Crystal Dynamics Explains Why ‘Tomb Raider’ Isn’t Coming To Wii U

Tomb Raider fans who were hoping to experience the reboot on the Nintendo Wii U were disappointed to learn that the title wouldn’t be available for the new console. Developer Crystal Dynamics recently explained why the company made this decision.

According to Gamespot, Tomb Raider isn’t immediately compatible with Wii U’s interface. Since the company was dedicated to delivering the same experience across all consoles, adapting the title for the Nintendo machine proved to be a little too involved.

Creative director Noah Hughes told TrueGaming that he is a fan of Nintendo and its consoles. However, the company’s insistence that developers take advantage of the console’s unique interface ultimately forced the Crystal Dynamics to forgo the port. In short, Tomb Raider won’t be available for the Wii U when it launches this March.

Hughes explained:

“It’s something that I think we would want to tailor the experience to if we were going to do it, and currently we’re offering it on PlayStation 3, Xbox and PC. All three of those are really trying to deliver roughly the same experience but delivered best on each platform, and I think something like the Wii U often asks you to do something unique based on a unique interface. So that’s something as a gamer I love, but it’s something you don’t want to do half-heartedly as a developer.”

According to the folks at IGN, Square Enix has yet to issue what they call an “absolute confirmation” about Tomb Raider’s availability on the Nintendo Wii U. However, the tone of Hughes’ explanation suggests it’s not going to happen anytime soon.

You can check out the complete TrueGaming interview with Noah Hughes below.

Crystal Dynamics’ Tomb Raider arrives for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC on March 5. Are you a Nintendo Wii U owner? Are you disappointed that Lara Croft’s next adventure won’t be available for the console?