A Decade Later, Nintendo Has Run Out Of Wii U Parts

Summary

• The Wii U has officially, and maybe, finally, been put to bed for good.
• That's because Nintendo announced that it has run out of Wii U parts, ending console repairs in Japan.
• Wii U online services were shut down earlier, making online games and network communication unusable.

Despite being largely panned by critics and gamers alike, the Wii U produced several quality games throughout its life cycle. It's easy to forget that, when, save for Wind Waker and Twilight Princess HD, many of those titles ended up on the Nintendo Switch down the line. But it was a somewhat popular console nonetheless, having sold 13.56 million units. And now, it looks like Nintendo is closing the door on one of its most infamous endeavors.

Taking to Twitter, Nintendo's Japanese customer service account announced that the gaming giant has officially run out of Wii U parts. As a result, it will no longer be able to accept Wii U console repairs from consumers. The announcement comes a little over a year after Nintendo initially announced that it would continue to repair consoles until it depleted its supply of console and accessory parts. Now, that day has finally come.

Nintendo Had Already Shut Down Online Services

Thursday's announcement follows what has been a somber several weeks for Nintendo fans. That's because in January, Nintendo announced its plans to shutter online services of both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Then, a few months later, those services were formally shut down, meaning all online communication and online games were no longer playable. Additionally, eShop purchases were rendered no longer possible, though it is still possible to download updates or already purchased content.

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It's important to note that the discontinuation of Wii U repairs pertains exclusively to Japan. Hardware repairs had already been discontinued in North America, so Thursday's announcement means that the Wii U can no longer be repaired anywhere. It puts a bow on Nintendo's majorly unsuccessful bit of hardware.

Because while the Wii U was a flop, it did have some unique ideas in play. For example, its Wii U GamePad could double as a television remote, as well as a second screen for games. In the case of Splinter Cell Blacklist's Wii U release, the game took advantage of the GamePad's gyro capabilities to allow players to control drones and spycams. When not in use, the GamePad doubled as a hub for all of Sam Fisher's gadgets and weapons. It was one of many titles to make use of the GamePad uniquely.

But beyond its gimmicks, it also had a solid group of games. Mario Kart 8 doesn't become the Switch's best-selling title without it first debuting on the Wii U. Elsewhere, fans were treated to Super Mario Maker, Xenoblade Chronicles X and the first Splatoon effort. That's not to mention the likes of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, or the aforementioned HD Zelda ports.

In other words, for all its warts and problems, the Wii U did have some interesting ideas at play. And it certainly wasn't short on playable software, either. With repair services ending globally and online services having already been discontinued, it's time for the Wii U to finally get some rest. Sleep easy, Wii U.

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