As Shigeru Miyamoto never actually said, “A delayed game is eventually good, but a bad game is forever bad.” This concept takes on a profound significance when we delve into The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Initially slated for release in 2015 as a Wii U exclusive, the game’s delay to early 2017 significantly impacted not only its quality but also its cultural relevance. This delay transitioned Breath of the Wild from being a mere support title for a struggling console to becoming the flagship game that defined the Nintendo Switch and ushered in a new era for the company.
It is easy to overlook that the Wii U version of Breath of the Wild was, in fact, released. In a familiar pattern, Nintendo utilized a Zelda game to serve as both the final tribute to one generation and the herald for another. This was reminiscent of 2006, when Twilight Princess launched on both the outgoing GameCube and the fresh Wii. During that release, the cracks were evident; the Wii’s innovative motion controls felt awkward in Twilight Princess, which retained a classic gameplay style at odds with the bright, casual aesthetics of launch titles like Wii Sports.
Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Nintendo took great care with Breath of the Wild. The game was meticulously optimized for the new console, ensuring that it didn’t feel like a mere port. Upon revisiting the Wii U version, players will find that it remains the same enchanting experience that captured hearts upon its initial release. However, producer Eiji Aonuma and director Hidemaro Fujibayashi worked diligently to eliminate any associations with the Wii U's unique hardware quirks.
When examining the performance, the Wii U version of Breath of the Wild does offer a compelling adventure but suffers from noticeable issues. While the gameplay remains enjoyable, players may experience choppy frame rates during intense moments, such as when engaging in physics-based combat or exploring densely populated areas like Kakariko Village. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version capitalizes on the superior specs, delivering a crisp, high-resolution image and smoother gameplay. The difference is stark, with the Switch version providing a fluid experience that Wii U players might find frustrating.
Moreover, the graphics of the Wii U version come off as hazy and washed-out when compared to the vibrant visuals of the Switch. Although the gameplay remains uncompromised, there’s an underlying sense of loss regarding what could have been had the game been fully tailored for the Wii U’s unique features. The concept of dual-screen functionality, for instance, hinted at a richer experience where players could have navigated Link’s inventory or consulted maps on the touchscreen.
Despite its performance drawbacks, playing Breath of the Wild on the Wii U is still a thrilling adventure. However, it is tinged with a sense of nostalgia and regret. The Wii U, despite its shortcomings, deserved a crowning achievement like Breath of the Wild. Instead, the Wii U version stands as a mere footnote in the game’s monumental success, which saw sales of 1.7 million copies on the Wii U compared to a staggering 32.6 million on the Switch.
This experience also highlights the prophetic design of the Wii U. At its launch, it was poorly understood, but without it, the Nintendo Switch may not have come to fruition. The Wii U was almost ahead of its time, with elements such as the Gamepad’s design now feeling intuitive in the context of modern handheld devices like the Steam Deck. The ability to transition gameplay seamlessly from the television to the Gamepad remains an innovative concept that has now been perfected in the Switch.
Recently, I found myself wanting to play Breath of the Wild during the evening but didn’t want to retreat to my office where the Wii U was stationed. A delightful realization struck me: I could simply take the Gamepad to the sofa and continue my adventure. This moment encapsulated Nintendo’s vision for the Wii U—a desire to create a gaming experience that seamlessly integrated with daily life. With the Switch, that vision has been transformed into a reality, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles anywhere and anytime.
