Wii U

Wii U is a home video game console developed and distributed by Nintendo. Originally released in 2012, it was Nintendo's first console to output true high definition visuals. The main gimmick of the console is the gamepad, a tablet like device complete with a dedicated touch screen, gyroscope, microphone, speakers, and a front-facing camera. It also has a Wii mode where it emulates a Wii and thus can play all games made for that system. The system was a financial failure for Nintendo and the worst selling home console the company has sold to date. There are many factors for these disappointing sales, including a confusing marketing campaign, a slow content output, extremely low third-party support, and the system being overshadowed by impending releases of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

A short film feature character from the Zelda universe was showcased at E3 2011 to showcase the power of the hardware. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD debuted on this system, with the former being bundled with a special edition console. Hyrule Warriors also debuted on this system. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was announced as an exclusive in 2013 and eventually released in 2017 alongside a Nintendo Switch version.

The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword were made available to purchase through the Wii U eShop. Zelda was also technically made availble by being a part of Game & Watch Gallery 4. Wii mode also allowed all Zelda games available for Wii to be playable on Wii U.