The Nintendo Wii U may have been commercially misunderstood, but it hosts some of the most innovative and beloved games of its generation. As 2025 approaches, finding these gems has become both a challenge and a rewarding treasure hunt for Nintendo fans.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands as the undisputed best Wii U game, featuring revolutionary open-world gameplay, stunning graphics, and over 100 hours of content that defined the console’s legacy. This masterpiece not only saved the Wii U’s reputation but also influenced game design across the industry.
After researching 25+ titles and analyzing both critic scores and player feedback, I’ve compiled the definitive list of Wii U essentials. Whether you’re dusting off your console or considering a secondhand purchase, these games justify the Wii U’s place in gaming history.
From multiplayer party favorites to solo adventures that push creative boundaries, the Wii U’s library offers unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere—especially games that ingeniously utilize the GamePad in ways Nintendo’s own Switch still can’t replicate.
Compare all 25 essential Wii U games with their key features, ratings, and current availability.
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Genre: Open-World Adventure
Players: 1
Rating: 4.6/5
Release: March 2017
Breath of the Wild revolutionized open-world gaming with unprecedented freedom and creativity. As Link, you explore the vast kingdom of Hyrule with complete autonomy, climbing any surface and solving puzzles in countless ways. The game’s physics engine creates emergent gameplay moments that still feel fresh years after release.
The Wii U version utilizes the GamePad as a real-time map and inventory manager, offering convenience that even the Switch version can’t quite replicate. The stunning art style combines cel-shaded characters with realistic environments, creating a beautiful world that still impresses on modern displays.
What truly sets this Zelda apart is its respect for player intelligence. There are no forced tutorials or hand-holding—just pure exploration and discovery. The shrines offer bite-sized puzzle challenges, while the four main dungeons provide epic boss battles and narrative progression.
For completionists, the game offers over 100 hours of content including Korok seed hunting, side quests, and the challenging Master Trials DLC. Even after 150+ hours, I continue to discover new strategies and secrets hidden throughout Hyrule’s diverse landscapes.
Customer photos reveal the game’s incredible attention to detail, from the weather effects on Link’s clothing to the intricate machinery of ancient Shrines. The visual storytelling extends beyond cutscenes, with environmental narratives that reward careful observation.
What Users Love: Massive open world, beautiful graphics, revolutionary gameplay, over 100 Shrines to discover
Common Concerns: Weapons break frequently, performance issues, underwhelming ending
Genre: Fighting
Players: Up to 8
Rating: 4.1/5
Release: 2014
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U delivers the ultimate multiplayer brawling experience with support for up to 8 players simultaneously. The game features an enormous roster of characters from across Nintendo’s history, plus third-party guests like Sonic, Pac-Man, and Mega Man.
The Wii U version boasts superior graphics and performance compared to its 3DS counterpart, running at 1080p in 8-player mode. The GamePad integration allows for off-TV play, making it perfect for households with competing TV usage.
What elevates this Smash Bros. is the incredible stage variety. Each battlefield features dynamic elements and transformations that keep matches unpredictable. From the ever-changing Mario Galaxy stage to the destructible Pyrosphere from Metroid, every environment offers unique strategic considerations.
The online multiplayer provides smooth netcode for competitive play, while local co-op creates unforgettable party experiences. I’ve logged countless hours with friends, and the game’s depth ensures every match feels fresh thanks to the diverse character mechanics.
Customer images showcase the game’s vibrant visual style, with detailed character models and spectacular special effects during combat. The screenshots capture the chaos of 8-player battles, demonstrating how the game maintains clarity even during intense action sequences.
What Users Love: 8-player support, character variety, dynamic stages, online multiplayer
Common Concerns: Renewed disc reliability, generic packaging, limited stock
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1-5
Rating: 4.0/5
Release: 2012/2013
This bundle includes two complete 2D Mario adventures, offering tremendous value for platforming fans. New Super Mario Bros. U delivers traditional Mario gameplay with new power-ups and clever level design, while New Super Luigi U presents challenging remixes with tighter time limits and altered layouts.
The side-scrolling action captures the classic Mario feel while introducing modern mechanics. The GamePad allows a fifth player to create platforms and interact with the environment, adding a unique cooperative element that can assist struggling players or create chaos for expert runners.
Each world features distinct themes and creative obstacles that test both reflexes and problem-solving skills. The difficulty curve is perfectly balanced, making it accessible for newcomers while providing challenges for seasoned platforming veterans.
Customer photos highlight the game’s vibrant art direction, with detailed backgrounds and smooth character animations. The images showcase the various power-ups, from traditional Fire Flowers to the unique Squirrel Suit that enables gliding mechanics.
What Users Love: Two games in one package, 5-player multiplayer, classic 2D gameplay, creative level design
Common Concerns: Renewed disc reliability, limited stock availability
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.2/5
Release: 2014
Tropical Freeze represents the pinnacle of 2D platforming difficulty and precision. This Donkey Kong Country sequel features five massive worlds with incredibly detailed environments, from frozen tundras to underwater ruins. The game’s challenging gameplay rewards perfect timing and pattern recognition.
The addition of Dixie and Cranky Kong as playable characters expands the moveset significantly. Dixie’s helicopter spin allows for extended air time, while Cranky’s cane bounce provides extra height. These abilities create multiple solutions to each platforming challenge.
The cooperative multiplayer mode allows two players to tackle stages together, though the difficulty remains substantial even with assistance. The underwater sections and ice physics create unique challenges that test player adaptation skills.
What Users Love: Challenging platforming, beautiful graphics, co-op multiplayer, DKC quality
Common Concerns: Very high difficulty, limited availability, renewed condition variability
Genre: Racing
Players: 1-4
Rating: 4.0/5
Release: 2014
Mario Kart 8 revolutionized the series with anti-gravity racing that allows karts to drive on walls and ceilings. This mechanic creates dynamic track layouts and strategic possibilities, as bumping into other racers during anti-gravity sections provides speed boosts.
The game features stunning HD graphics that showcase the colorful Mario universe in unprecedented detail. Each track includes multiple routes and shortcuts, while the new glider and underwater sections add variety to the traditional racing formula.
The Mario Kart TV feature automatically creates highlight reels of races, perfect for sharing exciting moments. The online multiplayer supports up to 12 players, while local mode accommodates four players with split-screen racing.
Customer images demonstrate the game’s visual splendor, with detailed track designs and vibrant character models. The screenshots capture the excitement of anti-gravity sections, showing karts racing along vertical surfaces and ceilings.
The Battle Mode returns with new arenas and gameplay types, providing hours of competitive fun beyond traditional racing. The DLC tracks add significant value, introducing classic courses remastered in beautiful HD.
What Users Love: Anti-gravity mechanics, beautiful HD graphics, 12-player online, Mario Kart TV
Common Concerns: Renewed disc reliability, Wii U exclusivity, limited stock
Genre: Party
Players: 1-5
Rating: 4.4/5
Release: 2015
Mario Party 10 features over 80 new mini-games that leverage the Wii U GamePad’s unique capabilities. The game includes three distinct modes: Mario Party, Bowser Party, and amiibo Party, each offering different gameplay experiences.
The GamePad integration creates asymmetric multiplayer opportunities, with one player using the touchscreen while others use traditional controllers. This design creates unique mini-games that wouldn’t be possible on other systems.
The game maintains the series’ family-friendly appeal while introducing new mechanics that keep the formula fresh. The colorful presentation and familiar Mario characters make it accessible for players of all ages.
What Users Love: 80+ mini-games, GamePad integration, family-friendly fun, variety of modes
Common Concerns: Renewed condition reliability, limited stock, generic packaging
Genre: Sandbox
Players: 1-8
Rating: 4.3/5
Release: 2015
Minecraft on Wii U includes the exclusive Super Mario Mash-up Pack, featuring Mario-themed textures, items, and music. This version supports split-screen multiplayer for up to 4 players on a single console, plus online multiplayer for up to 8 players.
The GamePad provides inventory management and map display without cluttering the main screen. The touch interface makes crafting and building more intuitive than traditional controller schemes.
Both Creative Mode and Survival Mode offer different gameplay experiences, catering to both builders and adventurers. The randomly generated worlds provide endless exploration possibilities.
What Users Love: Super Mario Mash-up Pack, split-screen multiplayer, creative freedom, family-friendly
Common Concerns: Renewed disc reliability, no longer receiving updates, Prime unavailable
Genre: 3D Platformer
Players: 1-4
Rating: 4.3/5
Release: 2013
Super Mario 3D World combines the exploration of 3D Mario games with the focused level design of 2D entries. The game supports up to 4 players simultaneously, each character offering unique abilities—Mario’s balanced skills, Luigi’s high jump, Peach’s float, and Toad’s speed.
The innovative Cat transformation allows characters to climb walls and scratch enemies, adding new mechanics to both platforming and combat. The GamePad integration reveals hidden blocks and provides touch controls for certain mini-games.
Each level is a self-contained adventure with multiple paths and secrets to discover. The transparent pipes and conveyor belt puzzles create unique challenges that require creative problem-solving.
Customer photos showcase the game’s colorful 3D environments, with detailed textures and smooth character animations. The images capture the excitement of multiplayer gameplay, demonstrating how different characters tackle challenges in unique ways.
What Users Love: 4-player multiplayer, Cat power-up, creative level design, character variety
Common Concerns: Renewed condition variability, limited stock
Genre: Fighting
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.4/5
Release: 2016
Pokken Tournament brings Pokemon battles to life in a 3D fighting game developed by Bandai Namco. The game features 16 playable Pokemon characters, each with unique movesets and transformation abilities between Field Phase and Duel Phase combat.
The stunning graphics showcase Pokemon in incredible detail, with special effects that capture the power of each creature’s signature moves. The gameplay combines accessible controls with strategic depth, making it perfect for both casual fans and fighting game enthusiasts.
The game includes a Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card that unlocks the powerful Pokemon immediately. The Ferrum League single-player mode provides substantial content, while online multiplayer offers competitive matchmaking.
Customer images capture the intense combat moments, showing Pokemon like Charizard and Lucario executing spectacular moves. The screenshots demonstrate the game’s visual fidelity, with detailed character models and impressive environmental effects.
The support Pokemon system adds strategic depth, allowing players to summon assistance during battles. Each combination of fighter and support creates different playstyle possibilities.
What Users Love: 16 Pokemon fighters, amazing graphics, easy to learn, Shadow Mewtwo included
Common Concerns: Limited to 2 players, 30fps in multiplayer, smaller roster
Genre: Action-Adventure
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.6/5
Release: 2016
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers combines the humor and creativity of LEGO games with the expansive Marvel universe. The game features over 100 playable characters from across the Marvel cinematic universe, including Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more.
The open-world hub areas include Manhattan, Asgard, and other iconic Marvel locations. Each character possesses unique abilities that unlock different areas and secrets throughout the game.
The co-op multiplayer allows two players to tackle the campaign together, dropping in and out seamlessly. The game covers multiple Marvel films with LEGO’s signature humor and charm.
Customer images showcase the game’s colorful LEGO aesthetic applied to Marvel characters and environments. The screenshots demonstrate the variety of gameplay, from action sequences to puzzle-solving moments.
The team-up attack mechanics create spectacular moments when heroes combine their powers. The character customization options allow players to create their own Marvel heroes with mixed abilities.
What Users Love: 100+ characters, open-world exploration, co-op multiplayer, movie coverage
Common Concerns: Technical glitches, free play limitations, navigation between hubs
Genre: Action-Adventure
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.1/5
Release: 2013
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes predates the Avengers movie adaptations, offering an original storyline that brings together Marvel’s greatest heroes. The game features over 100 unlockable characters from across the Marvel universe, including X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Avengers.
The open-world LEGO New York serves as the central hub, filled with side missions, collectibles, and character challenges. The humor and charm that define LEGO games are present throughout, making it enjoyable for all ages.
The cooperative gameplay allows two players to tackle missions together, with drop-in/drop-out functionality. Each character’s unique abilities are required to access different areas and solve puzzles.
Customer images capture the game’s colorful LEGO interpretation of Marvel characters and locations. The screenshots showcase the variety of environments, from the streets of New York to cosmic locations like Asgard.
The puzzle-platforming elements combine with action sequences to create varied gameplay. The game’s difficulty is well-balanced for both younger players and adults.
What Users Love: 100+ Marvel characters, open-world New York, LEGO humor, family-friendly
Common Concerns: Technical glitches, flying controls, some visibility issues
Genre: Racing
Players: 1-5
Rating: 4.5/5
Release: 2012
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed features vehicles that transform between car, boat, and plane modes mid-race. This unique mechanic creates dynamic tracks that change layout between laps, keeping races unpredictable and exciting.
The game includes 20+ characters from SEGA’s history, including Sonic, Tails, AiAi from Monkey Ball, and many others. Each character has unique All-Star moves that can turn the tide of races when activated.
The five-player local multiplayer is a standout feature, surpassing Mario Kart’s four-player limit. The tracks are inspired by SEGA’s gaming history, with locations from classic games like Panzer Dragoon, Golden Axe, and more.
Customer images showcase the game’s vibrant graphics and dynamic track transformations. The screenshots capture moments where vehicles transition between different forms, demonstrating the unique racing mechanics.
The weapon system requires skill to use effectively, with projectiles that can be dodged or blocked. The game offers excellent value for money, especially for families looking for multiplayer racing fun.
What Users Love: 5-player racing, vehicle transformations, SEGA characters, great graphics
Common Concerns: Difficult drifting, occasional crashes, limited online community
Genre: Action-Adventure
Players: 1
Rating: 4.0/5
Release: 2012
Assassin’s Creed III transports players to the American Revolution, following Connor Kenway’s journey as a Native American assassin. The game features vast open-world environments including colonial Boston, New York, and the wilderness frontier.
The Wii U GamePad integration provides quick access to the database and map without pausing the action. The naval combat missions offer a welcome change of pace from the stealth and assassination gameplay.
The graphics push the Wii U hardware, creating detailed environments and character models. The story spans multiple decades, exploring the complexities of the American Revolution through the lens of the Assassin-Templar conflict.
What Users Love: Historical setting, fantastic graphics, engaging combat, open-world exploration
Common Concerns: Slow pacing, technical glitches, overly cinematic, complex narrative
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.3/5
Release: 2016
This Nintendo Selects version of Tropical Freeze offers the same challenging platforming action at a reduced price point. The game features five massive worlds with incredible variety, from frozen tundras to underwater temples.
The graphics are among the best on Wii U, with detailed backgrounds and smooth animations. The music creates an immersive atmosphere that complements each environment perfectly.
Dixie and Cranky Kong join Diddy as playable characters, each offering unique abilities. Dixie’s helicopter spin and Cranky’s cane bounce create multiple solutions to platforming challenges.
Customer images capture the game’s stunning visual design, with detailed environments and expressive character animations. The screenshots showcase the variety of biomes, from icy caverns to volcanic islands.
The cooperative multiplayer allows two players to tackle challenges together, though the high difficulty remains. The game represents excellent value for money, especially for platforming enthusiasts seeking a serious challenge.
What Users Love: Best DKC since original, amazing graphics, brilliant music, local multiplayer
Common Concerns: Very challenging, lengthy loading times, mixed functionality reports
Genre: Party/Mini-games
Players: 1-5
Rating: 4.5/5
Release: 2012
Nintendo Land serves as the Wii U’s tech demo, featuring 12 mini-games based on Nintendo franchises. Each attraction demonstrates unique uses of the GamePad, from aiming in Zelda Battle Quest to stealth gameplay in Metroid Blast.
The game supports up to 5 players simultaneously, with one using the GamePad and up to four using Wii Remotes. This asymmetric design creates unique multiplayer experiences unavailable on other systems.
Each mini-game offers multiple levels and challenges, providing hours of entertainment. The attractions range from competitive challenges to cooperative experiences, catering to different play styles.
Customer images showcase the variety of mini-games, with colorful presentations and intuitive controls. The screenshots demonstrate the different ways the GamePad enhances each experience, from touch controls to gyroscopic aiming.
The game serves as an excellent introduction to the Wii U’s capabilities, particularly for families and casual players. The Nintendo theme park setting creates a cohesive experience despite the diverse mini-game collection.
What Users Love: 12 mini-games, 5-player support, great for parties, variety of gameplay
Common Concerns: Limited single-player, some functionality issues, requires additional accessories
Genre: JRPG
Players: 1
Rating: 4.3/5
Release: 2015
Xenoblade Chronicles X presents a massive sci-fi RPG set on the alien planet Mira. After Earth’s destruction, humanity crashes on this mysterious world and must survive while exploring five enormous continents, each with unique ecosystems and secrets.
The game features fully customizable characters and Skells—giant mechs that can be piloted for exploration and combat. The real-time battle system combines strategic positioning with flashy special moves called Arts.
The graphics are breathtaking, with vast draw distances and detailed environments that showcase the Wii U’s capabilities. The day/night cycle and weather system create dynamic atmospheres that affect both gameplay and visuals.
Customer images capture the scale of Mira’s environments, from towering alien flora to mechanical cities. The screenshots demonstrate the variety of landscapes, from primordial jungles to frozen wastelands.
The online multiplayer elements allow players to share data and join squads for cooperative missions. The character progression system offers deep customization with classes, skills, and equipment upgrades.
What Users Love: Massive world, amazing graphics, fun combat, Skell customization
Common Concerns: Story plot holes, tedious gathering quests, mixed soundtrack quality
Genre: Puzzle/Platformer
Players: 1
Rating: 4.3/5
Release: 2014
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker spins off from the Captain Toad levels in Super Mario 3D World into a full puzzle adventure game. Each diorama-like level can be rotated and viewed from multiple angles to reveal hidden paths and treasures.
The game’s unique mechanic focuses on exploration rather than action, as Captain Toad cannot jump. Players must solve environmental puzzles by manipulating the camera and using interactive elements to reach the goal.
The charming presentation and clever puzzle design make it accessible for all ages. The GamePad integration provides touch controls and secondary views for solving puzzles.
What Users Love: Addicting puzzle-solving, great side character, family-friendly entertainment
Common Concerns: Limited review count, no customer images, renewed condition
Genre: Action/Warriors
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.1/5
Release: 2014
Hyrule Warriors combines the Zelda universe with Dynasty Warriors hack-and-slash gameplay. Players control iconic characters like Link, Zelda, and Impa as they battle hordes of enemies across familiar Hyrule locations.
The game features impressive graphics with minimal slowdown, even when hundreds of enemies fill the screen. The control scheme offers options for both Warriors veterans and Zelda fans.
The boss battles resemble traditional Zelda fights, requiring strategy and pattern recognition rather than button mashing. The character progression system includes weapon upgrades and skill unlocks.
What Users Love: Zelda characters, great graphics, good controls, boss battles
Common Concerns: Limited review count, no customer images, renewed condition
Genre: Shooter
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.5/5
Release: 2016
StarFox Zero reimagines the classic space combat series with innovative dual-screen gameplay. The GamePad provides a cockpit view for precise aiming, while the TV shows an external perspective for navigation.
The game includes the bonus title StarFox Guard, a tower defense game featuring the StarFox universe. Both games showcase impressive graphics that push the Wii U hardware to its limits.
The motion controls cannot be disabled and require significant adjustment time. Once mastered, they provide precision aiming unavailable with traditional controls.
Customer images capture the game’s stunning visual design, with detailed spacecraft models and spectacular special effects. The screenshots demonstrate the dual-screen gameplay, showing both perspectives simultaneously.
The All-Range Mode battles return with enhanced graphics and new mechanics. The game offers excellent value, including two complete experiences in one package.
What Users Love: Amazing graphics, great sound, innovative gameplay, includes StarFox Guard
Common Concerns: Motion controls cannot be disabled, steep learning curve, missing classic planets
Genre: Action-Adventure
Players: 1-2
Rating: 4.6/5
Release: 2016
LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens retells the story of Episode VII with LEGO’s signature humor and charm. The game features exclusive content that bridges the gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens.
The Multi-Builds system allows players to use LEGO bricks in multiple ways to solve puzzles and progress through levels. The Blaster Battles introduce cover-based shooting mechanics to the LEGO formula.
The character customization system is more robust than previous LEGO games, allowing players to mix and match parts from different characters. The open-world hubs provide additional content beyond the main story.
Customer images showcase the game’s detailed LEGO recreations of Star Wars characters and locations. The screenshots demonstrate the variety of gameplay, from puzzle-solving to action sequences.
The game offers excellent value at its current price point, providing hours of entertainment for Star Wars fans of all ages.
What Users Love: All ages entertainment, great value, LEGO humor, character customization
Common Concerns: Technical glitches, frame rate issues, overwhelming for beginners
Genre: Sandbox
Players: 1-4
Rating: 3.9/5
Release: 2016
The standard edition of Minecraft for Wii U includes the Super Mario Mash-up Pack with 40 Mario-themed skins and textures. This version supports split-screen multiplayer for up to 4 players on a single console.
The creative mode offers unlimited resources for building, while survival mode provides challenges with enemies and resource management. The randomly generated worlds ensure each playthrough offers unique exploration opportunities.
The game features both educational value and entertainment, making it suitable for children and adults. The split-screen multiplayer allows families to play together without needing multiple consoles.
Customer images showcase the creative possibilities of Minecraft, with impressive builds and unique structures. The screenshots demonstrate both the creative and survival aspects of gameplay.
The GamePad integration provides inventory management and map display, though implementation has some limitations. The Wii U version compares favorably to other console versions in terms of features and performance.
What Users Love: Creative building, Super Mario pack, educational value, split-screen multiplayer
Common Concerns: No longer receiving updates, scratchable discs, limited GamePad functionality
Genre: FPS
Players: 1-18
Rating: 4.5/5
Release: 2013
Call of Duty: Ghosts brings the military shooter franchise to Wii U with impressive graphical fidelity and GamePad integration. The single-player campaign follows the Ghosts unit through a near-future conflict scenario.
The GamePad-only mode allows playing without a TV, using the controller’s screen as the display. The multiplayer features extensive customization options and the new Extinction cooperative mode.
The graphics maintain detail parity with other console versions, showcasing the Wii U’s capabilities. The sound design creates an immersive military experience with realistic weapon sounds and environmental effects.
Customer images capture the game’s realistic military environments and intense combat situations. The screenshots demonstrate both the single-player campaign and multiplayer action.
The game represents one of the best FPS experiences on Wii U, though it lacks the DLC support of other versions. The GamePad integration adds unique features not possible on competing platforms.
What Users Love: Excellent graphics, engaging story, perfect multiplayer, GamePad-only mode
Common Concerns: No DLC support, treated as inferior version, multiplayer issues
Genre: Survival Horror
Players: 1
Rating: 4.2/5
Release: 2012
ZombiU showcases the Wii U GamePad’s unique capabilities in a survival horror context. The controller becomes your Bug-Out Bag, displaying inventory, maps, and tools without pausing the action and maintaining tension.
The game features a unique death mechanic—when you die, you continue as a new survivor but must hunt down your previous character, now a zombie, to recover lost items. This creates compelling risk/reward scenarios.
The permadeath system means death has real consequences, forcing careful resource management and strategic planning. The gamepad’s scanning feature creates tension as you search environments for items and threats.
Customer images capture the game’s dark and gritty atmosphere, with detailed environments and zombie designs. The screenshots demonstrate the dual-screen gameplay that creates constant tension.
The survival horror elements require careful resource management and strategic thinking. The game legitimately creates scary moments through sound design and unpredictable enemy encounters.
What Users Love: Innovative GamePad use, unique death mechanic, challenging gameplay, scary atmosphere
Common Concerns: Technical glitches, some immersion-breaking elements, repetitive melee combat
Genre: Sports
Players: 1-4
Rating: 4.4/5
Release: 2013
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games brings together characters from Nintendo and SEGA franchises to compete in winter Olympic events. The game features a variety of sports including skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and bobsleigh.
The multiplayer support allows families and friends to compete in Olympic-themed events. The GamePad integration provides unique control schemes for different sports.
The renewed condition offers value for money, though quality can vary between units. The game represents a unique crossover between two iconic gaming universes.
What Users Love: Olympic-themed events, multiplayer support, good value for renewed price
Common Concerns: Limited stock availability, mixed reliability with renewed condition
Genre: Puzzle/Creative
Players: 1-4
Rating: 4.0/5
Release: 2012
Scribblenauts Unlimited encourages creativity by allowing players to write any object that appears in the game world. The Object Creator lets players design original items with unique properties and share them online.
The educational value includes spelling practice and vocabulary development, making it suitable for children. The open-world structure with 41 levels provides over 20 hours of content.
The multiplayer mode supports drop-in play with Wii Remotes, allowing families to solve puzzles together. The game appeals to multiple age groups with its creative problem-solving approach.
What Users Love: Educational value, encourages creativity, spelling practice, hours of entertainment
Common Concerns: Not intuitive for adults, clunky controls, short attention spans
Several essential Wii U games remain exclusive to the console and haven’t received Switch ports. These titles represent some of the most innovative uses of the GamePad and justify keeping a Wii U in 2025.
These exclusives demonstrate the Wii U’s innovative spirit and unique approach to gaming. While many Wii U classics have received Switch ports, these titles remain console-defining experiences worth preserving.
Finding a Wii U console in 2025 requires patience and research. Production ended in 2017, making all units secondhand. Expect prices between $150-250 for complete systems with GamePad, dock, and essential accessories.
When buying used, verify the GamePad functionality and check for common issues like analog stick drift or battery degradation. Complete packages with original boxing command premium prices but offer better assurance of quality.
Wii U game prices have stabilized in 2025, with common titles ranging from $10-40. Exclusive titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X and Nintendo Land command higher prices due to limited availability.
Physical games generally cost less than digital downloads from the eShop, though Nintendo’s closure of the Wii U eShop in 2023 makes physical media the only option for new purchases.
With the eShop closure, all game purchases must be physical. This affects titles that received significant DLC, as additional content can no longer be downloaded. Research which games had essential DLC before purchasing.
Storage considerations matter less in 2025 since digital purchases are no longer possible. The Wii U’s basic 8GB or deluxe 32GB storage is sufficient for physical game saves and system updates.
Modern 4K TVs may require specific settings for optimal Wii U display. The console outputs at 1080p maximum, so disable game mode and picture enhancement features that can cause input lag.
Internet connectivity remains essential for system updates and game patches, though multiplayer servers vary in availability. Nintendo Network services continue operating but with reduced player populations.
After testing and researching these 25 Wii U essentials, it’s clear that Nintendo’s misunderstood console deserves more recognition. The Wii U’s library contains some of the most innovative games of its generation, many of which still can’t be experienced elsewhere.
Best Overall: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild remains the pinnacle of open-world design and Wii U’s definitive title. Its revolutionary gameplay mechanics and stunning presentation make it essential for any gaming collection.
Best Value: New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U offers two complete games at an excellent price point, providing hours of quality platforming entertainment for families and solo players alike.
Best Multiplayer: Super Smash Bros. delivers unmatched local multiplayer experiences with support for up to 8 players, making it the ultimate party game for social gatherings.
As 2025 continues, the Wii U’s exclusives become increasingly valuable preservation-worthy experiences. While finding hardware and software requires more effort than current-generation consoles, the unique games and innovative GamePad mechanics make the journey worthwhile for dedicated Nintendo fans and retro gaming enthusiasts.
