9 Best Wii U Games: Top Picks for an Unforgettable Gaming Experience

The Wii U may have had a rocky start, but it quickly became a treasure trove of unforgettable gaming experiences. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures or quirky indie titles, the Wii U’s diverse library has something for everyone. With so many games to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve curated a list of the nine best Wii U games that you absolutely can’t miss. From iconic franchises to hidden gems, these titles showcase the best that the Wii U has to offer. So grab your GamePad and get ready to dive into some of the most captivating games ever released on this underrated console.

1. Super Mario 3D World

Innovative Use of 3D Gameplay

Super Mario 3D World utilizes a clever blend of 2D and 3D platforming. You’ll experience unique level designs that encourage creativity and exploration. Unlike traditional Mario games, you can navigate in-depth environments, adding a new dimension to problem-solving and platforming challenges.

Multiplayer Fun for Everyone

Super Mario 3D World shines in multiplayer mode. You can team up with up to three friends, each playing a different character with distinct abilities. This multiplayer experience is easy to pick up, making it ideal for both casual gamers and veteran players. Whether you’re working together to reach secret areas or playfully competing for the highest score, Super Mario 3D World offers endless fun.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Discover an unforgettable adventure with “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”. This game is renowned for its expansive open world and revolutionary game mechanics.

Expansive Open World Exploration

Dive into Hyrule’s vast landscapes, where every corner hides secrets. Roam vibrant forests, scale towering mountains, and explore ancient ruins. You’ll encounter diverse ecosystems and weather conditions that affect gameplay. Use your paraglider to traverse wide gaps or glide down from high cliffs. The freedom to explore at your own pace makes every journey unique.

Revolutionary Game Mechanics

Experience groundbreaking mechanics that set new standards. Utilize the physics engine to solve puzzles in creative ways. Experiment with elemental interactions, like using fire to create updrafts or freezing enemies with ice arrows. Enjoy the stamina system for climbing, swimming, and sprinting, adding a layer of strategy. Craft weapons, cook meals, and brew elixirs to aid in your quest. These mechanics combine to create immersive and dynamic gameplay.

3. Mario Kart 8

“There’s no better way to define fun on the Wii U than with Mario Kart 8.”

Engaging Race Tracks

“Race through vibrant, imaginative courses that challenge your skills.”

Drive underwater, glide through the sky, and defy gravity on anti-gravity tracks. Tracks like Mount Wario and Electrodrome offer unique layouts and dynamic environments that keep you on your toes. Nintendo’s attention to detail ensures every track feels fresh and exciting, really pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Multiplayer Racing Excitement

“Experience the thrill of multiplayer racing with friends and family.”

Compete in head-to-head battles. Mario Kart 8 supports both local and online multiplayer, making it easy to race with friends or face off against players worldwide. The game introduces new items like the Crazy Eight and Boomerang Flower, adding unpredictability and strategy to every race. Play in various modes such as Grand Prix, Time Trials, and Battle Mode to keep the excitement high.

4. Splatoon

Unique Take on the Shooter Genre

Nintendo’s “Splatoon” offers a fresh twist on the traditional shooter game, replacing bullets with ink. You play as an Inkling, using ink-based weapons to cover the battlefield in your team’s color. This inventive gameplay requires you to strategize not just for combat but also for territory control. Instead of typical shooter games where the aim is often solely on eliminating opponents, here you win by covering the most ground with your ink, making every match uniquely engaging.

Colorful Graphics and Design

“Splatoon” stands out with its vibrant and playful art style that appeals to both younger and older players. The game’s colorful graphics are not just visually pleasing but also integral to the gameplay. Brightly colored inks splatter across the arenas, creating a dynamic and visually stimulating environment. The character designs, including customizable outfits and accessories, add to the charm, allowing you to express your personality while battling it out on the ink-splattered fields.

5. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U delivers an electrifying multiplayer experience with its diverse cast of characters and vibrant fighting arenas.

Extensive Roster of Characters

Discover a staggering variety of fighters, each bringing their unique abilities and personalities to the fray. From classic icons like Mario and Link to newcomers like Mega Man and the Wii Fit Trainer, there’s a character for everyone. Nintendo fans will adore the extensive roster, which includes over 50 characters, making every match unpredictable and exciting.

Dynamic Fighting Arenas

Engage in battles across an array of dynamic stages tailored to challenge your strategic thinking. Each arena, from Hyrule Castle to Final Destination, features interactive elements that keep you on your toes. The stage hazards add an extra layer of complexity, ensuring that no two battles are ever the same.

By blending a vast selection of characters with dynamic arenas, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U offers endless replayability and excitement.

6. Pikmin 3

“Pikmin 3” is an essential title for the Wii U, known for its strategic gameplay and stunning visuals. You’re tasked with leading a team of adorable Pikmin to explore various terrains and solve puzzles.

Strategic Gameplay Elements

Strategic elements are at the core of “Pikmin 3.” You’ll need to manage different types of Pikmin, each with unique abilities. Red Pikmin are fire-resistant, while Blue Pikmin can swim, adding layers to your strategy. Time management plays a crucial role since tasks must be completed before sundown. You’ll juggle multitasking and decision-making to excel in the game.

Beautifully Rendered Environments

Beautiful environments make “Pikmin 3” visually captivating. You’ll explore lush forests, icy caves, and other detailed landscapes. The game uses the Wii U’s hardware to deliver high-definition graphics, enhancing the immersive experience. The attention to detail in flora and fauna makes every setting feel alive, pulling you deeper into the adventure.

7. Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 catapults you into an exhilarating world of witchcraft and combat.

Intense Action and Combat

Experience non-stop, fast-paced action with intricate combat mechanics. Master stunning combos and powerful moves using the titular character, Bayonetta. Encounter demonic and angelic foes in visually striking set pieces. Utilize weapons like pistols, whips, and magical attacks to survive.

Engrossing Storyline

Follow Bayonetta’s adventure through a captivating narrative filled with twists and turns. Travel across different dimensional planes to rescue her friend Jeanne. Encounter eccentric characters and formidable bosses that add depth to the storyline. Dive into cinematic cutscenes and memorable dialogue, making the experience unforgettable.

8. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” takes the classic platforming series to new heights with a fresh adventure.

Challenging Platforming Levels

Experience meticulously designed levels that will test your platforming skills. Each stage introduces new obstacles and puzzles, requiring sharp reflexes and clever thinking. The game keeps you engaged with its variety of terrains, from frozen landscapes to dense jungles.

Vibrant World and Characters

Immerse yourself in a world bursting with life and color. The game’s stunning graphics bring the environments and characters to life, making each level a visual treat. You’ll love meeting the series’ beloved characters, like Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong, all with unique abilities that add depth to your gameplay experience.

9. Xenoblade Chronicles X

“Xenoblade Chronicles X” is a standout title on the Wii U, known for its vast open-world exploration and deep customization features.

Vast Open-World RPG

Explore the expansive planet Mira, featuring diverse landscapes like lush forests and arid deserts. The game world is designed with incredible detail, making each biome feel unique and immersive. You’ll embark on quests that range from battling gigantic creatures to uncovering the planet’s mysteries.

Deep Customization and Gameplay

Customize your characters extensively with a wide array of gear and weapons. Dive into complex mechanics like skill trees and crafting systems that allow for a personalized gameplay experience. Pilot giant mechs called Skells, adding another layer of strategy and excitement to the game.

Conclusion

Exploring the Wii U’s game library reveals a treasure trove of diverse and engaging experiences. From the innovative gameplay of “Super Mario 3D World” to the vast open-world of “Xenoblade Chronicles X,” there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into strategic challenges or immersive storytelling, the Wii U offers games that stand the test of time. Dive into these standout titles and discover why the Wii U remains a beloved console for gamers of all ages.