- Positive Metacritic Reviews
- Neutral Metacritic Reviews
- Negative Metacritic Reviews
- No Review Listed
- Wii U Exclusive
Note: 
specifies games that have Off TV Play. When necessary, sub-notes should be written beside it (in parenthesis if you wish).
Don't forget to check the Upcoming games page
The List
Disc-Based
| Title | Genre | Description | Boxart | Controller Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayonetta 2
|
Action-Adventure | You play as a strong sexy independent witch who uses guns on her hands and feet as well as creatures bound from her hair to fight angels and demons. As it's a Platinum game, everything is absolutely CURRAZEEE - imagine Devil May Cry with tons of over-the-top action. Garnered much a fanboy's rage when it was announced as a Nintendo exclusive, but they were the only company willing to actually fund it - as such, there are many little treats and cameos from Nintendo classics. Comes with the first Bayonetta packaged in, so it's a two for one deal. If you're still not amazed yet, try the demo. | Gamepad, Pro Controller | |
| Darksiders II
|
Action-Adventure/Hack-N-Slash | This game is amazing, and the Wii U version is great. Off-TV play is good, and if you're playing on TV your inventory shows up on the gamepad. Gameplay is Zelda and God of War in a blender. Comes with DLC on disc, although some DLC released after this version isn't available to purchase. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller |
| Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut
|
FPS/WRPG | Prequel to the first Deus Ex. Everything you could ask for is in it. FPS/RPG action, multiple ways to complete and objective, hacking, stealthing, conspiracy theories, take downs, incredible detail, etc. Slightly more linear then the original, but definitely worthy of the Deus Ex title. The Director's Cut contains the extra story DLC, improved textures, reworked bosses, and other features. |
|
Gamepad |
| Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
|
2D Platformer | DK and Diddy return for more Retro Studio-developed antics. Now you can also play as Dixie and based Cranky (though DK must be in the player's team, i.e. no duos of just Dixie/Diddy/Cranky). There's a few new items and moves as a result, and some collectables can only be obtained by certain characters. Swimming levels also make a comeback, but work differently than before. Of particular note are the upgraded visuals, with some very nice textures and effects. Some might call this a rehash, but it's a solid game worth a shot before you form any final opinions. Available for download and physically. |
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| DuckTales: Remastered
|
2D Platformer | An HD remake of DuckTales on the NES done in 2.5D with hand-drawn character sprites, developed by WayForward (Shantae, Mighty Switch Force!). The characters have full voice acting and even includes members of the show's original cast. Looks fantastic with identical gameplay to the original, and features expanded levels with a full story. Available for download and physically. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller |
Hyrule Warriors
|
Hack 'n' Slash | A collaboration between Tecmo Koei and Nintendo where you get to play as Link and fuck up hordes of enemies as well as large bosses with a fabulous scarf, Dynasty Warriors-style. Also yes, it's a spin-off. Just be prepared for tons of waifus - you know, the whole Dynasty Warriors experience. Available for download and physically. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| Injustice: Gods Among Us
|
2D Fighter | New fighting game from Netherrealm (Creators of the Mortal Kombat series). Plays just like a Mortal Kombat game, except with DC Superheroes and no gore. Story mode has a surprisingly solid story. Game runs more consistently than its PS3/360 counterparts and looks slightly better. Fair warning: the Wii U version didn't receive all the DLC, thus has fewer characters. If you want the full roster, get the PS3/360 version. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller |
| The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
|
Action/Adventure | It's Wind Waker but even prettier and with a better inventory system and you can take selfies and send them in messages in bottles to other people. The pacing is improved greatly by the swift sail and the shortening of the Triforce quest. If this is your first Wind Waking then it is a Zelda game that has a fantastically charming game with an aesthetic that will win you over quickly as the emotion it allows Link is great and adds much more lighthearted humor to the game than any other Zelda. Off TV play is as convenient as ever but it means giving up the touchscreen inventory. The game supports GamePad play, allowing for play without a television, as well as control with the Wii U Pro Controller, for those who prefer a traditional control scheme. During use of the Pro Controller, the GamePad can still be used as a map. |
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller |
| Lego City Undercover | Action/Collect-a-thon | A semi-open world family-friendly GTA. Since it's a Lego game, expect lots of funny moments, most of the humor drawing from pop culture and '70s cop flicks. Lots of stuff to find and collect. Suffers from ridiculous load times and floaty driving controls. | 
|
Gamepad |
| Mario Kart 8
|
Racing | The latest in the long-running Marry-oh Kart series. Amazing graphics and silky smooth 60fps, unless you're playing multiplayer with 3 or 4 then it's 30fps. A lot of great tracks and a (mostly) okay roster of characters. New additions include anti-gravity sections, ATVs, Boomerangs, Piranha Plants, Super Horns, all the Koopalings, and more. Has a detailed replay system called Mario Kart TV that lets you view any moment in a race and even edit your reel. Multiplayer is classic fun, and online is decent but limited. You can actually race online with another local player at the same time, which is pretty fucking rad. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| Monster Hunter 3: Ultimate
|
RPG/Hack n Slash | Monster Hunter Tri remake, but with so much more fucking content and improved visuals. Can play with 3DS locally, and other Wii U players online. New update just added Off-TV Play and cross-region play. Beware, though: if games like Dark Souls and Mega Man frustrated you, you might want to try the demo first to make sure you really want it. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller |
| Need for Speed: Most Wanted U
|
Racing | A port of the PC version of the game. Minor graphical and gameplay updates, but the main draw of this version is that it comes pre-packed with the Ultimate Speed Pack DLC. Co-Driver mode is also introduced, allowing the player to make minor adjustments to the environment and their car on the fly using the Gamepad. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| New Super Mario Bros. U
|
2D Platformer | More side-scrolling Mario, now in wonderful HD with flying squirrel suits. Supports up to five players, as the person using the gamepad can create platforms to help the other four players. Some new modes, Challenge Mode and Boost Rush are available, the first providing new challenges in exchange for 1-Ups, while the later is a scrolling level challenge that speeds up as coins are obtained. Also includes a new little antagonist called Nabbit who likes to steal items from Toad, but can be caught to obtain the stolen power-ups. Many Deluxe Sets come packed-in with NSMBU+LuigiU DLC all on one disc. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Wiimote |
| New Super Luigi U
|
2D Platformer | Released as an expansion to the original game, this version is available as both DLC and physically in celebration of the Year of Luigi. The game features 82 new courses that are built around Luigi's floaty playstyle, and replaces Mario with the Nabbit as the fourth playable character. Levels tend to be shorter, but more difficult with a reduced time limit. Give it a try if you enjoy the series, though Challenge Mode and Boost Rush are absent. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Wiimote |
| Nintendo Land | Minigames | Nintendo's first theme park, right in your living room. The park is divided into sections that represent different Nintendo franchises. Lots of fun with friends and alone. Is included with the main Wii U Deluxe Bundle. some games are multiplayer only, sorry lonely bros. | 
|
Gamepad, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| Pikmin 3
|
RTS/Adventure | Third in the series of Miyamoto's amazingly fun and charming strategy games. This one has you in a different setting and you control 3 captains from the planet Koppai whose food has run out and you are sent out to retrieve more. It has a variable limit which can last as long as you keep finding food (unlike the fixed limit in Pikmin 1), but has no caves. It also looks fantastic, the fruit looks real enough to eat! It now has DLC as well. If you're still on the rocks, you can try the demo on the eShop that contains the entire Garden of Hope level. Be careful, though - there still isn't a left-handed mode. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro controller, Wii remote + nunchuk, classic controller pro. |
| Resident Evil: Revelations
|
Third Person Survival Horror | Resident Evil returns to its survival horror roots in a HD port of the 3DS version. Includes improved graphics and good Gamepad features. Better than its PS3/360 counterparts, but still lacking a little in the graphics which is to be expected. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller |
| Rayman Legends
|
2D Platformer | Originally announced as a Wii U exclusive, but then delayed to be released multiplatform due to Microsoft's shitty Third-Party policies (Which caused massive amounts of rage in the process) Rayman Legends features OVER 100 FUCKING LEVELS! This game is packed full of content, and it's hard as shit too. The game plays similar to Origins, but has a new feature: Murphy and his Murphy segments. During these short segments, you actually control Murphy to help solve puzzles, manage hazards and obstacles in levels, etc. In most versions, Murphy is assigned to a button while you move the character. In Wii U (and Vita), you ONLY control Murphy, while characters are automatically controlled. Opinions are split on this. With multiple levels, characters, and costumes, Rayman will keep you coming back for more. |
|
Gamepad, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuck, Pro Controller |
| Scribblenauts Unlimited
|
2D Platformer/Puzzle | Maxwell is back again in probably the best Scribblenauts game so far. Has an Object Creator; you can literally make anything now.
may or may not be in europe due to unknown reasons. |
|
Gamepad, Wiimote for Multiplayer |
| Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
|
Racing | Sequel to Sega's fantastic racer, this time with added Planes and Hovercraft, so kinda like Diddy Kong Racing if you could switch vehicles midrace. Wii U version has Banana Heist and Ninja Tag minigames exclusively. (To switch to Gamepad mode just swipe down on the touchscreen, completely undocumented in the manuals or anything.) | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| Sonic Lost World
|
Platformer | A mix of Sonic and Mario Galaxy, this game has been called "Sonic Xtreme Reborn", but doesn't look like shit. Most of the game takes place on little planets like Galaxy, but on speed. Controls are wonky and take time to get used to, and also has the Wisps from Colors (But nobody cares). Has you fighting enemies and bosses, with tricky but satisfying platforming. Parkour is also in for some wacky ass running up walls and steps while maintaining up your speed. Hated on by reviewers because it was "Too hard" and "not fast enough". Also has the Sinister Six Edition, With NiGHTS thrown in, and also free Nintendo DLC to put Sonic in Yoshi's island and Zelda. |
|
Gamepad |
| Super Mario 3D World | Platformer | The newest installment in the main Mario series takes a break from space exploration for a game very similar to 3D Land but on a larger scale. Playable are Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad, each with their abilities from Super Mario Bros. 2 as an excellent throwback. Rosalina is also unlockable with a Galaxy inspired playstyle. Since Peach is playable this time around, the game takes place in the new Sprixie Kingdom, with Bowser having kidnapped its fairy princesses. This world also contains a lot of nostalgic enemies from Super Mario World, such as the unique Goombas and Chargin' Chuck. Features most of the power-ups from 3D Land, as well as the new Cat Suit which allows the player to climb walls or lunge at enemies. As of typing this entry, it is currently the highest rated Wii U game on Metacritic, and deservingly so. |
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| Super Smash Bros. for Wii U | Fighter/Party Game | Do we really need to explain this? Take all your favorite Nintendo characters, put them in a single room together, and let them beat the crap out of each other. Includes new characters like Mega Man, Pac-Man, Wii Fit Trainer, Little Mac, and even your own Miis. Now has eight-player Smash, a Mario Party-esque mode called Smash Tour, an online mode that blows Brawl's out of the water, a mode specifically for competitive players, an extensive single-player mode for those who don't like online play, and even some demos for Virtual Console games. | Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk, Gamecube controller, Nintendo 3DS | |
| Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition
|
3D Fighter | The usual exciting roster of Tekken with just a touch of Nintendo. Gameplay is still a blast as usual, adding in features lost since the original Tekken Tag Tournament. Has all previously-released PS3/360 DLC on disc plus two Wii U-exclusive modes including Tekken Ball. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller, Wiimote + Nunchuk |
| The Wonderful 101
|
Action-Adventure/Hack n' Slash | Latest action game from Hideki Kamiya. You control a group of superheroes on a mission to stop alien invaders. Your characters can form any weapon or tool they need using themselves as material. Gameplay has been described as Okami+Bayonetta. As expected of Platinum Games, boss battles are absolutely CUHRAAAAAZY. Try the demo if you're not impressed yet. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller, Classic Controller |
| ZombiU | First Person Survival Horror | A (sort of) reboot of the 1986 PC game Zombi. Fight zombies. Trying to revive the Survival Horror genre with classic gameplay. Perhaps not an instant classic, but better than Ubisoft's similar Wii launch title, Red Steel. Expect alot of loading screens, have fun. | 
|
Gamepad, Pro Controller for Multiplayer |
Nintendo eShop releases
Recommendation Copypasta
