Why should you pick up a Wii U this holiday season? It’s all about the games.
The Wii U has really come around in the last year and it all boils down to a plethora of great games to play. Nintendo has a pedigree that is second to none in the industry; they release solid products time and time again. No worrying about games being broken at launch or ridiculous day 1 patches or functionality still not working months later. Nintendo’s excellent little console provides games that work and play well every single time.
5. Mario, the ageless wonder
Super Mario 3D World is a lot more fun than it should be. Each level/world is centered around a different theme with some areas stunningly creative and unique. Of all of the things about this game (the tight controls, beautiful art direction, etc.) it is the creativity that should be lauded the most. Simply put, Super Mario 3D World is a ton of fun.
It’s also helpful that the multiplayer in this Mario is actually worthwhile, unlike the New Super Mario Bros. multiplayer. Additionally, there is so much content to see in Super Mario 3D World. Just when you think it’s over, there are more levels, and then more, and then even more.If you’re looking for more bang for your buck, you’ve got it here. But that’s not all Mario has been up to.
Mario Kart 8 is a wonder. Somehow Nintendo managed to make kart racing relevant again in the age of Forza and Gran Turismo. The tracks are beautiful and imaginative with cool innovations in level design like altnerate gravity elements. The DLC that was released in November was fantastic as well.
The online multiplayer makes it super easy and quick to keep playing, race after race. There are also online tournaments and other competitions going on constantly. Check out my review for a more in-depth look at Mario Kart 8.
4. Nostalgia
The nostalgia is strong with this one. Seriously though, there are a pile of great NES and SNES games on the virtual console now and you even get a discount if you owned them on Wii (the upgrade is worth it for the save states and off screen play.) Recently they even started adding GBA games to the mix including such classics as Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow.
If that’s not enough there’s also NES Remix 1 and 2 which combine classic NES games into WarioWare–esque challenges. They’re both a lot of fun. Check out our review of the second entry.
Want more nostalgia? You got it with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. It’s quite possibly one of the prettiest games I’ve ever played, and it also happens to be one of the best Zelda games.
3. Super Smash Bros.
If there’s one big reason to get a Wii U right now, it’s the new Super Smash Bros. Wii U. This is the most complete Smash experience to date and it is fantastic. Take everything you’ve ever enjoyed about the previous entries and dial it to 11. Then add in 8-player battles, gorgeous graphics, online play and you have a game you can play for a very long time. Between all the new characters, modes, and features, Smash is one solid fighting/party game. Plus, if you live in a dorm or have a lot of people over for couch co-op, the game is really a no brainer.
2. Bayonetta 2
Do you like Devil May Cry and God of War? What about Ninja Gaiden? If you like any of those, you’d be crazy not to play Bayonetta 2. Quite frankly, Bayonetta 2 is better than all of those games by leaps and bounds and is even superior to the first entry.
As the titular character Bayonetta, you get to take on hordes of angels and demons with weapons that get more creative as the game goes on. The flashy and over-the-top combos are wonderful to see and feel great to learn and perform. The best part is that every single combat encounter in the game is a blast to play. The controls are tight and can almost be described as perfect. See our review for more details and go play Bayonetta 2!
1. 2015
The future is quite bright. Games like Splatoon, a new Star Fox, Mario Maker, a new Yoshi, a new Kirby and a new Zelda are the reasons why investing in the Nintendo Wii U is not only a sound decision but a worthwhile one. All of these games are slated to be released next year and knowing Nintendo, there will be a few more surprises tossed in as well.
There you have it, the top 5 reasons to pick up a Wii U this holiday season. It may be the best console out right now. Sound off in the comments below.
