Published on: May 23, 2023
Nintendo has officially confirmed it will soon conclude its repair support for the Wii U in Japan, marking the end of an era for the once-popular console.
As revealed in a recent update on the Japanese Nintendo Support Page, the company stated that it has surpassed the designated period for retaining Wii U repair parts.
Consequently, support for both the main console unit and accessories, such as the Wii U GamePad, will cease as soon as the current inventory of replacement parts is exhausted.
Since its launch in 2012, the Wii U has played a pivotal role in Nintendo's hardware history, introducing the unique dual-screen experience ahead of the Nintendo Switch era.
While the console recorded over 13.56 million units sold worldwide before production concluded in early 2017, its legacy has endured through a devoted player base, especially in Japan.
A representative statement from Nintendo, as posted on the official support page, outlined that customers wishing to have their Wii U system or related accessories serviced should arrange repairs promptly.
The company emphasized that it cannot predict the exact termination date for repair services, as it depends directly on when the remaining stock of parts is depleted.
"We have exceeded the official retention period for Wii U repair parts," Nintendo explained in the notice.
"As a result, we will be ending repair support for the Wii U and its accessories as soon as our inventory of spare parts is exhausted.
Customers who require repairs are encouraged to make arrangements as soon as possible."
This announcement aligns with previous actions taken outside Japan, where Wii U repair services had already been discontinued.
Currently, Nintendo's support division focuses on more recent platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS, as well as accessories like Joy-Con controllers, modern Game & Watch devices, Mario Kart Live, and the NES and SNES Classic Minis.
Wii U owners in other regions can find updated support options on their local Nintendo Support pages.
The end of repair support is a significant milestone in the transition from the Wii U to the Nintendo Switch, which continues to see robust sales and strong third-party support.
For Wii U enthusiasts in Japan, the clock is ticking to secure final repairs and maintenance for their consoles and accessories.
For additional information on current Nintendo hardware services or to arrange a repair, customers should refer to the Japanese Nintendo Support website.
With the closure of support, the legacy of the Wii U will increasingly rely on the care and preservation efforts of longtime fans and collectors.