Can I Still Play Wii U Games Online?

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By Valerie Becker

Are you a proud owner of Nintendo’s Wii U? Have you been wondering if you can still play Wii U Games online? Well, let’s dive into the details and find out.

Background Information

The Wii U was released in 2012 and was the successor to the popular Wii console. The console gained popularity for its unique Gamepad controller that allowed players to use it as a second screen or even play games directly on it. While the Wii U had a fair share of exclusive games, many players were disappointed with its lackluster sales numbers.

Online Play on the Wii U

The Wii U allowed players to play their favorite games online by connecting to the Nintendo Network. Players could create a Nintendo Network ID, add friends, and join online multiplayer games across different titles. However, unlike other consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, the online community for Wii U games wasn’t as large.

Current Status of Online Play

Nintendo discontinued production of the Wii U in 2017 and shifted focus to their latest console, the Nintendo Switch. While this might suggest that online play for Wii U is no longer available, that’s not entirely true.

Multiplayer Games

Many multiplayer games for the Wii U are still playable online. However, some titles have had their servers shut down due to low player counts or because they were only meant to be available for a limited time (like Splatfest events in Splatoon). Here are some popular multiplayer games still playable on the Wii U:

  • Mario Kart 8
  • Splatoon
  • Super Smash Bros.
  • Minecraft: Wii U Edition

Virtual Console Games

Players can also access classic titles from previous Nintendo consoles through the Wii U’s Virtual Console. While these games are not designed for online play, some titles like Super Mario 64 and Donkey Kong Country can still be played online through the use of an emulator.

Conclusion

The Wii U may no longer be in production, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your favorite games online. While the online community may not be as active as it once was, many multiplayer titles are still playable. So, if you’re a proud owner of a Wii U console and looking to play online, go ahead and dust off those controllers, add some friends, and jump back into the world of Wii U gaming!