older version that is compatible with the GameCube and the Wii U is backward compatible with the Wii. Of course, the console offers a tool that is built into its main controller, an on-screen TV and the game can be played on it.

Major Differences Between the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U

1. Release Date: The Wii was placed on the market in 2006, however, the Wii U first appeared as late as 2012, two years later.

2. Controller: Wii’s put into the play the Wiimote with motion-sensing technology, whereas the release of the Wii U introduced the Game Pad, the tablet-like controller having a touchscreen.

3. Backward Compatibility: The Wii U is a backward compatible console that can read the same games and accessories that were used by the Wii, allowing gamers to keep and enjoy their Wii library.

4. Graphics: The Wii U has its feature set as improved graphics and HD resolution compared to the Wii.

5. Online Services: The Wii U was equipped with advanced networks and features including the native Nintendo eShop for users to download and play games online, various multiplayer options, and some other interesting exclusive features as well.

6. Game Library: Just like the Wii, the Wii U has its collection of exclusives, but the lack of games for the Wii U could be attributed to its shortcomings when compared to the Wii.

7. Virtual Console: As the Virtual Console of the Wii U offers more classic titles than the Wii, the consumer can now have more choices to purchase their favorite classic titles.

8. Miiverse: In addition to being able to connect with others through a social network called Miiverse, which involves sharing messages, photos, or gameplay experiences, this service is not available on the Wii.

9. Dual Screen Gameplay: On the Wii U the Gamepad acts as an additional screen and permits dual screen gameplay that most titles on Wii did not incorporate. 

10. Sales Performance: The Wii became a commercial triumph, outperforming the Wii U by a several times multiplication depicting its ground-breaking motion control mechanism and broader popularity among the general public.

What Does Nintendo Wii Mean?

The Wii is an innovative one-of-a-kind gaming console brought to the market by Nintendo. The name ‘Wii’ came from the idea that whether oldies or gamers, everybody could find something meaningful for them. 

The word “Wii” itself represents a catchy pronunciation that is pretty similar to the English word “we,” bearing a sense of drawing friends together for play and entertainment. 

It is notable that the name “Wii” travels sound wise and must be linked with the word “wee,” which is a word associated with the joy and peace of playing games. 

That name “Nintendo Wii” can be said to be just what Nintendo tries hard to understand modern games – it is easy-to-use, enjoyable and playable, and most of all, there is no difficulty to socialize with others. 

This title was also very popular around the world, distinguished by a different approach and was successfully developed by both beginners and professionals.

Is the Nintendo Wii U More Expensive than the Nintendo Wii?

The cost of the later Wii U model from Nintendo is pricier than the original Wii. 

As a new version of a console with added features like HD graphics, multi-touch controller and online entertainment, Wii U usually retails around 349 dollars with PlayStation and XBox around 370 dollars. 

Besides, the same Wii U device can be used with Wii games and accessories for similar, yet improved experience. This factor also adds to its value, hence to the price. 

Some factors like location, socket renewal, and rebundled packages may affect the pricing. Although the Wii U has proven to contain a wider range of capabilities and features, some will benefit a lot from the affordability and simplicity of the Wii. 

Lastly, one may choose either on the basis of what they personally seek from a console and the budget they have at their disposal with desired gaming experience being the ultimate goal.

CSN Team.

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