Best Wii U Games

The Wii U has a troubled reputation - it wasn't the proud successor of the Wii that Nintendo was hoping for, and many fans were left disappointed by the console. However, the Wii U still has a fantastic game library, many of which are still adored to this day. The game library is surprisingly diverse, ranging from reimagined classics to debut franchises - the Wii U's impact on gaming history is undeniable.

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A few games stood out and massively contributed to the Wii U's unique charm. Players who want to discover some of the best games for the Wii U, and how they played a part in the console's legacy, can find out here.

Updated January 2, 2024 by Alexandra O'Leary: The Wii U isn't quite hailed as the best of Nintendo's innovative console creations. Despite its unique build, the existence of the Switch firmly positions the Wii U as a stepping stone in the console evolutionary chain. For many, that's how the Wii U will stay, but for others, it's a perfectly valid and beloved moment in gaming history.

There's a great selection of genuinely entertaining games that make the most of the Wii U's unique controls. Some of these games are highly rated on Metacritic, and there are many outside of the top ten that provide a truly enjoyable gaming experience. Gamers who still have their GamePad ready to go will not want to miss the best Wii U games ever.

16 Hyrule Warriors

Metascore: 76

An unexpected, but warmly welcomed entry to the Wii U, Hyrule Warriors stole many players' hearts. Hyrule Warriors merged the worlds of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors, creating a bizarre hack-and-slash Zelda experience. A stand-out feature of this game was its diverse cast, with many characters making their first playable debuts.

Players would often have to face various challenges at each stage and have to prioritize certain areas or characters over others. Naturally, destroying hundreds of enemies resulted in some pretty satisfying moments, and players could even have their friends join the fun using the game's multiplayer mode. Unfortunately, the game did suffer from some relatively simple gameplay and could become quite repetitive due to its lack of depth. However, despite this, Hyrule Warriors remains an incredibly fun play and is still a standout title for the Wii U.

15 Nintendo Land

Metascore: 77

Nintendo Land was one of the most charming installments on the Wii U and is sadly very underrated. Nintendo Land featured a collection of mini-games that focused on using Miis and the Wii U GamePad. These games would often revolve around asymmetric gameplay, where one player would use the GamePad while the others use Wii remotes.

Many of the mini-games available were inspired by some of Nintendo's most well-known franchises, including Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda. Thanks to the game's unique blend of gameplay, Nintendo Land remains one of the best demonstrations of the Wii U GamePad's capabilities.

14 Splatoon

Metascore: 81

Splatoon was Nintendo's first entry into this unique team-based shooter franchise. Players had to claim their territory using colorful ink in the game, which offered a fun, fresh take on territory control gameplay.

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Surprisingly, the game offered players plenty of game modes and maps to try out, as well as a mechanically rich shooter experience. Splatoon's core mechanic, which allowed players to switch between humanoid and squid forms and gave movement and combat much more strategic depth, was what really made it shine. Splatoon was so successful that it would go on to receive numerous subsequent entries.

13 Xenoblade Chronicles X

Metascore: 84

Owners of the Wii U could experience a massively immersive action RPG experience with Xenoblade Chronicles X. The sheer size of the game meant players could sink dozens of hours exploring different areas and completing side quests. Players had lots of flexibility when it came to developing their characters, with various classes and subclasses available to choose from, and each impacting combat style.

The combat itself was very engaging, and players could switch between the characters on their team on the go, depending on which skills best suited each battle. Characters who weren't in the control of the player would coordinate their attacks in a very engaging way, which encouraged players to experiment more with their abilities. While the game did have a few issues with its presentation and varying quest quality, it remains a very rewarding play.

12 Pikmin 3

Metascore: 87

Pikmin 3 provided an excellent blend of strategy, exploration, and cute characters. Players would constantly have to assess level layouts and any threats posed to their Pikmin. Each Pikmin had their unique abilities (and adorable personalities) which offered players even more exploration and gameplay options.

Unfortunately, the game's story was a little short, and the difficulty left a bit to be desired. However, the imaginative world the game crafted, the clever creature design, and the demand for strategy made it an overall great experience for Wii U owners.

11 Mario Kart 8

Metascore: 88

Mario Kart 8 served as a ground-breaking new entry into Nintendo's iconic racing franchise. The game still maintained many beloved core features of Mario Kart, but brought about its own new twist - antigravity.

Mario Kart 8 featured a huge roster of characters, each with their unique playstyles and larger-than-life personalities. Naturally, the game's colorful graphics were a massive highlight, with no map feeling the same. Players could race on iconic maps such as Moo Moo Meadows, or sparkling new ones like Electrodome, each feeling expertly designed with twisting tracks and stunning attention to detail. Mario Kart 8 still boasts plenty of charm today and is a must-play for any Wii U owner.

10 Super Mario Maker

Metascore: 88

Super Mario Maker allowed players to create, share, and play their very own Mario levels. This game proved to be one of the more experimental Mario games but captured the hearts of many players quickly.

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By  Alexandra O'Leary

Super Mario Maker was the source of hilarious rage for many players, as plenty of player levels were created to be as evil as possible. Players could switch between different visual styles in the game, from traditional 2D pixel Mario to a more modern, 3D-2D hybrid approach, thanks to its incredibly detailed level editor.

9 Axiom Verge

Metascore: 89

Axiom Verge is a sidescrolling metroidvania game that was released on multiple platforms but gained its highest overall Metascore on the Wii U. Players take on the role of Trace who, after sustaining a serious injury, wakes up in a strange and technological world.

Axiom Verge was created by indie developer Thomas Happ and was praised for its originality and beautiful art. It's a brilliant crossover between new mechanics and classic Metroid games that culminates in an eloquent nostalgia and highly engaging story. There are plenty of items to keep the game interesting, and it emphasizes exploration as well as returning to previously visited areas to progress. Critics found little to complain about and thought it utilized the Wii U's abilities well.

8 Skylanders Swap Force

Metascore: 89

Skylanders Swap Force is the third main video game installment in the Skylanders franchise. It's a platformer that crosses over with real-life figures to create a cast of familiar characters for any Skylanders fans.

The game was thought to be very forward-thinking in terms of its use of physical figures as active in-game content. It added new mechanics to the gameplay, like being able to swap the characters around physically, and built well upon their previous games to create a fun new experience.

7 Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition

Metascore: 90

Gucamelee! Is a metroidvania platformer and brawler with luchador-inspired characters and art. Like most metroidvanias, players explore a non-linear, platforming world to complete missions, fight their way through the world, and unlock new abilities. Players assume the role of Juan, who is on a quest to save his beloved Lupita from the evil Carlos Calaca.

Guacamelee! Was celebrated for its creative identity and ability to adapt mechanics from classic games and combine them with its own style. It's often thought to be one of the best titles that was released for the Wii U. Guacamelee! Is also praised for its humor and good-natured fun.