10 Features & Video Games That Could Have Saved The Wii U

1. Download Play Away From The Console

Wii U GTA V
Nintendo/Youtube: R4woodcenter

The Nintendo DS, launched way, way back in 2004, had a nifty little feature called DS download play. Its primary function was to offer wireless local multiplayer with just one game card, instead of the Game Boy method of four cartridges, four link cables and the hassle of arranging enough hardware.

Demos could be downloaded through wi-fi from special computer stations in selected retailers, or the Nintendo Channel on the Wii, and would stay on the system until it was powered down.

But this was a major point where the Wii U stumbled: playing away from the console was limited to a short range of a few metres, and relied on the main unit staying on with disc spinning. Had the Wii U pad had download play, it would have revolutionised the console, essentially giving the Wii U the same popular unique selling point the Switch now enjoys.

The Wii U had some stunning first-party games from Nintendo, being their first HD machine, and limiting those to an audience of 14 million was a tragedy.

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Bryan Langley’s first console was the Super Nintendo and he hasn’t stopped using his opposable thumbs since. He is based in Bristol, UK and is still searchin' for them glory days he never had.