The Forgotten Wii U Version of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – A Blast from the Past
As I booted up the Wii U version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It’s been a while since I last played this game, and revisiting it on the Wii U brought back memories of its initial release. But as I delved deeper into the game, I was struck by the realization that this version of Breath of the Wild is often overlooked, and for good reason.
Originally planned for release in 2015 as a Wii U exclusive, Breath of the Wild’s delay and subsequent shift to the Nintendo Switch changed the game’s trajectory forever. It went from being a swan song for the Wii U to becoming the game that defined the Switch and redefined Nintendo for a new era. As a result, the Wii U version of Breath of the Wild has been largely forgotten, and it’s easy to see why.
Performance Issues and a Sense of Incompleteness
The Wii U version of Breath of the Wild is not without its flaws. The game’s performance is choppy, with frame rates dropping significantly when engaging in physics-based combat or exploring densely detailed environments. This is particularly noticeable when compared to the Switch version, which runs smoothly and with a higher level of visual fidelity. The Wii U version also looks hazy and washed-out, whether played on a big TV or the Gamepad’s inferior screen.
But despite these issues, the game itself remains largely uncompromised. The same sense of wonder and exploration that made the Switch version so beloved is still present here. However, there’s a sense of incompleteness, as if the game was meant to be more than just a port of the Switch version. The Wii U’s unique dual-screen functionality is barely utilized, with features like touchscreen navigation and map viewing relegated to the background.
A Glimpse into the Past
Playing Breath of the Wild on Wii U is a reminder of the console’s innovative design and the potential it held. The Gamepad’s form factor, which was once seen as ungainly, now feels natural in the era of the Steam Deck. The ability to instantly switch between TV and tablet gameplay is still a unique selling point, and one that the Switch has built upon.
As I played the game on the sofa, I was struck by the realization that the Wii U was ahead of its time. It was a console that imagined a better world where gaming could fit around and into your life, and the Switch has made that world a reality.
Conclusion
The Wii U version of Breath of the Wild is a fascinating relic of the past, a reminder of the console’s innovative design and the potential it held. While it’s not the definitive version of the game, it’s still a fun and engaging experience that’s worth playing. For those who missed out on the Wii U, this version is a chance to experience the game in a new way, and for those who played it on the Switch, it’s a reminder of the console’s humble beginnings.
Actionable Insights
- If you’re a fan of the Zelda series, the Wii U version of Breath of the Wild is worth playing, if only to experience the game in a new way.
- The Wii U’s unique dual-screen functionality is barely utilized, but it’s still an interesting glimpse into the console’s innovative design.
- The Switch’s success is built upon the Wii U’s innovative design, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, it takes a little time for new ideas to catch on.
Summary
The Wii U version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a forgotten gem, a reminder of the console’s innovative design and the potential it held. While it’s not the definitive version of the game, it’s still a fun and engaging experience that’s worth playing. For those who missed out on the Wii U, this version is a chance to experience the game in a new way, and for those who played it on the Switch, it’s a reminder of the console’s humble beginnings.