- 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
System Specs & Details
Don't mind how small it looks- it's actually 50% more powerful than the PS3.
- 2GB of DDR3-1600 RAM, 1GB for it's OS and 1GB for games.
- Tri-Core 1.25GHz IBM PPC750 based 45nm CPU.
- AMD Radeon HD 5550 at 550MHz 40nm GPU.
- Wii U operating system runs on a separate duo core ARM Cortex A8 processor at 1GHz.
- 8 GB (Basic model, soon discontinued) or 32 GB (deluxe model) internal flash memory. Supports external USB hard drives up to 2TB and SD(HC) cards.
- Custom Blu-Ray-esc disks (25gb)
- 2.5/5.0GHz WiFi B/G/N native, supports USB LAN adapters (including wii/(3)ds ones).
- Gamepad uses a custom made 5.2GHz Wifi N signal, despise this less then the full 5.2 GHz output is used and can be used on a PC viva homebrew.
- HDMI, Component/D-Terminal, S-video (Japanese & North American models only), SCART (PAL models only) and Composite output.
- HDMI output displays a limited RGB pallet in Wii U mode when it uses a full YCrCb pallet in Wii mode.
- Gamepad is always in full RGB mode.
- Component/D-Terminal output always displays a full color pallet, despise this you can't mix the Component/D-Terminal video out put when using the HDMI output for sound to fix the limited RGB pallet issue that the system has when using HDMI when using surround sound out of the HDMI port at the same time.
- USB 2.0, four ports: two front and two back.
- Region Locked
- Internet not required except for Nintendo Network and game updates (system updates available in all nintendo games).
- Free Nintendo Network account needed for online play. No fees!
- Backwards compatible with all Wii games and controllers. Can download NES, SNES, N64, GBA, Wii and DS games from Nintendo E-shop.
- Game installation optional (mostly in ports)
Spec Sources and More info: Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4[1].
What's with that gamepad thing?
Wii U's bundled in controller known as the Wii U Gamepad has been widely panned as "gimmicky" with many users wondering WTF Nintendo was thinking with such a weird design. Well, the gamepad actually is an interesting piece of equipment.
The Gamepad comes with a near field reader, a headset port, a volume control, a camera, speakers, a touch screen, a TV remote, motion sensors, and a microphone. It's also a full controller usable with a wide array of current and vintage games ported to the Wii U as well as with your computer via homebrew.
All you really need to play with a Wii U is the console and the gamepad because the Wii U's gamepad has a screen and speakers built in. It's actually possible to play many games using just the screen on the gamepad. This style of play is known as "Off TV Play" as the game can be played even if the TV is off. The headset port and volume knob are accessories to help aid Off TV Play by allowing players to play silently or to have the game pad function as speakers as well as a monitor.
Most people are aware that the gamepad screen is actually a touch screen, but it's still worth mentioning. Touching an icon is all it takes to launch a program with games like Mario Maker and Smash Brothers using the touch screen as an intuitive map maker. Typing and drawing are done the same way with the Miiverse welcome screen often filled with art and comments by other Wii U players. Drawing on the game pad while watching Youtube is a popular pastime among Wii U owners due to this ease of use.
The Gamepad also has motion sensors inside even though most games do not use these favoring using buttons and/or the gamepad screen, however, the motion controls are very popular for racing games like Mario Kart 8.
The near field reader is used mostly to use Amiibos and Amiibo cards with various games. Think of Amiibos as multi-game DLC that comes with physical collectables you can show off. The microphone and camera can be used with the built-in Wii U Chat system to videochat (no Skype required) and are used by various other games to allow voice commands, photographs and face recognition. The TV remote feature is perfect for people who are forever losing their remotes and works well.
All of these features are mixed and matched in various games for all sorts of effects from having a handy inventory screen built into your controller to being able to control the camera as you shoot by moving your body. Some may decry it as "gimmicks", but it's hard to deny that the Wii U certainly is a unique system with many, many unique options available to it.
The List
Disc-Based
Boxart | Title | Genre | Description | 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 CUHRAYZEE - 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 | |
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker |
Action Puzzle | Really charming spin-off of the Captain Toad segments in Super Mario 3D World. Toadette is playable as well. It also has Shy Guys and even though it is only a few hours long it is cozy as hell. | Gamepad | |
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 | |
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 |
Monster Hunting | 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, although some minigames are multiplayer-only. Is included with the main Wii U Deluxe Bundle. | 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 | |
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 | |
Splatoon | Third Person Shooter |
Nintendo's first real foray into the third person shooter genre. Players create their own Inkling, a species of fashion-obsessed humanoid squids who can assume a cutesy squid form to swim in their own ink, and fight using an arsenal of cartoony, ink-based weapons. While the game features a short single player campaign full of boss fights and unlockables, the real meat of the game is its unique online play. Rather than just killing each other, teams compete in Turf Wars to see who can cover the most of a map in their team's brightly colored ink within three minutes. There's also a more traditional King of the Hill style mode called Splat Zones where offense is much more important. Currently the game is up to 14 maps and five game modes, with Nintendo patching in new maps (Two upcoming in January), weapons, and gear on a monthly basis. Splatoon can be played without an internet connection, but it is primarily an online shooter that has several online-only features. The on-disc content is very limited and the solo campaign lasts about 5 hours making it unsuitable for people who do not have an internet connection or don't enjoy online multiplayer. The Gamepad is the ONLY controller option for the first player, be it Single Player or Multi Player. Second player has to use alternative controllers. No announcements on changing this have been made. |
Gamepad (player one),
Pro Controller or Classic Contoller (player two) | |
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. The game offers also DLCs of several kind. One of them is SF's Ryu. | 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 Ubisoft's very first game, Zombi for the Amstrad CPC (1986). 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 a lot of loading screens, have fun. Reserve your judgement until you try the demo. | Gamepad, Pro Controller for Multiplayer |
Nintendo eShop releases
Virtual Console
Currently, there are six systems that have VC games on the Wii U as of typing: the NES, the SNES, the Nintendo 64, the Game Boy Advance, the Nintendo DS, and select Wii games. While some may be turned off by NES games still costing $5 a pop and ask why not just emulate, at the very least the GBA games are well-ported. In addition, the Wii games are very fairly-priced ($10 for the Metroid Prime Trilogy for its first week!), and allow Gamepad play if the Wii Classic Controller could be used to play them. You can find specific game recommendations on their respective pages.
Games will only be listed below if they are Wii U-exclusive in the West. For non-exclusive titles, please see the page for the appropriate console.
Title Screen | Title | Genre | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Earthbound Beginnings | JRPG | For those of you morally opposed to piracy or obsessed with throwing money at Nintendo for this franchise, Nintendo has finally released this in the US. Hopefully you are in the latter camp because Nintendo is selling this for $7, which is more than the typical $5 for a NES game.
This is the prototype English translation of Mother 1 developed by Nintendo that went without an official release for decades, though eventually made its way onto the Internet under the name "Earthbound Zero." It's different from its two sequels, but it's still quite amazing. Earthbound Beginnings makes some changes from the original beyond just changing the text, but is improved overall. If you are not allergic to emulation, it's probably a better idea to play one of the ROM hacks of this that improve the experience. There is also a translation patch for the arguably superior GBA version. |