With the Wii U officially ceasing production, the expected rhetoric is rolling in. "It's full speed ahead for Nintendo Switch," and "No reason to own a Wii U anymore," are both simplified versions of entire articles already being printed about the topic.
Ironically, though, the Wii U, and its owners for that matter, are getting one last shot in before going to their graves. Generally, when a new console comes out, you can count on your core audience to upgrade, given that they are clearly the most ravenous fans. The truth of the matter, though, is that Nintendo has given Wii U owners very little reason to Switch (pun intended), while also making it logistically difficult for them to do so.
Zelda, Zelda, Zelda
Why move to the Nintendo Switch at launch when one of its biggest titles, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, is also available on the Wii U? This is part of the reason why I (and many others) expected the Wii U version of Breath to be canceled entirely, as not only would this be a step forward for the game, as it would no longer need to work cross-platform, but it would also force the hands of Wii U holdovers by sending a very clear message: if you want to play the newest games, you'll have to upgrade.
As of now, that message is nowhere, but the same can't be said for the opposing message: it's OK to not immediately buy a Nintendo Switch, because you'll be playing the most important game right along with everyone else at the same time.
Online
It's worth noting that the Wii U will still have online functionality for the foreseeable future. Now is the time to remind you also that Wii U's online services will not be affected by the Nintendo Switch's premium service model, so you can continue using your Wii U online free of charge.
Not that I would want Nintendo to gut the functionality of its previous console just to drum up sales for the new one, but they're also not doing themselves any favors in terms of sales. You're going to tell dedicated Wii U owners that they need to upgrade now, even though their current console works just fine and has what will be the latest and greatest game until arguably the Fall when Super Mario Odyssey hits the table?
I'd rethink that sales pitch. Not to mention, of course …
Nintendo Switch Has Zero Availability
Pre-orders are gone, and they're gone everywhere. Go ahead, call every game store in town, check Amazon, check Gamestop, and get back to me.
But those lucky few who did manage to snatch up a pre-order will get the chance to play Zelda: Breath of the Wild day one. So, if I'm a lonely Wii U owner who really wants to play Zelda: Breath of the Wild and would pre-order the Nintendo Switch just to be able to enjoy the game using the latest technology, I physically can't do so anyway.
Nintendo has stated that they're going to "ramp up" the production of Nintendo Switch consoles to meet the demand, but there has been no word on exactly when this ramp up will happen. But if it happens, timing will be crucial. Even one or two days after the initial release date will be too long to wait for hardcore Nintendo fans, who, armed with their trusty Wii U, will opt for the last-gen version instead. Bet on it.
I feel like, if any one of these elements was missing, Wii U owners would have an easier time upgrading. As of now, their Wii U will have online (for free), will be able to play Breath of the Wild, and, most importantly, comes with the guarantee that it will actually be available on March 3.
This sentiment is surely out there, on Reddit, on the forums, etcetera. While this all may blow over once the Switch starts getting more must-have titles, Wii U owners of this persuasion will certainly not be part of the initial sales boom for the Switch.
