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When did the Wii U come out?

Published in Wii U Release Dates 1 min read

The Wii U, Nintendo's innovative eighth-generation home video game console, primarily launched in November and December of 2012, with release dates varying by region.


Global Release Dates for the Wii U

Nintendo rolled out the Wii U in different markets over a short period towards the end of 2012. The console first became available in North America, followed shortly by its release in Japan and other territories.

North American Launch

The Wii U first debuted in North America on November 18, 2012. This marked the initial release of the console globally, bringing its unique GamePad controller and dual-screen gameplay to players.

Japanese Launch

Following its North American release, the Wii U launched in Japan on December 8, 2012. This staggered release strategy is common for major console launches, allowing companies to manage logistics and demand across different regions.

Here is a summary of the key release dates:

Region Release Date
North America November 18, 2012
Japan December 8, 2012

The launch of the Wii U was a significant event for Nintendo, introducing a console that aimed to redefine gaming interactions with its integrated second screen experience.