The Wii U and 3DS Generation Is Over. What Are Your Thoughts On It?

The NX reveal comes in two and a half hours from now (by the time most of you read this, I imagine it will already have been revealed)- this means that we are officially at an end of the Wii U and 3DS generation, without a doubt the most turbulent and troubled period in Nintendo's long history.

With both systems now behind us conclusively, I guess now is as good a time as any to ask- what did you think of this generation? What did you think of the individual systems? The games?

On my part:

3DS is my favorite system of this generation. It's consistently delivered, has a lot of great games, and has some of the best installments in many of Nintendo's franchises. It's an easy 8.5/10 or 9/10 system from me, and it more than made up for a lot of Nintendo's other deficiencies (though not all of them). While the first few models were shoddily built, and limtied in their capabilities, by the time the New 3DS came out, Nintendo had crafted a great, well built, sturdy and nice feeling handheld, that was extremely capable and flexible. My favorite game on it was The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, though that may yet change with Pokemon Sun/Moon next month.

Wii U is a major disappointment for me- at least a Vita level one. The system has some great exclusives, but that is literally all it has. Droughts on it can last months, stretching into years, there is zero third party support to speak of, the hardware is poor and underwhelming, and was never updated into being something more desirable, the OS and network backend are unacceptably archaic, and the system's core gimmick never amounted to anything. The Wii U is without a doubt the most disappointed I have ever been with Nintendo, and at most a 6.5/10 (if I'm feeling generous, on the average day, it'd be closer to a 5 or 5.5). And really, it's only the existence of the 3DS that keeps me still interested in Nintendo's hardware at this point. My favorite game on it is Mario Kart 8, though again, that could change with Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

How about you all? How did the 3DS and Wii U treat you?

Though I love 3DS and Wii U, I just didn't play them as much as I had wished.

For the 3DS, it was great, but not quite as good as the DS. I really wish that the 3DS got some of DS's games like Advance Wars and Castlevania but it gave me a great opportunity to download classics like Wario Land 2, Donkey Kong, Fire Emblem, and other older Nintendo handheld games. Nintendo did a great job supporting it with standout classics like Link Between Worlds, Fire Emblem Awakening, and the Pokemon games...I'm super stoked for Sun and Moon next month.

For the Wii U, definitely disappointing in my eyes and one of Nintendo's worst systems. I'm a big Nintendo fan and I didn't even buy the console but I got several opportunities to play it through my friends...not a big fan of the tablet controller. The good thing is that it gave me a good chance to catch up on older PlayStation games that I missed out on earlier but I imagine that the game droughts would have been terrible to witness. The only games I would consider buying on it are Smash Bros 4, Xenoblade, and Bayonetta 2 as well as some of the VC classics that are expensive like Mega Man X2.

Both were a lot worse than the DS/Wii, but they were the best consoles of the generation. This whole generation has been flat.

I do wish I had played my 3DS more though, but it's just too expensive sometimes. Games stay full price for years.

Both of mine have gathered dust. The only reason my Wii U got into the double digits for number of hours played is because I took it to, and left it at my parents where we play some games when I go and visit... But even then it's only on Goldeneye for the Wii and occasionally MK8.

My 3DS has had many hours of use initially, it was a great little system. Recently though I've just not had any interest to play it, even though I bought Zelda Link Between Worlds (and haven't finished it) not too long ago. In the last 2 months it has had 1 hour of play on the Pokemon demo, and won't be switched on again probably until I get Pokemon... whenever that may be.

Both systems lacked in third party games in my opinion, especially the Wii U which may as well not have existed for most of this generation.

Coolyfetts Thoughts?

Nintendo is finally coming to Generation 8 or coming to Generation 8 again. Hopefully it sells well and a lot of gamers support the NX system. Nintendo will now just have one system to develop for so they have no excuse to rely on 3rd Parties anymore. Just make their own games. Accomplishments in games should contribute MyNintendo Points as well.

3DS: Great handheld, 3D Pokemon, all (literally) the Zelda's in the world, simple+effective design, 3D POKEMON, amazing amount of fantastic RPG's, Nintendo's consolidation into the 3D realm (updating the handheld series to 3D) and did I mention 3D POKE-FREAKING-MON? No? Well then, 3D POKE-FREAKING-MON!

WiiU: ..................... Wiiwhat? The heck is that?

3DS: One of my favorite handhelds. I spent a lot of time with it between the 3DS library that clicked with me and being able to go back to the DS library. I think the past couple years it has sort of lost its way in terms of releases, but it's still great.

Wii U: I didn't harbor any of the disdain for this thing that many did. I probably wouldn't have bought third-party games on the console if there were any since I also have the Xbox One and PS4, so my time was spent with those exclusives. And they were sharp. Some of the best offerings Nintendo has put out in the franchises. I look at Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros, New Super Mario Bros U, and each of those were my favorite entries in their respective franchises. Splatoon was a ton of fun when I was playing it and I'd love to go back. Really, the place where this console faltered for me is in two points: Virtual Console/eShop offerings, and not having its own Zelda title. But I've still played the thing a ton since I purchased it, and I have plenty of games yet to pick up for it.

I bought my eldest a 3DS a few years ago. My middle child just got a 2DS for her birthday. I never bothered really playing them.

I skipped Wii-U all together as it was just more of the same from the Wii and I hated the Wii. Here's hoping NX brings Nintendo back to their glory days. I like their IPs... just not their control methods.

3DS - 2nd best handheld. DS takes 1st, GBA tied 2nd with 3DS. Gbc 3rd, Psp 4th.

Wiiu - Worst Nintendo Console with some of my favourite games of all time. Bayonetta 2, Wonderful 101, Splatoon, mario Kart most likely making up my top 5 Games of this gen.

3DS decent to good job .

Wii U ... a big lol

3Ds kicked serious ass.

What's a WiiU?

The responses to this thread explain to Coolyfett why Nintendo is going in the direction they are going. Away from the dedicated home console market. People want Nintendo systems independent of TV sets. Nintendo has always had the advantage when it comes to the handheld-mobile gaming markets. Will Nintendo NX catch the PS4 family of consoles in sales? Coolyfett hopes they come close. Even though Coolyfett is ultimately a PlayStation player, he is hoping the NX can do 3DS- DS numbers in sales.

OH SURE. NX shows up and you come back.

The 3DS and WiiU wasn't so bad. They had rough (and I mean VERY rough) starts, but in the end, the Games are what matters and both Systems have amazing titles.

@LegatoSkyheart: I think it's more of a case of Charizard hiding in the shadows than being away from sw's.

Good riddance. The Wii U was stillborn and while the 3DS had some decent games it sold much worse than the PSP.

3DS? Great.

Wii U? Not so much. In fact, I'll even say it was shit.

Modded 3DS kicks azz.

He has been hiding from Gamespot forums?? Whats the back story on that?

Lots of amazing games on the Wii U,don't care about 3rd party. Had a great time

@Coolyfett: Something to do with "reality" or whatever that means.

@charizard1605:

Why do people keep throwing in Vita with WiiU all the damn time? The Vita is still alive, damn it! It just lost support from the West!

The Wii U is a huge disappointment overall. There are some good exclusives, but mostly mediocre (Pikman, Mario, Nintendoland, Pokken) to poor exclusives (Mario Tennis, Mario Party, Star Fox, Paper Mario) and re-releases of old games. Worth owning for games like Splatoon, Mario Kart, Mario Maker, ect. but you're not missing out on anything by not owning one if you've have a previous Nintendo console. I don't consider any of the 1st party titles Nintendo's best work, but maybe that's cuz I grew up with the NES and SNES. I know a lot of people still think Nintendo is as good as it ever was, but I see them lacking the creativity they once had.

The 3DS has an amazing library of games although, the hardware specs are poor compared to a cellphone or Vita. I didn't care for the 3D and the shape of the 3DS hurt my hands (not ergonomic at all). I don't care for the 2nd analog stick (it's like those IBM laptops mouse buttons). The games makes the system so I can overlook those flaws and call this a good system to own.

P.S. It's a bit early for this thread considering Zelda hasn't come out yet.

I have no educated opinion to make on the 3DS but the wii u is the most under supported, underwhelming, over priced, limp console from any major established name in gaming history. The wii had a worse concept but it found an audience at least and played to it.

3DS: really enjoy a lot of games on this but I don't turn it on as much as I should. Glad I got one though.

Wii U: turned out to be one of my favourite consoles ever. Having stopped playing Nintendo after the N64, the Wii U bought me back to the joy of Mario Kart, Zelda, Mario etc that felt so fresh to me. Plus I could buy wii games (Mario galaxy, metroid prime trilogy) etc that I missed over the years. Then of course it has Bayonetta 2, which is easily one of my favourite games of all time. Also I could replay some of my old favourites from the eshop.

What a console.. Shame about fatal frame though.

I think it's the last console I will ever own, and will just stick to PC and then enjoy finishing all of my wii u games over a long period of time.

@FireEmblem_Man called it.

Shite.

Damn straight I did, same with Master Malstrom!

Off topic real quick(but relative), why are all the Switch threads being locked? Thanks!

bu bu bu bu bu I randomized my login, I cant possibly login!!!!11111

3X

The master of bullshit.

3ds was great

wii u was enemic.

Will they discount the Wii U to a reasonable/realistic price now?

My thoughts exactly.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat? I thought we were friends? :(

3DS was great and Wii U still has some of the best games this generation.

Notable Wii U titles

• Pikmin 3: Objectively the deepest, most tightly designed and most challenging game in the franchise. This is one of the most brilliant games I've ever played. It also utilized Wii U very well.
• Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze: This is the follow up to what I consider the greatest platformer of all time and it matches DKCR in quality and execution at every turn. If you love platformers you should pretty much buy Wii U for this game alone.
• Bayonetta 2: I adore character action games. I was hooked ever since I became addicted to Devil May Cry's style system. Platinum games makes another home run with their second Bayonetta game.
• Super Mario 3D World: Arguably the best 3D Mario game of them all. The Tokyo team has been refining their level design and challenge curve ever since Super Mario Galaxy and I believe this is their strongest outing yet.
• Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: Overall, this game hits a sweet spot. It has all the content and character roster of Brawl, but with stronger mechanics for those that like to play the game competitively. Nintendo has even been patching this game for competitive play.
• New Super Mario Bros. U: I love 2D Mario. In most cases more than the plumber's 3D outings. This is the best 2D Mario game ever made. It's collectibles are the best, it's level design is excellent, it's challenge ramps up higher than any Mario before it thanks to the challenge mode, and the secrets are pure gold. 3D Marios don't handle secrets and collectibles as well as this game so they end up feeling less fulfilling to me overall. There's more to the New Super Mario series than the galaxy and 3D land/world games.

The 3DS has been a solid handheld device that's still running quite strong.

Notable 3DS titles

• The Legend of Zelda A link Between Worlds: I consider A Link to the Past the greatest Zelda ever made, but I must say, A Link Between Worlds does almost everything better. There's more freedom in A Link Between Worlds and the wall merge mechanic is one of the most brilliant and most well executed mechanics I've seen in just about any video game.
• Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon: This is the game I'd recommend with the 3D on more than any other. The attention to detail with the shadow casting and lighting in general makes each room look like a little play set that you could reach into. However, the real draw of Luigi's Mansion is the clever puzzles and secrets that permeate throughout the mansions. It's a truly clever and satisfying game.
• Dragon Quest VII Fragments of the Forgotten Past: Dragon quest is a very special series to me. I still consider Dragon Warrior III the greatest gaming adventure I ever experienced. Main line Dragon Quest games have always been a priority ever since back then and not a one has disappointed me yet.
• Pokemon X and Y: Pokemon games keep improving with each iteration. The addition of Mega evolutions has completely changed the competitive landscape yet again in an exciting way. Building your own team is still a blast. I'll be back for Sun and Moon later this year.

3DS is great for Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon

WiiU... meh. Zombi U, Pikmin 3, and Mario 3D Land are all memorable games to me

Anyway...

Believe it or not, I'm actually finding more interest in my Wii U's retail library than the 3DS (the latter of which I've been mainly playing older games on from VC/DSiWare to DS). Granted, it's always been the case that I prefer console games than handhelds. But I still like my portable gaming all the same and my DS Collection is MUCH bigger because I swiftly found games of my interest that gen. Also granted I've just barely owned my 2DS since Christmas of last year, and Wii U since Februrary of this year, BUT... I've been finding my Wii U games of interest faster than I am 3DS'

By comparison, here's my 3DS collection: Dead or Alive: Dimensions, Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butouden, Mario Kart 7 (digital bundle), One Piece: Unlimited World Red (digital eShop purchase), SEGA 3D Classics Collection, Shovel Knight, Super Mario 3D Land

Now here's my Wii U Collection: Batman: Arkham City, Bayonetta 2, Captain Toad: Treasure Trackers, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, LEGO City Undercover, LEGO Marvel Superheroes, Mario Kart 8 (digital bundle) Pikmin 3, Rayman Legends, Shovel Knight (yeah, I double dipped), Splatoon (bought for sisters b-day), Super Smash Bros. Wii U, Tekken Tag 2 (my opinion, a better fighting package than Smash for $20)

(Yeah, a Nintendo fan who actually BUYS third party games, bolded are what I bought new).

Of course, Nintendo Selects has been pretty much in Wii U's favor on games.

Overall, they're really enjoyed best if you get to them late because by then you're actually finding a lot to enjoy much easier.

I like the 3DS. It's not as good as the DS, but I play it regularly.

The Wii U is hands down the worst console I've ever owned. Now that it's officially dead, I can say without hesitation that I could have skipped it and missed out on nothing.

I honestly loved both the 3DS and Wii U. I managed to get 30+ games on both, most of which were great, good, or atleast decent.

I find it a shame that people act like the Wii U was only worth Nintendo's first party when it did get a decent amount of indie support, and of course, despite NIntendo's third party struggles, they still manged to get some gems from third parties. I for one also enjoyed the tablet controller and for some games liked being able to switch between playing on the TV or playing on the tablet (which is largely why I'm excited for the Nintendo Switch)

The Wii U had it's issues, in terms of its design and lord knows in terms of marketing, but I still feel it's a damn good system.

I was referring to TC's "leaving of SW's for the 3rd time, said he randomized his login so there would be possibly no way he could log back in.

Like his 3rd time doing it...lol

Bullshit

I'm not into handheld gaming and mobile gaming so I'm not going to Switch. There is a market for it and Nintendo seem to go after that casual gaming market. Really disappointed so far but would like to get more info. But I already know not gonna transform it into tablet mode and play video games outside and even in home. Ugh.

I love my 3DS more so then my Wii U alone, 3DS offer more great games I can play on it and I also like the idea of buying digital downloading games so I won't have to switch the cartridges out, the 3DS had a rocky start being overprice but when the price came down, it became the number one handheld over PS Vita. If Switch doesn't offer BC for 3DS, then it will remain in my pocket.

Wii U on the other hand, it's the least used console, I had fun with the games but the 3DS had more to offer then Wii U and sad to say but Wii U was a flop and Nintendo really did show they drop the ball but one thing for sure, they made it count for something this gen for being different then PS4/Xbox One.

3DS: A disappointment after the DS but it is still one of if not the best systems this gen since all the other consoles and handhelds were a step down from their predecessors. Fire Emblem Awakening, SMTIV, and Zelda: ALBW stood out to me the most. So the 3DS had an amazing 2013 but the rest was meh. However the handheld is ending well this year.

Wii U: Outside a few exclusives it was bad from the start. Granted I loved Bayonetta 2, Smash, MK8, Splatoon, and 3D World but overall even the Wii and GC had a better library then the Wii U.

Ditto for me, though I did have 3DS and played it a fair amount - I basically felt like i was forcing myself to use that device to experience some Nintendo games. It wasn't something I actually wanted to do.

WIth this, at least it will be easier for me to play the "handheld" games comfortably on my television. But at the same time, it will be very hardware limited. So when we start seeing games come out on Scorpio and PS4 Pro and PS5 undoubtedly as a console experience the Switch will seem lacking. This also pretty much confirms that multi-plats will fade away very quickly just like Wii and Wii-U, developers simply won't bother porting the major games to this device.

In terms of how much ive used the systems overall it goes something like

3DS > Vita > Xbone > WiiU >>> PS4

Has been a lackluster gen though as a whole. There are great games on all systems, just less of them

The 3DS was complete shit compared to the NDS. That is a fact.

It's not

dissapointing. the DS and wii were far more interesting and had a better selection of games. as a follow up nintendo misfired....twice.

3DS

although personally i like 3D, nintendo backed the wrong horse on that one. it wasnt a killer feature. the build quality of the original model was also very suspect and playing games on it was not all that pleasant. so i didnt actually pick up games like monster hunter on it.....great game wrong platform. it still had some cracking games though like mario 3D land and a link between worlds but not nintendos best. very much in the shadow of its predecessor. nintendo were very lucky that sony shot themselves in the foot with the vita.

wiiu:

similar deal but worse. its like nintendo took notes on how sony released developed and released the PS3 and thought it was a good idea :S. although the integration of the gamepad into the wiiu system and the streaming tech worked really well it was also completely and utterly pointless. nintendo didnt have any good ideas on what to do with this setup. it just shun light on the DSs dirty little secret (the second screen didnt actually add a lot to it in the end). there are games that could benefit from the extra screen screen but no one made those games for the wiiu. the only games on the wiiu from nintendo where i could honestly say nintendo were on top of it were mario kart 8 (which is absolutley fantastic) and xenoblade X (worth the entrance fee alone.....though i did only pay 50 bucks for my wiiu). i hear splatoon is also great and mario maker is good fun but not my thing in fairness so i wont call it on them. but mario 3D world was dissapointing and pikmin 3 was lacking compared to the wonderful 2. platinum put in a good shift though with wonderful 101, an excellent port of bayonetta 1 and the great bayonetta 2. we wont talk about starfox zero though.....blame nintendo. poor starwing :(.

WiiU - 3/10 better than Wii. But is that supposed to mean much?

3DS - 4/10 More useful than a Vita but is that supposed to mean much?

I remember wanting a 3ds years ago, never purchased it and feel like i did the right thing. nothing is coming out on this damn thing.

3DS: started out slow, but in the end it was a great handheld

Wii U: in all honesty, this system had major problems to begin with, one being the HDD size. But overall I enjoyed it and still a good console, sadly its full potential was never used