Wii U

The first eighth generation console, the Wii U was released by Nintendo in 2012 and is the first of their devices to support HD graphics. In a change from previous models, the Wii U’s primary controller is the Wii U GamePad which features a touchpad and directional buttons. However, the Wii U also uses the familiar Wii Remote aka Wiimote and Nunchuck as well as supporting a balance board. The Wii U is backwards compatible with most games previously released for the Wii and uses the Nintendo Network and Miiverse for its online functionality.

Although the Wii U did not initially take off with fans in terms of sales, its fortunes picked up with the release of several successful games including the HD version of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.