Nintendo abandons TVii plans for Wii U in Europe

In news that will surprise very few, TVii will not be coming to Wii U in Europe.

The functionality was supposed to allow Wii U owners to access TV channels and streaming video services through their console, with a TVii button having sat on the console’s UK dash since launch.

At Nintendo of Europe, we continue to challenge ourselves to develop a range of entertaining experiences for all to enjoy,” the platform holder said.

Due to the extremely complex nature of localising multiple television services across a diverse range of countries with varied licensing systems, regrettably we have taken the decision not to launch the Nintendo TVii service within the European region. Although on this occasion we did not anticipate such challenges, we will always strive to develop a range of entertaining experiences for all our users to enjoy.”

TVii was confirmed for Wii U in Europe back in 2012, and launched in the US in December the same year.

A year ago the platform holder apologised for the service missing its 2013 European release window, in no way suggested it would scrap plans altogether.