Wii U could be downgraded to Nintendo-only console

The Wii U could become a Nintendo-only console if it continues to lose support from third-party publishers, according to games analyst Michael Pachter.

Several third-party games are missing out on a Wii U release this year as hardware sales remain relatively low.

Pachter believes this is a worrying trend and in future the Wii U might just be home to Nintendo's own Mario and Zelda games.

"We believe the Wii U release slate on display will be a key determinant of the console's long-term staying power," he said.

"With the more powerful PS4 and Xbox One launching later this year, Nintendo risks losing additional share to its console competitors if the quality and volume of content available for Wii U does not pick up markedly in the near-term."

EA recently confirmed that it has no Wii U games in development, with Pachter claiming that if other developers follow suit then "the Wii U could be relegated to a first-party only platform".