The Wii U was actually not probably the most profitable console Nintendo’s ever launched, and whereas some could fondly keep in mind it in 2023, at the very least one particular person really purchased a model new Wii U from a retailer as if it was 2013 another time.
Launched in 2012, the Wii U was Nintendo’s observe as much as its massively fashionable Wii console. Whereas the Wii would go on to develop into one of many best-selling online game consoles of all time, issues went a lot in another way for the Wii U and its pill controller. The console by no means got here near promoting in addition to the Wii, and by 2017 Nintendo had moved on to the Change, which might go on to outstrip the Wii U’s lifetime gross sales in its first 12 months. However we are able to now add yet another Wii U sale to its whole tally.
This odd stat comes from Mat Piscatella, government director at Circana (previously NPD) who posted on Twitter (X? No matter) that one (1) new Wii U was offered in the USA in September. In accordance with Piscatella, that is the primary time a brand new Wii U has been offered within the U.S. since Could 2022. Which can be very unusual, now that I give it some thought.For these unaware, Circana tracks “particular person retailer degree gross sales information” to maintain tabs on what persons are shopping for and promoting. They then promote that information to people who care. What that additionally means is that this Wii U wasn’t a used one at GameStop or one thing like that. This was a “new,” sealed Wii U console that was lastly offered a decade after launch.
How did this occur? We don’t know particularly, however as people who’ve labored retail at huge chains have defined within the feedback under Piscatella’s tweet, this isn’t that unusual. Talking to some people I do know who’ve labored at shops like Walmart and Goal, previous shit can get buried within the again. Or possibly a Wii U had been sitting for the final decade on a retailer shelf in, like, Georgia or Montana and at last, after a decade, somebody determined to purchase it and play some Tremendous Mario 3D World. I hope they get pleasure from it!
Additionally, Piscatella added that three new PS Vitas have been bought in November 2021. I’m glad these forgotten consoles, sealed up in packing containers and buried in storerooms or misplaced inside decrepit Finest Buys, are discovering properties. Brings a tear to my eye.
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