Key Highlights:
- Zen Studios delayed the Wii U version of Zen Pinball 2 from December 2012 into January 2013.
- The game was designed as a free Nintendo eShop download, with free table trials and additional tables available to purchase.
- Zen Pinball 2 eventually launched in Europe on 31 January 2013, while the North American Wii U release followed on 21 March.
Zen Studios has delayed the Wii U version of Zen Pinball 2 from December 2012 until January 2013.
The developer originally planned to release the pinball game through the Nintendo eShop in December across Europe and North America. After the month passed without a launch, Zen Studios confirmed that Wii U owners would instead have to wait until January.
Zen Pinball 2 was designed as a free platform download, allowing players to try each available pinball table before deciding whether to purchase individual tables or larger packs.
The Wii U version also made specific use of the GamePad. Players could control the plunger through the touchscreen, tilt the controller for Free View and continue playing on the GamePad when the television was being used for something else.
Local Hotseat and split-screen multiplayer were supported alongside online rankings, tournaments and social features including Challenges, Pro Score and Team Score.
The initial table library included original Zen Studios designs alongside licensed content from Marvel and Plants vs. Zombies. Additional tables were planned for release through the Nintendo eShop.
The distribution model contributed to the delay. Zen Studios said Zen Pinball 2 was the first Nintendo release built around a free platform download with paid DLC, requiring additional work with Nintendo to ensure the system operated correctly at launch.
The January release ultimately applied to Europe, where Zen Pinball 2 arrived on the Wii U eShop on 31 January 2013. North American players faced a longer delay, with the game eventually launching there on 21 March.
GLN followed the delayed North American release in March when Zen Studios confirmed that Zen Pinball 2 would finally arrive on the Wii U later that month.
