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, not less than one individual 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 well-liked Wii console. Whereas the Wii would go on to grow to be one of many best-selling online game consoles of all time, issues went a lot otherwise 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 Swap, which might go on to outstrip the Wii U’s lifetime gross sales in its first 12 months. However we will now add yet another Wii U sale to its whole tally.
This odd stat comes from Mat Piscatella, govt director at Circana (previously NPD) who posted on Twitter (X? No matter) that one (1) new Wii U was bought in america in September. In accordance with Piscatella, that is the primary time a brand new Wii U has been bought within the U.S. since Could 2022. Which can be very unusual, now that I give it some thought.For these unaware, Circana tracks “individual store level sales data” to maintain tabs on what individuals are shopping for and promoting. They then promote that knowledge to of us 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 bought a decade after launch.
How did this occur? We don’t know particularly, however as of us who’ve labored retail at massive chains have defined within the feedback under Piscatella’s tweet, this isn’t that unusual. Chatting with some of us I do know who’ve labored at shops like Walmart and Goal, outdated shit can get buried within the again. Or perhaps 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 take pleasure in it!
Additionally, Piscatella added that three new PS Vitas have been bought in November 2021. I’m glad these forgotten consoles, sealed up in containers and buried in storerooms or misplaced inside decrepit Greatest Buys, are discovering houses. Brings a tear to my eye.
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