Many of you may have forgotten, but Nintendo actually launched its Wii U console in two flavors originally- the 32GB ‘Deluxe’ set that is pretty much standard now, and the 8GB ‘Basic’ set, which was $50 cheaper, didn’t come with Nintendo Land, or a subscription to Nintendo Network Premium, and included a white console instead of the black one.
Over the last few years, the 32GB Deluxe console has increasingly grown to become the de facto default Wii U console on sale everywhere- I suppose the 8GB Basic one was never technically discontinued, but it’s almost impossible to find. However, that changes soon, at least in Japan- Nintendo has confirmed that it will be discontinuing the SKU in the country entirely. However, if Japanese gamers still want a white Wii U, they are in luck, because white Wii U Deluxe systems will soon be available instead.
Nintendo also confirmed to VideoGamer that it plans to continue to sell the Basic set in the rest of the world for now, so I guess if you’re in a pinch, looking to save $50, but really want a Wii U, you still have the option.