## The Forgotten Hero: Wii U’s Version of ‘Breath of the Wild’
Ah, the Wii U. Nintendo’s awkward middle child, sandwiched between the wildly successful Wii and the golden child Switch. It’s like that cousin who peaked in the 9th grade and now just hangs out at your family gatherings wearing a shirt that says, “I tried.” And yet, here we are, talking about how *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* graced this underdog console. Yes, apparently, 2017 wasn’t just about the Switch after all.
### The Wii U: A Console That Could (But Mostly Didn’t)
Before we dive into the specifics of Zelda’s Wii U outing, let’s take a moment to remember the Wii U itself. Launched in 2012, it was supposed to be Nintendo’s answer to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. The Wii U came with a GamePad that looked like a Fisher-Price iPad and marketing so confusing, people thought it was just an accessory for the Wii. Fun times.
But despite its lackluster performance in the market, the Wii U did have a few gems in its library. And one of them, ladies and gentlemen, was *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*. If you didn’t know this, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The Switch version stole all the thunder faster than you can say “limited edition Joy-Con skins.”
### So, What’s the Deal with ‘Breath of the Wild’ on Wii U?
If you thought *Breath of the Wild* was a Switch exclusive, congratulations, you’re part of the 90% who forgot—or never knew—that it launched simultaneously on the Wii U. It’s like when you invite two siblings to a party, and everyone pays attention to the charming, extroverted one while the quiet one sits in the corner, wondering why they even showed up.
But here’s the kicker: the Wii U version is basically the same game! Yes, you heard that right. Same sprawling open world, same puzzles that make you question your IQ, and the same Korok seeds that are 100% not worth the effort. The only real difference? Graphics slightly less crisp than the Switch and load times that feel like you’ve been transported back to the dial-up internet era.
### Pros & Cons of Playing ‘Breath of the Wild’ on Wii U
Because why not break it down? After all, lists are the internet’s favorite thing after cat memes.
**Pros:**
– **Cheaper alternative**: If you’ve still got a Wii U gathering dust, congratulations—you don’t have to shell out for a Switch to play one of the best games ever made.
– **Identical gameplay**: The Wii U doesn’t skimp on what really matters. You still get to glide, climb, and scream internally when you accidentally anger a Guardian.
– **Nostalgia factor**: Remember when owning a Wii U made you part of a very exclusive club? Relive those “elite” days.
**Cons:**
– **Graphics downgrade**: The visuals are slightly less crisp, but hey, it’s not like Link suddenly looks like he belongs in an 8-bit game.
– **Load times**: Patience is a virtue, but even saints would get annoyed waiting for the Wii U to load certain parts of the game.
– **Nobody cares**: Let’s face it, playing *Breath of the Wild* on Wii U is like wearing last season’s fashion. People will judge you, even if they don’t say it out loud.
### Did We Mention the Gamepad?
Ah yes, the Wii U GamePad—a device so clunky, it made carrying around a brick seem like a lightweight endeavor. On the bright side, you could use it for off-screen play, which was kind of cool if someone else wanted to hog the TV. However, the lack of any meaningful integration with *Breath of the Wild* is just another missed opportunity. Imagine being able to manage your inventory or check your map seamlessly on the GamePad screen. Oh wait, that would’ve been useful.
### Why the Wii U Version Deserves a Second Look
Now, before you dismiss the Wii U version entirely, let’s give it some credit. In a way, it’s almost poetic. The Wii U was fading into obscurity, and Nintendo gave it a swan song in the form of *Breath of the Wild*. It’s like the console got its moment to shine… just as it was being pushed off a cliff.
Also, if you’re a collector or a die-hard Zelda fan, owning the Wii U version is like owning a piece of history. It’s a reminder of Nintendo’s transition from “What were they thinking?” to “Shut up and take my money.”
### Final Thoughts: Should You Dust Off Your Wii U?
If you already own a Switch, the answer is probably no. But if you’ve got a Wii U lying around and you’re feeling a bit nostalgic—or cheap—then why not? It’s not every day you get to experience one of the greatest games of all time on one of the least appreciated consoles of all time. Plus, it’s a conversation starter. “Oh, you played it on the Switch? Cool. I played it on the Wii U because I’m a connoisseur of underdog consoles.”
### Call to Action
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that Wii U, pop in *Breath of the Wild*, and give it the love it deserves. Or, you know, just grab a Switch and join the rest of humanity. Either way, don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. Oh, and if you’re looking for more gaming nostalgia, check out our guide to other underrated consoles here. Happy gaming!
