Wii U games are some of Nintendo’s greatest-ever offerings, Twilight Princess or Wind Waker, anyone? However, the console gets a bit of a bad wrap, so we can’t help but champion the hardware and its surprisingly solid library of games. So, what are the best Wii U games? Yes, as you can probably already tell, Zelda features on this list, as does Mario, but there might still be some surprises.
Or, if you want to know what adventures those two Nintendo icons get up to specifically, it’s our best Mario games and Zelda games guides that you should read. We even have Mario characters and Zelda characters articles to help accommodate you with those that help on these wacky journeys.
Here are the best Wii U games:
Twilight Princess
Perhaps one of the best Zelda games out there, Twilight Princess is one of the finest Wii U games and is a treasure for those who enjoy Nintendo’s somewhat underwhelming console (it actually has a pride of place on my Wii U games shelf). In fact, many await the day that Ninty announces a Twilight Princess Switch port, though that’s more likely to be something in consideration for the Nintendo Switch 2. Still, until that day comes, you must set up the Wii U, Wii, or GameCube.
Like any good Zelda game, Twilight Princess features an abundance of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Basically, it has everything you need for a quintessential The Legend of Zelda experience.
Mass Effect 3
Bioware’s epic conclusion to the initial Mass Effect trilogy is on various platforms, but the Wii U version hit the scene a few months after Bioware and EA released the sci-fi RPG on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. Mass Effect 3 is one of the best RPGs on the Wii U and one of the best games from the entire generation.
As the last entry in the trilogy, you must finally face the Reapers and suffer the consequences of your decisions from the previous two titles – though that’s not to say you don’t face immediate story-altering choices throughout Mass Effect 3. Prepare yourself to make some impossible choices. No matter what you decide, sometimes you lose on a personal level.
You can also expect a lot of fun combat, once again choosing between gun-play, biotics, and tech-based abilities to deal with your enemies. Oh, and let’s not forget about all of the squad members you have at your disposal, just remember, some may complement your play-style better than others.
Honestly, the fact that there isn’t a Mass Effect Switch port is quite baffling. Actually, now we think about it, why isn’t there a Dragon Age Switch port? Maddening.
Splatoon
Who doesn’t love Splatoon? Exactly, we all enjoy this fun multiplayer experience, and those who play Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3 on Nintendo Switch have the Wii U original to thank. On a platform desolate of fun games, Splatoon is a standout, offering some of the best multiplayer experience on the Wii’s successor, well, alongside the likes of Mario, that is.
If you happen to enjoy Splatoon 3 on Switch and want to know when the next Splatoon 3 Splatfest is, make sure you check out our guide. We can even help you grab some freebies with our Splatoon 3 codes list. We can also tell you just how good this game is with our Splatoon 3 review. Oh, and as the expansion is now out, make sure you take a look at our Splatoon 3 Side Order review.
Mario Kart 8
Honestly, any list of Nintendo games just has to include a Mario game, and as Mario Kart is a truly beloved title to this day, it makes the cut. Heck, it’s so popular that Nintendo just keeps adding content to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch rather than diving into Mario Kart 9 (that’s bound to be for the Switch’s successor). Mario Kart 8 is a must-play for any Wii U owner, featuring iconic tracks, fan-favorite characters, and great vehicle customization.
If you want to know what the Switch version is like, we can tell you in our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Booster Course review. We also have a Mario Kart characters guide if you want to know more about those who speed around the track.
