Best Wii U games of all time, ranked

The Wii U, released by Nintendo in 2012, was a surprisingly innovative console that didn’t quite catch on with mainstream gamers. It pioneered features like playing on a tablet-like controller, unique multiplayer experiences where players had different roles, and the ability to play games without a TV – all before these ideas became popular. While it didn’t sell as well as Nintendo expected, those who owned a Wii U discovered a collection of imaginative and ambitious games.

The Wii U was a groundbreaking system that first launched the world to Splatoon, let players create and share their own Super Mario levels, and offered enhanced versions of classic games like Mario Kart 8 and The Wind Waker. It also became known for unique and innovative titles, including Bayonetta 2, The Wonderful 101, Xenoblade Chronicles X, and Affordable Space Adventures. The system’s life culminated with the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a game that would become incredibly influential and mark the end of the Wii U era.

Despite not being a commercial success, the Wii U was a remarkably innovative console and has become more appreciated over time than its sales numbers would indicate.

With that in mind, here’s our ranking of the best Wii U games.

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Gunman Clive HD Collection

Release date:

September 3, 2015

Platforms:

Wii U
PlayStation 4
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Gunman Clive HD Collection is a compilation of two side-scrolling platform shooters, Gunman Clive and Gunman Clive 2, presented in high definition. Players progress through short stages featuring platforming, shooting, and boss fights, with a hand-drawn visual style and minimal story elements.

Runbow

Release date:

August 27, 2015

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mac
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
New Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Runbow is an action party game with a unique art style and a never-before seen colour mechanic that will keep you running back for more. Platforms and obstacles appear and disappear as the background colour changes, so if you can’t see something, it doesn’t exist. Whether you’re playing alone or with friends, Runbow is fast, frantic, and a lot of fun. Players can race against each other in The Runbow Run, or go head to head in a number of different modes including King of the Hill and Arena to name a few. Use the Wii U GamePad to become the malevolent ColourMaster controlling the colours and the obstacles in the level, or tackle our toughest game mode, The Bowhemoth, a 30+ minute platforming challenge that will put the patience and skill of even the toughest players to the test. If dozens of game modes, hundreds of unlockable costumes, and a crazy, colourful gaming challenge sounds like fun, then you better get ready to Runbow!

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

Release date:

December 26, 2015

4(18 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is a crossover role-playing video game developed by Atlus and Intelligent Systems for the Wii U, based on the two companies’ Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series, respectively.

Paper Mario: Color Splash

Release date:

October 6, 2016

4(16 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: A mystery is afoot on Prism Island – and only Paper Mario can solve it by restoring the island’s vanishing colors with his new Paint Hammer and the powerful Battle Cards up his sleeve. These fresh layers of strategy, along with the hilarious action adventure gameplay the series is known for, make this one of the most colorful Paper Mario action-adventure games ever.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes

Release date:

September 30, 2013

4(19 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
Wii U
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Lego Marvel Super Heroes is a 2013 Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game features gameplay similar to other Lego titles, alternating between various action-adventure sequences and puzzle-solving scenarios. The game’s storyline sees various heroes from the Marvel Universe joining forces to foil the schemes of Doctor Doom and Loki, who have also recruited several villains to aid them, and seek to conquer the Earth using the Doom Ray of Doom, a device built from the shards of the Silver Surfer’s board called “Cosmic Bricks”.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Release date:

September 14, 2011

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Arcade

More info

What it’s about: A highly competitive fighting game where you can choose from 60 different characters. Some new and most old, still making the game of the franchise the most character-rich of them all so far.

Pokkén Tournament

Release date:

July 16, 2015

4(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U
Arcade

More info

What it’s about: Pokkén Tournament was developed with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Inc., the producers of one of the top achievements in fighting games, the Tekken series. True to its legacy, this game brings tight gameplay and incredible control to never-before-seen battles between Pokémon. The gameplay is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of people-even those who have never played a fighting game or an action game before can easily pick it up and play! Key Word: Pokke, pokkén, pokken, poken, pokén

Pushmo World

Release date:

June 19, 2014

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Expanding on the mind-bending puzzle challenges previously found only on Nintendo 3DS, this Wii U title offers a variety of challenges that can only be solved by manipulating a wall of 3D obstacles. Pushmo World finds players pushing, pulling and climbing blocks to solve a collection of more than 250 new puzzles. What separates Pushmo World from the other games in the series, besides the crisp and colorful HD graphics and original puzzles, is the addition of World Pushmo Fair, an in-game hub that gives players an easy way to share and download new puzzles.

In Pushmo World, players are tasked with solving three-dimensional block-based puzzles by moving blocks to climb to the top of structures. As the game progresses, the puzzles get larger and more complex, with some massive, screen-filling creations resembling familiar objects, animals and even classic Nintendo characters. Pushmo World introduces a collection of training levels that players can use to hone their puzzle-climbing skills. The game also features a time-rewind option that lets players undo mistakes. This forgiving feature rewards players for being smart thinkers, rather than forcing them to restart a complex puzzle for making a hasty move. Being stumped won’t stop the fun: If players are stuck on a particularly tough puzzle, they can skip ahead to the next one. In addition to the numerous puzzles included in the game, Pushmo World lets players create their own puzzles using a selection of tools in Pushmo Studio and share them with friends and others around the world.

Affordable Space Adventures

Release date:

April 9, 2015

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Enjoy all the thrills and excitement of space exploration on a budget? Uexplore brings you affordable space adventures without compromising comfort, fun and safety. Our newest Small Craft (TM) line with its intuitive and simple Heads Down Display technology offers all the functionality and flexibility of the Heads Up Displays installed in more expensive space ships, but at a fraction of the price.

Hyrule Warriors

Release date:

August 14, 2014

4(15 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: A Legendary Pairing: Cut down entire legions of enemies as Link, Zelda, Midna and other characters from The Legend of Zelda franchise using over-the-top powerful Dynasty Warriors-style moves. This tour de force through the beloved locales of Hyrule will have players battling some of the fiercest enemies in The Legend of Zelda history. Two players can play local co-op, with one player joining with the Wii U GamePad controller and another with the Wii U Pro Controller or Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers.

LEGO City Undercover

Release date:

March 17, 2013

4(21 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: As Chase McCain, you’ll become an expert at hand-to-hand combat, fighting your foes and wrestling them to the ground until you can slap the cuffs on ’em. The best officers are also pros at free running, jumping, climbing, and traversing the city on special blue and white bricks. Do you have what it takes?

Mass Effect 3

Release date:

March 6, 2012

5(14 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

More info

What it’s about: Earth is burning. The Reapers have taken over and other civilizations are falling like dominoes. Lead the final fight to save humanity and take back Earth from these terrifying machines, Commander Shepard. You’ll need backup for these battles. Fortunately, the galaxy has a habit of sending unexpected species your way. Recruit team members and forge new alliances, but be prepared to say goodbye at any time as partners make the ultimate sacrifice. It’s time for Commander Shepard to fight for the fate of the human race and save the galaxy. No pressure, Commander. Fight smarter. Take advantage of new powers and combat moves. Shepard can now blind fire at enemies and build tougher melee attacks. Plus, when you fight as a team you can combine new biotic and tech powers to unleash devastating Power Combos. Build the final force. Build a team from a variety of races and classes and combine their skills to overcome impossible odds. You’ll be joined by newcomers like James Vega, a tough-as-nails soldier, as well as EDI, a trusted AI in a newly acquired physical form. Keep an eye out for beloved characters from your past, but beware. Some may not survive the final battle… Face off against friends. Enjoy an integrated co-op multiplayer mode and team up with friends online to liberate key conflict zones from increasingly tough opponents. Customize your warrior and earn new weapons, armor, and abilities to build war preparedness stats in your single player campaign.

Bit.Trip Presents… Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

Release date:

February 26, 2013

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
iOS
Wii U
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Runner2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed and IGF award winning BIT.TRIP RUNNER.,In the style of the BIT.TRIP series, Runner2 is a rhythm-music platforming game.,Players will run through fantastic environments, using brand new moves, to brand new soundtracks as they run, jump, slide, kick, and soar toward the goal of tracking down the Timbletot and thwarting his evil plans to destroy not only our world, but every world there is.

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse

Release date:

October 22, 2014

4(5 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
Google Stadia

More info

What it’s about: Embark on a brand new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. When she loses her magic, Shantae must team up with her nemesis, the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from an evil curse. As a pirate, Shantae gains new weapons to advance her quest, slay monsters, battle epic bosses…and hopefully get her magic back in the bargain! But can she really trust her deadliest enemy? The third Shantae game is the biggest yet! Beyond Sequin Land lie cursed islands and labyrinths each hiding a new piece of Pirate Gear – Flintlock Pistol, Pirate Hat, Scimitar, Risky’s Boots, and even a Cannon. Upgrade Shantae’s hair and weapons or unlock advanced Fighter’s Moves. Locate maps, return lost Heart Squids, collect rare loot, and laugh out loud at the weird, wild, and wonderfully humorous cast of characters. Incredible stereoscopic visuals, unlockable Pirate-Mode, multiple endings, and an unforgettable soundtrack make this one game you won’t want to miss!

Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition

Release date:

November 18, 2012

4(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: “Batman: Arkham City — Armored Edition contains all of the content from Batman: Arkham City, including all available downloadable content, and introduces Battle Armored Tech (B.A.T.) Mode and the new Armored Suits for both Batman and Catwoman. Fans can become the Dark Knight like never before with the upgraded battle suit that gives players an additional power-up by allowing them to build kinetic energy during combat. When activated, players enter B.A.T. mode and dole out more damage than previously possible. The Wii U GamePad provides instant access to the wrist-mounted Batcomputer throughout the game, allowing players to use the touch screen to seamlessly select objectives, choose their gadget, track forensic evidence, upgrade their gear, detonate explosive gel, and more, all while remaining immersed in the action. Additionally, all gadgets have been reimagined to utilize the power of the GamePad, offering an unprecedented level of accuracy when using the Batarang and scanning for clues.”

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Release date:

November 13, 2014

4(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The intrepid Captain Toad sets off on his own adventure for the very first time through a wide variety of tricky, enemy-infested, maze-like stages to find hidden gems and nab elusive gold stars.

SteamWorld Dig

Release date:

August 7, 2013

4(8 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mac
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
Google Stadia

More info

What it’s about: SteamWorld Dig is 2D a platform game that revolves around mining for resources and ores. The objective of the game is to investigate the mines underneath the old Western town Tumbleton in order to unearth the secrets lurking below. The player controls Rusty who is equipped with a pickaxe but the player is given options to upgrade the tools used for digging as progression is made in the game. Besides health, the player also needs coal for light, and water for special abilities. SteamWorld Dig has platform elements in that the player runs, jumps and encounter foes, but the main objective is mining. That means that the player builds – or rather deconstructs – the game world and creates platforms that way. The player collects resources and other hidden resources which can be brought back to the surface and exchanged for cash. When the player progress in the game new abilities are unlocked. Each playthrough, the mines are randomized, making items and treasure appear in different locations. If the player gets stuck there is a self destruct function, but the players can also buy ladders in the store at the surface to get out of tricky situations. When progressing deeper down in the cave, the player encounters various enemies with different attack patterns and weak spots. The game features multiple worlds, each with a completely different environment. Dying results in a reparation penalty fee, and the player respawns back on the surface. All the loot that has been accumulated when the player dies can be picked up again.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut

Release date:

October 22, 2013

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Mac
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut features approximately 8 hours of director’s commentaries and a 45 minute “Making Of” video. It also features an improved visual engine and a complete overhaul of the boss battles. Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut is an expanded game for Deus Ex: Human Revolution which is an action role-playing game. It is the third game in the Deus Ex series, and a prequel to the original Deus Ex (2000). The gameplay-combining first-person shooter, stealth, and role-playing elements-features exploration and combat in environments connected to multiple city-based hubs, in addition to quests that grant experience and allow customization of the main character’s abilities with items called Praxis Kits. Conversations between characters feature a variety of responses, with options in conversations and at crucial story points affecting how some events play out.

Axiom Verge

Release date:

March 31, 2015

4(15 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mac
Wii U
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: After a lab accident, a scientist awakens in a mysterious, alien world. Is this a distant planet? The far future? Or a complex virtual-reality computer simulation? Plumb the recesses of a large, labyrinthine world in order to learn its secrets and uncover your role within it. Discover tons of weapons, items, and abilities, each with their own unique behaviors and usage. You’ll need your wits to find them all. Combat bizarre biomechanoid constructs, the deadly fallout of an ancient war, and the demons of your own psyche. And finally, break the game itself by using glitches to corrupt foes and solve puzzles in the environment. Life. Afterlife. Real. Virtual. Dream. Nightmare. It’s a thin line. It’s Axiom Verge.

Yoshi’s Woolly World

Release date:

June 26, 2015

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Set off with a friend through a wild, woolly world in this grand Yoshi adventure! A treasure trove of clever handicraft stages are ready for you to explore. Unravel their secrets and color your world with a spectrum of yarn balls to knit new paths and get every last collectible. Knitting yarn, patchwork, and other handicraft materials combine into a whimsical and crafty backdrop for our knit Yoshi to explore. Instead of eggs, this time Yoshi tosses yarn balls that he can use to clear blocked paths, tangle-up enemies, or even knit together platforms and warp pipes. Yoshi can also tug at stray yarn to unravel walls and reveal hard-to-reach areas filled with hidden collectibles. Tackle challenges in local 2-Player co-op by partnering up with a friend. Gobble ’em up and spit ’em out to reach new heights or take out craftwork creepers like paratroopas, piranha plants and shy guys! It’s time to get crafty.

Need for Speed Most Wanted U

Release date:

March 14, 2013

4(3 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: “Designed specifically for the Wii U, Need for Speed Most Wanted U delivers gameplay mechanics built for the unique features of the Wii U GamePad controller. The local co-op mode, called Co-Driver, allows one player to drive using the Wii Remote controller or Wii U Pro Controller while another player uses the Wii U GamePad to provide control and navigation assistance on an interactive real-time map. Using just their fingertips, the partner can distract pursuing cops, switch from night to day or activate enhanced performance for any car and even control the amount of traffic on the road.For another competitive edge, players can switch into their favorite cars, track milestones, uncover the city’s hidden gems and more, all on the fly with the Wii U touch screen, ensuring nothing ever slows them down. Need for Speed Most Wanted U brings the blockbuster action of the open world racer to players’ fingertips. The entire game is playable off-screen using the Wii U GamePad, so gamers never have to put the game down. Need for Speed Most Wanted U includes the Ultimate Speed Pack expansion, so players can take to the streets with five of the most absurdly fast cars ever made: McLaren’s F1 LM, Lamborghini’s minimalist artwork, the Aventador J, the track-focused Pagani Zonda R, Bugatti’s reigning world speed champion, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and Hennessey’s savage 275 mile-an-hour ragtop beast, the Venom GT Spyder. Finally with Need for Speed Most Wanted U, gamers are competing against the people they want to defeat most – their friends. With EA’s innovative online technology Autolog 2, the game automatically tracks and compares best race times, high scores and more. These stats are broadcast throughout the open world, fueling friendly competition and rivalries.Need for Speed Most Wanted’s online multiplayer also ups the ante for social competition. Gamers pick a car, meet up with their friends and are immersed in a non-stop playlist of action-packed events. Whether it’s competing for the best starting position, the ultimate jump, or finishing first place, if there’s something to do, there’s someone to beat. Any Speed Points earned on Wii U will add to your existing total if you are playing the game on any of the other available platforms through CloudCompete.”

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Release date:

January 1, 2014

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: All the challenging ground-pounding, barrel-blasting, side-scrolling mine cart action from the Donkey Kong Country series is back along with a bushel of new game-play elements and features. And now, there are four playable characters! Dixie Kong is back to join the adventure as a playable character alongside Diddy Kong, and for the first time in Donkey Kong Country, bearded old hero Cranky Kong joins the adventure with his bouncy cane. Any of the three can buddy up with Donkey Kong, and each character offers a different gameplay experience. On their journey to reclaim Donkey Kong Island, Donkey Kong and his friends travel across five islands with a variety of stages that include underwater areas and frozen environments.

Shovel Knight

Release date:

June 26, 2014

4(19 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Mac
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. It’s a hot mashup of new and old! You play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest. Shovel Knight has come to this land with two goals: to defeat the evil Enchantress and quest for his lost beloved. He wields a Shovel Blade: a multipurpose weapon whose techniques have now been lost to the ages. Always honest and helpful, Shovel Knight is a shining example of the code of Shovelry: Slash Mercilessly and Dig Tirelessly! But, between Shovel Knight and his beloved stands a cadre of villainous knights. These terrible foes, known as The Order of No Quarter, have been dispatched to prevent Shovel Knight from reaching the Enchantress, and will pursue their mission at any cost. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, crazy bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

SteamWorld Heist

Release date:

December 9, 2015

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mac
Nintendo 3DS
iOS
Wii U
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
Google Stadia

More info

What it’s about: Join Captain Piper Faraday, smuggler and occasional pirate, as she recruits a rag-tag team of steam-driven robots and sets out on a daring adventure. With your hearty crew you’ll board, loot and shoot your way through enemy spaceships. Overcome the challenges of the vast frontier by upgrading your robots with unique abilities, weapons – and even stylish hats!

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition

Release date:

July 1, 2014

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
Xbox 360
Wii U
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Guacamelee! STCE is an enhanced version of Guacamelee! Gold Edition that adds in two huge new levels, an explosive new ‘Intenso’ power mode, 4-player local co-op support and more. You’ll need to use every bit of your skill and power to defeat STCE’s new challenges (including a scheming new boss- El Trio de la Muerte), in addition to everything the original game’s sprawling world has to throw at you.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Release date:

December 10, 2011

4(11 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The popular fantasy action franchise Monster Hunter is now one of the most iconic gaming series in the world selling over 21 million copies worldwide since the series began in 2004. Players take on the role of a hunter and are sent to explore a settlement within the Monster Hunter universe, completing quests on their journey to seek and slay monsters whilst improving their skills and earning equipment upgrades. With many challenging monsters and over 200 quests the latest edition to the series is set to be the most expansive offering to date. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate utilizes the functionalities of the Nintendo 3DS system to provide players with a truly intuitive hunting experience. The touch screen feature allows players to quickly access in-game books, weapons, field maps and mini games whilst the high quality graphics 3D visuals of Nintendo 3DS powered by the latest iteration of Capcom’s MT Framework deliver a unique and stunning world for players to explore. Taking advantage of the portability of Nintendo 3DS, players can exchange their guild card that contains all their hunter’s information with other players via StreetPass. Players can experience the world of Monster Hunter alone or in four player local play using Nintendo 3DS. Finding nearby hunters to adventure on quests with is now even easier via the local Nintendo 3DS search feature. Wii U players will be able to enjoy the hunt with Nintendo 3DS players via a local wireless connection. Gamers that own both a Wii U and Nintendo 3DS can take advantage of the inter compatibility of save data between the two consoles, taking the hunt from the living room wherever they go.

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Release date:

April 29, 2015

4(15 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Xenoblade Chronicles X is an action role-playing video game and a part of the Xeno series of video games, serving as a spiritual successor to Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii. In a similar fashion to the original, the game plays as an open world role-playing video game, with an emphasis on exploration. Traveling can take place on foot, or in large humanoid robots, approximately four times the height of the average playable character, called “Skells” (“Dolls” in the Japanese version), that the player may opt to control. The Skells have the ability to fly, traverse water, and transform into vehicles such as motorcycles or tanks. Aerial battles will also take place in the game.

New Super Mario Bros. U

Release date:

November 18, 2012

4(9 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: New Super Mario Bros. U is a side-scrolling 2.5D platform game, and the fourth and latest installment in the New Super Mario Bros. series. As the sequel to New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the game is a follow-up game of New Super Mario Bros. 2. It uses new, more detailed background styles and models and introduces the Flying Squirrel power-up, acquired by Mario and his friends from an item called the Super Acorn, as well as utilizing the Wii U GamePad in Boost Mode. In addition to the core campaign, there are also challenge modes.

Splatoon

Release date:

May 28, 2015

4(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Splatoon is primarily a team-based third-person shooter which is playable by up to eight players in 4-vs-4 matches, although the game also features a single-player campaign. Players control characters called Inklings, wich can change between human form and squid form. Transforming into a squid allows players to swim through ink of their own color, even up walls and through grates, hiding from the enemy and replenishing their ink supply in the process.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

Release date:

March 4, 2016

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a Wii U enhanced remaster of the original game. It features graphical upgrades from the original version, higher resolution and minor gameplay changes.

Pikmin 3

Release date:

July 13, 2013

4(9 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Explore an alien world like no other in the third edition of Nintendo’s strategic adventure series. In Pikmin 3, players take command of three explorers and a legion of adorable Pikmin in a fight for survival. By employing the unique abilities of these tiny Pikmin creatures, players will solve puzzles, battle dangerous predators, and recover food needed to save the explorers’ depleted home planet.

Super Mario Maker

Release date:

September 10, 2015

4(11 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Super Mario Maker lets people’s imaginations run wild. For the first time ever, friends can have fun playing through levels they create for one another. The Wii U GamePad controller makes it so easy for anyone to create levels; it may feel like simply sketching out ideas on paper. Players can enjoy a seemingly endless supply of inventive Mario levels from players around the world.

The game includes a book totaling about 100 pages that illustrates the boundless possibilities in Super Mario Maker. Nintendo will also release two special Mario amiibo figures to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. Tapping these amiibo in Super Mario Maker adds a Big Mushroom power-up to your course, allowing Mario to grow big and bust blocks from any direction, as well as adding a retro visual filter to the game, reminiscent of older cathode ray tube televisions. In addition, many other amiibo will also be compatible with Super Mario Maker through the use of a new item called the Mystery Mushroom. This item allows Mario to take the appearance of many other characters, such as Link, Kirby or Wii Fit Trainer, complete with character-specific animations and sound effects. These character costumes can be unlocked by completing the 100 Mario Challenge mode and many can also be unlocked if the player taps the amiibo of the character to the Wii U GamePad.

Rayman Legends

Release date:

August 30, 2013

4(13 reviews)

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Google Stadia

More info

What it’s about: The Glade of Dreams is in trouble once again! The nightmares multiplied and spread, creating new monsters even more terrifying than before!

Bayonetta 2

Release date:

September 20, 2014

5(21 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The witching hour strikes again. Brimming with intricate battles that take place in, on and all over epic set pieces, Bayonetta 2 finds our sassy heroine battling angels and demons in unearthly beautiful HD. You’re bound to love how it feels to string together combos with unimaginable weapons and to summon demons using Bayonetta’s Umbran Weave in this frantic stylized action game.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

Release date:

January 1, 2013

5(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is a remaster of The Wind Waker with an alternate recreation of the original’s art style, several gameplay adjustments, a new lighting engine and higher resolution textures.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Release date:

November 21, 2014

5(11 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is the fourth console-based entry in the popular Super Smash Bros. series of fighting games. With an even larger roster of fighters than its predecessors and the introduction eight player battles, Smash for Wii U continues to add to the formula that gamers have loved since 1999.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Release date:

March 3, 2017

5(27 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the first 3D open-world game in the Zelda series. Link can travel anywhere and be equipped with weapons and armor found throughout the world to grant him various bonuses. Unlike many games in the series, Breath of the Wild does not impose a specific order in which quests or dungeons must be completed. While the game still has environmental obstacles such as weather effects, inhospitable lands, or powerful enemies, many of them can be overcome using the right method. A lot of critics ranked Breath of the Wild as one of the best video games of all time.

Super Mario 3D World

Release date:

November 21, 2013

5(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U, and a follow-up of the Nintendo 3DS installment Super Mario 3D Land. The game builds upon the previous installment, following a similar 3D level-design convention inspired from the 2D platformer titles where players must navigate through a linear-designed level within a time limit to reach a level’s Goal Pole. One key aspect introduced in this title is the simultaneous multiplayer: while not the first game in the series to do so, it is the first 3D title in the Mario series to incorporate up to four players cooperating with each other to reach the goal. Players can select their character from a pool of playable characters prior to starting the game, and each of these characters have their own unique playstyle that gives them advantages and disadvantages over other characters. The game makes use of several Wii U exclusive features, such as tapping blocks with the touch screen on the GamePad and blowing into the mic to reveal hidden items and blow away enemies. Various new power-ups are introduced in this title, with the trademark suit being the Cat power-up, which enables characters to perform a melee attack, climb up walls, and leap while midair, as well as the game generally having a cat-based theme.

Mario Kart 8

Release date:

January 1, 2014

5(15 reviews)

Platforms:

Wii U

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What it’s about: Turn your racing experience upside down! Nintendo’s Mario Kart franchise comes to the Wii U console in full HD, introducing new racing circuit designs and anti-gravity karts that will have players driving upside down. And for the first time, all of Bowser’s seven Koopalings are playable characters– get a taste of being bad on the race track by playing as Iggy, Larry, Lemmy, Ludwig, Morton, Roy and Wendy. Players will also enjoy a variety of series-favorite features, including the return of 12-player online competitive play, hang-gliders, underwater racing and motorbikes.

2026-01-19 21:23