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8gb wii u basic set discontinued in japan – Remember the Wii U? That console that tried (and failed) to bridge the gap between gaming and interactive television? Well, in Japan, its journey took an even more interesting turn. The 8GB Wii U Basic Set, a more affordable option, was discontinued, leaving gamers wondering about its impact on the console’s legacy.
The 8GB Wii U Basic Set was a stripped-down version of the console, offering a smaller hard drive and a slightly different controller setup. It was released in Japan in 2013, aiming to make the Wii U more accessible to budget-conscious gamers. But, in a move that surprised many, Nintendo officially discontinued the 8GB model in 2015. This discontinuation marked a turning point in the Wii U’s story in Japan, raising questions about the console’s future and its place in the gaming landscape.
The Wii U Basic Set in Japan: 8gb Wii U Basic Set Discontinued In Japan
The Wii U Basic Set was a console bundle released in Japan, offering a more affordable entry point to the Wii U gaming experience. While it lacked some features found in the Deluxe Set, it still provided access to the Wii U’s unique gamepad and library of games.
Specifications of the 8GB Wii U Basic Set
The 8GB Wii U Basic Set featured a white Wii U console with a 8GB internal storage capacity. It came bundled with a white Wii U GamePad, a sensor bar, and a copy of Nintendo Land. This basic package was designed to be an entry-level option for gamers interested in experiencing the Wii U’s unique features and game library without the additional cost of a larger storage capacity or premium accessories.
Key Features and Functionalities of the Wii U Basic Set, 8gb wii u basic set discontinued in japan
The Wii U Basic Set offered the core functionalities of the Wii U console, including:
- Wii U GamePad: The unique controller featuring a touchscreen, motion controls, and built-in speakers, allowing for a second-screen experience.
- HD Graphics: The Wii U console supported 1080p resolution for high-definition gaming.
- Off-TV Play: The GamePad enabled playing games on the controller’s screen without needing to use the TV.
- Backward Compatibility: The Wii U console could play Wii games, expanding the game library available.
- Miiverse: A social networking platform for gamers to share experiences and connect with others.
- Nintendo eShop: A digital storefront for purchasing and downloading games and other content.
Release and Availability in Japan
The Wii U Basic Set was launched in Japan on December 8, 2012, alongside the Deluxe Set. It was initially priced at ¥26,250. This bundle was available for purchase at various retail stores throughout Japan, offering a more budget-friendly option for consumers who wanted to experience the Wii U’s features without the added expense of the Deluxe Set’s larger storage capacity and additional accessories.
Discontinuation of the Wii U Basic Set
The 8GB Wii U Basic Set was discontinued in Japan, marking the end of an era for this particular console configuration. While the Wii U continued to be available in other models, this specific version was phased out, leaving its mark on the gaming landscape.
Discontinuation Announcement Date
Nintendo officially announced the discontinuation of the 8GB Wii U Basic Set in Japan on March 26, 2015. This announcement signaled the end of production for this particular model, paving the way for other configurations to take center stage.
Reasons for Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the 8GB Wii U Basic Set was likely driven by a combination of factors:
* Limited Storage Capacity: The 8GB storage space was considered insufficient for modern games, especially as game sizes grew.
* Shifting Market Demand: Nintendo likely shifted its focus towards other models, like the 32GB Wii U Deluxe Set, which offered more storage and features.
* New Console Releases: The discontinuation coincided with the release of the New Nintendo 3DS, which was gaining traction in the market, potentially impacting the sales of the Wii U Basic Set.
Comparison to Other Wii U Models
The discontinuation of the 8GB Wii U Basic Set occurred after the release of other Wii U models:
* Wii U Deluxe Set: Released on November 18, 2012, the Wii U Deluxe Set offered 32GB of storage and came bundled with a gamepad, making it a more attractive option for gamers.
* Wii U Basic Set (32GB): This model was released on September 20, 2013, replacing the 8GB version with a larger storage capacity.
The discontinuation of the 8GB Wii U Basic Set marked a significant shift in Nintendo’s strategy for the console, focusing on models with greater storage capacity and features to meet the evolving needs of gamers.
Impact of Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the Wii U Basic Set in Japan had a significant impact on the console’s sales and market share, ultimately contributing to the system’s decline in the region. This move also affected the availability of Wii U games and accessories, leading to potential challenges for players and collectors.
The discontinuation of the Wii U Basic Set marked a turning point for the console’s performance in Japan. Without the entry-level option, the console became less accessible to new buyers, leading to a decline in sales. The discontinuation also coincided with the release of the Nintendo Switch, which quickly gained popularity in Japan. The Switch’s success further diminished the Wii U’s market share, ultimately leading to its discontinuation in 2017.
Effect on Availability of Wii U Games and Accessories
The discontinuation of the Wii U Basic Set also impacted the availability of Wii U games and accessories in Japan. As demand for the console decreased, retailers were less likely to stock new games and accessories. This situation made it more difficult for players to find certain titles, especially those released later in the console’s lifecycle. Additionally, the discontinuation of the Wii U Basic Set contributed to a rise in prices for pre-owned Wii U games and accessories, making them less accessible to budget-conscious players.
Changes in Pricing and Demand
Following the discontinuation of the Wii U Basic Set, the pricing of the remaining Wii U models, like the Premium Set, saw a slight increase. This was likely due to the limited availability of new units and the growing demand for the console from collectors and enthusiasts. However, the overall demand for the Wii U remained relatively low, reflecting the console’s declining popularity in the Japanese market.
The discontinuation of the 8GB Wii U Basic Set in Japan serves as a reminder that even in the world of gaming, change is inevitable. The console’s legacy, however, is still being written. The Wii U, despite its struggles, paved the way for the innovative Switch, proving that Nintendo isn’t afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas. And, while the 8GB model may be gone, its impact on the gaming community, particularly in Japan, will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
The 8GB Wii U Basic Set is officially a relic of the past in Japan. It’s a reminder that even the most beloved consoles eventually fade into history, just like the classic Nintendo 64. While we can’t bring back the 8GB Wii U, we can still appreciate the modern-day obsession with visual appeal. Restaurants are now designing plates specifically to make food look good on Instagram, a trend that’s taking the culinary world by storm.
Maybe one day we’ll see a Nintendo console designed to make our gaming sessions Insta-worthy, but for now, we’ll have to settle for the nostalgia of the 8GB Wii U.