When Nintendo initially released the Wii U in 2012, it was supposed to be the company’s next-generation console – the successor to its wildly successful Wii – and the company’s answer to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. However, the Wii U failed to live up to its expectations and was considered a commercial disappointment by many people. In this article, we will explore the reasons why the Wii U failed and how Nintendo bounced back.

One of the primary reasons why the Wii U didn’t perform as well as Nintendo anticipated was its confusing marketing campaign. The company struggled to communicate the console’s unique features, and many potential customers didn’t understand what the system had to offer. Nintendo tried to appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers, but the end result was a product that didn’t satisfy either demographic.

Another issue was that the Wii U’s hardware, compared to its competitors, was underpowered. The console utilized the same technology that was used in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and it struggled to run the latest games. With the release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One around the corner, the Wii U was already outdated when it hit store shelves.

Further compounding the issue, third-party support for the console was weak. Many publishers and developers were hesitant to invest time and resources into creating games for the Wii U due to its small player base and weak hardware. This lack of third-party support made it difficult for Nintendo to maintain the console’s momentum and keep players engaged.

Despite these challenges, Nintendo bounced back. The company made several strategic decisions that helped revitalize its business and cement its place in the gaming industry.

First and foremost, Nintendo shifted its focus to mobile gaming. The company released several popular mobile titles such as Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes, which helped to broaden its audience and introduce new players to the Nintendo brand. The company also finally entered the lucrative mobile market, releasing its first mobile console, the Nintendo Switch, in 2017.

Another critical factor in Nintendo’s resurgence was the success of its first-party titles. Nintendo released several critically acclaimed games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Mario Odyssey, which were welcomed by both critics and gamers alike. These games helped to showcase the company’s unique style and creativity, and they served as a reminder of why players fell in love with Nintendo in the first place.

Finally, Nintendo listened to its audience. The company took note of the criticisms surrounding the Wii U and made an effort to address them with the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is more powerful than its predecessor, and it offers new and innovative features such as the ability to play games on the go. It also has a strong focus on multiplayer and offers a vast library of games that cater to both casual and hardcore gamers.