TheNintendo Wii U, while having the advantage of being the follow-up to its highly successful predecessor, theWii, was deemed a commercial failure by Nintendo. It failed to live up to expectations so much so that it earned the unfortunate distinction of being the gaming giant’s second-worst-selling console, right behind the infamous Virtual Boy. Yikes.
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However, it is not all doom and gloom for the Wii U, as there are several bright spots scattered throughout its lifespan. Underneath the troubled development and an awkward controller design lie some truly amazing games that you should play if given the chance.
10Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
The game introduced a whole generation of players to the concept of grinding and probably added to it, too.Monster Hunter3 Ultimate was released for the Wii U and 3DS in 2013 and is the definitive version of Monster Hunter Tri, released in 2011.
Ultimate features more content and adds a multiplayer mode as well.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is also a good introduction to the series with a significantly more accessible mechanic. While having fewer monsters and general content than previous entries can be viewed as a downgrade, the more compact presentation can help ease new players into this series.
9New Super Mario Bros. U
As a launch title for the Wii U, New Super Mario Bros. U delivered by turning the clock back and returning to the classic Super Mario 2D platforming experience. What this game lacked in innovation and new ideas, it more than made up for in tight platforming gameplay.
In addition, you canbring three more friendsinto the fold, which will considerably change the pace of the game from rudimentary chill to full-on pandemonium. If you have a Wii U, the New Super Mario Bros. U is a must-have for your library.
8Xenoblade Chronicles X
While generally considered the black sheep of the series, overlooking what Xenoblade Chronicles X brings to the table is a disservice to yourself. As the second entry, Xenoblade Chronicle X leaned heavily towards theopen-world mechanicthat the first one touched upon.
It also had a grittier storyline and a deep gameplay mechanic filled with various systems to tinker with.
That said, its strong points also appear to be a detriment for some, as criticism usually revolves around it being more of a Western-style RPG than a traditional JRPG. Still, looking past that minor grievance, what you have is a solidscience fiction RPGwith an impressive and sprawling world to explore.
7Pikmin 3
A relatively new member of the Nintendo family, Pikmin quickly became one of the company’s MVPs after its smash-hit success with the Wii. The Wii U gets the third entry in thepuzzle strategyseries, and as is the case with Nintendo, it makes it accessible even if you didn’t play the previous entries without alienating veteran players.
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Pikmin 3 is a full-blooded strategy puzzle game with a relatively fair learning curve. Taking what worked with the previous two entries and pushing it further cements Pikmin 3’s spot as a modern puzzle game classic.
6Super Mario Maker
Have you seen those Super Mario videos online with near-impossible platforming designed to make you throw your controller across the room? Those are fan-made stages from the highly entertaining and often rage-inducing Super Mario Maker.
Let your creativity flow as Super Mario Maker puts you in the architect’s chair to make the Mario stage of your dream. You can choose to be an evil James Bond-esque villain by creating a trap-filled torture chamber or craft a refined stage that will test other players’ skills inclassic 2D platforming.
The keys to the Mushroom Kingdom are in your hands.
5Mario Kart 8
Released in 2014 and bringing everything fans love from previous entries, Mario Kart 8 is another Wii U essential. Featuring revamped graphics, challenging racetracks, and the chaotic fun that the Mario Kart series is known for, the 8th installment hits all the sharp twists and turns perfectly.
While veteran players might find the lack of innovation disappointing, Mario Kart 8 still holds the lead and the photo finish among the otherkart racing games.
4Bayonetta 2
The amazing insanity that is the Bayonetta series by Devil May Cry creatorHideki Kamiyamay have debuted for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but its sequels were firmly team Nintendo. The Wii U received the exclusives for the second entry of this fan-favorite character action game, and Bayonetta 2 delivered everything expected and more.
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Platinum Games’ decision to release Bayonetta 2 as a Wii U exclusive understandably faced backlash from fans, but this exclusivity is inevitable since Nintendo swooped up the license from Sega. If you are a fan of Devil May Cry, Bayonetta 2 for the Wii U is an instant must-have addition.
3Super Smash Bros. Wii U
The smash-hit platform fighting game featuring beloved characters from different franchises has yet to disappoint, and the Wii U version continued that streak. With 58 total playable characters ranging from Mario to Pac-Man, Super Smash Bros. Wii U tops it all off with tight controls and more balanced gameplay.
Super Smash Bros. Wii U also introduced Amiibointegration, which is a novel idea but something of a divisive topic for fans of the series.
2Super Mario 3D World
The 6th entry in the3D Super Mario series, Super Mario 3D World, was released worldwide in 2013. Super Mario 3D World follows the more linear approach to game design that 3D Land and Galaxy employed rather than the open-world style of Sunshine and Odyssey.
This decision gave 3D World a good advantage, as the developers fully maximized each stage while introducing nifty mechanics. Super Mario 3D World is designed specifically for old-school Mario players, a testament to Nintendo’s mastery of the platforming genre.
1The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Quite possibly the Nintendo Wii U’s crowning achievement, Breath of the Wild, raked in tons of awards and sales during its simultaneous release for both the Wii U and Switch. With vast and beautifully rendered open-world and non-linear gameplay, you can fully traverse the kingdom of Hyrule at your own pace.
While the Wii U version can only display the game at 720p compared to the 900p of the Switch, not much else is different between the two. A masterclass example of what can be achieved by an open-world adventure game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the best game that the Wii U has to offer, bar none.
