While most gamers’ eyes may be on the newly released PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the Wii U is quietly building a formidable library of games.
The Wii U may have had a weak launch in 2012, but throughout the year we have gained more and more Wii U titles, even with the delay of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze until February. If you are looking for the best games to buy for the Wii U over the holidays, check out our Wii U gift guide for some ideas.
Console – $299.99
When looking to purchase a Wii U system, you do have a few different options to choose from. The first of these is the Wii U Deluxe Set that was the original top tier model, which comes with Nintendo Land packaged inside. The second bundle available is the The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle that comes with a download code for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and a digital download of The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, a collector’s book for the series. Lastly, we have the most recent bundle that includes New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U. Each of these bundles are available at the same price point of $299.99, so it really all depends on what game you would prefer to get with your console.
Wii U Pro Controller – $49.99
The Wii U consoles themselves come with the central element of the console, the GamePad. However, there is also a more classic controller option that can be used in a large number of games known as the Wii U Pro Controller. The Pro Controller is very reminiscent of the Xbox 360 and Xbox One controller while providing a great experience, especially in multiplatform titles such as the Assassin’s Creed series.
Super Mario 3D World (Platformer Fans) – $59.99
There was no way that this game could not be first on this list. There is no reason for anybody that owns a Wii U to not also own this game. Super Mario 3D World is the sequel to the 3DS title Super Mario 3D Land, but on a much grander scale. There is an abundance of content and the game just feels magical to play throughout. The multiplayer aspect makes it even better to play with your family and friends, especially around the holidays.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Action Fans) – $49.99
While this title may be a remake of a classic game for the Gamecube, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD needs to be a part of your collection. The game takes the already gorgeous Wind Waker and brings it to the HD age successfully. Do not think that this is just a visual makeover either, as there are multiple additions that fix complaints to the original, including a faster moving sail and an improved Triforce Chart Quest, amongst many other things. If you haven’t gotten a Wii U console yet, the bundle with this game mentioned above would be perfect for you.
Pikmin 3 (Strategy Fans) – $59.99
After nearly a decade, the Wii U saw a return to the Pikmin franchise with a fantastic experience that improved on the already fun series. By controlling three protagonists, the world of Pikmin 3 seems even larger with the ability to have three separate parties completing different tasks all over each area. Pikmin has some difficulty to it, but can still be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
The Wonderful 101 (Action Fans) – $59.99
Platinum may have been tied to the Wii U most for the upcoming Bayonetta 2, but their first game for the console, The Wonderful 101, is one not to overlook. With almost non-stop action and adventure, The Wonderful 101 is one of the most unique experiences on the Wii U. Comedy plays a major role to compliment a quality story that will keep you busy for quite awhile.
Wii Party U (Multiplayer Party Fans) – $49.99
Wii Party U is the follow-up to the successful Wii Party that is quite similar to the Mario Party franchise, but with some twists. This game has some game boards like you would expect in a party-like game, but also has many other features, some of which utilize the GamePad, that makes the game a very fun experience with friends. This title is definitely your best bet on the console to play with a group if you want some mini-games action. Plus, you will get a free Wii Remote Plus included in the box, so at this cost, it is very hard to beat.
Nintendo Land (Multiplayer Party Fans) – $29.99
Nintendo Land was one of the original launch titles with the Wii U, and in fact is still packaged with the system in one bundle. The game presents some very unique games to play with friends, some of which utilize the GamePad quite well. While not quite as good as Wii Sports was at showing off the original Wii, Nintendo Land is a great experience, especially at only $29.99.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (RPG Fans) – $39.99
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is the expanded Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii U that is one of the few RPG options on the console so far. Luckily, the game has a ton of depth that will easily keep you occupied for a long while that will keep you coming back for more. If you are a fan of the Monster Hunter franchise, you must pick up this title for your collection this holiday season.
Check out our review.
Wii Sports Club (Casual Fans) – $9.99 per sport
Wii Sports Club is the only eShop exclusive on this list, which takes the classic Wii Sports and gives it a makeover. Nintendo is trying the pay-to-play system where you can pay $9.99 to purchase a sport permanently or pay a fee to access all of the sports for one day. For now, only bowling and tennis are available, with the addition of online play also making this game fun when playing all by yourself.
I’m planning to get a Wii U this holiday. I’m sure that the Wii U is a great system, but when i see the library it is very weak. I know Nintendo has been struggling to push the system, but I think that in order to capture gamers (especially the ones that grew up with Nintendo) I ask Nintendo, where is F-Zero, Pilot WIngs, Metroid, Mario Kart, Contra, Legend of Zelda, Smash Bro, Pokemon, STAR FOX!!!, And yes I know that a lot of these games are in development, but this are the games that Nintendo should have started off. and not games that are already in other systems or any more Mii games.