So, I've owned the Wii U for about a year now, and so far, it's not as bad of a console as people say it is. Sure, I don't have an HDMI compatible screen, so I can't utilize its full graphical potential, but overall, considering its backward-compatibility with its predecessor, and Nintendo's track record with hardware reliability, (most of their cartridge consoles don't break down until they are past their mainstream lifespan) then it makes for a pretty good value for the price when stacked up against its competitors, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Besides backward compatibility, and solidly built hardware, there are other advantages to owning the Wii U, like the tablet-style controller with buttons, a directional pad, touch-screen with stylus and TWO analog sticks, as well as remote control functionality and built in camera, not to mention the GAMES, which, as some would say, is the most important part of choosing a console platform.
Below, is a list of what I consider to be the best games (and other apps) for new Wii U owners (in no particular order of preference) They also have the method of purchase listed on the left of the game title:
1. (Wii U Retail/Download) New Super Luigi U | $30, RT, $20, DL (or bundled with console)
Personally, when going with this option, I would go with the Retail copy, unless it was included with your console, because I think that having to pay $60 for a game that lets me play another game that costs an ADDITIONAL $20 is robbery.
2. (Wii U Retail/Download) NintendoLand - $60, (or bundled with console)
This is a good first stop because chances are, this was included with your Wii U console when you opened the box. It's a variety game, kind of like Mario Party, and it's a good way to get a feel for the controls of the Wii U Game Pad.
3. (Retail Only)(Wii -) New Super Mario Bros. Wii - $20, new, or check your favorite video game specialty shop for used prices.
Now that New Super Mario Bros. U is out, this game has become quite affordable, and is just as much fun as it's Wii U upgrades. Definitely a must have, whether you plan to upgrade to Wii U or even just stick with the original Wii.
4. (Download Only)(Wii U) NES Remix - $15, Nintendo eShop (Wii U)
This game kind of has the vibe of WarioWare, only without all of the back story and other non-classic levels that most people probably don't care about. You can play each game individually or choose the "remix" button and play through a bunch of them at once, and see how far you can get. I feelthat everyone should play this game at least once.
5. (Download Only)(Wii U) Little Inferno - $10, Nintendo eShop (Wii U)
An indie game where you burn things. Now, I know what you're thinking, and if you are skeptical, head over to either Nintendo.com or store.steampowered.com and watch the video. It's hilarious, and you will have the theme song in your head all day. It kind of has the same vibe/style as World of Goo, so if you played that game and loved it, then I have no doubts that you will like this game as well.
6. (Download Only)(Wii U) Dr. Luigi - $15, Nintendo eShop (Wii U)
If there's any of you that loved Dr. Mario growing up, but feel like Luigi got the shaft by not being included, then this version is a must-have. It also has similar graphics to it's Nintendo 64 and WiiWare versions that came before it, so it's probably worth a look. Especially considering how affordable it is.
7. (Download Only)(Wii U) YouTube App - FREE Available in Nintendo eShop or Wii Shop Channel for Wii owners
I know what you're thinking: "Why have YouTube on a game console? Well, if you are like me, and remember when the Wii Internet Browser included "YouTube XL", then this is AT LEAST a 90% improvement. Sure, it's still not as good as going to a browser and typing "YouTube.com", but for a mobile/
console opiton, it works pretty well. This is also available on the original Wii, in case you are not completely sure you want to upgrade.
8. (Retail/Download)(Wii -) Bit Trip complete - $20, new (games can be downloaded separately from Wii Shop Channel)
Maybe I'm crazy, but I consider 6 games, plus a music CD for only twenty bucks a bargain, especially when you think about how many Wii Points that you would have to redeem to download each of these games separately. Plus, the music is good, and the best way I would describe these games would be a sort of "polished Atari 2600" type, and I really, sincerely do mean that in a good way, in case anyone thinks in the contrary.
9. (Retail/Download)(Wii -) Kirby's Dream Collection - $50, new (4 of these games can be downloaded separately from Wii Shop Channel)
Another great collaboration of games. This one costs a little bit more than BIT.TRIP, but it's definitely worth it, especially considering that you technically get SEVEN games instead of 6, like they want you to believe (yes I consider the "new challenge stages" to be a separate game in its own right).
10. (Retail Only)(Wii -) Mario Kart Wii-$50, new (or Bundled with Wii Mini for $100)
If you want Mario Kart with motion controls, then this is the game to get. Sure, you could get Mario Kart 64 either through emulation sites or the Wii Shop Channel, but right now, home brew Nintendo 64 emulators are spotty at best when it comes to compatibility and more than likely, the Wii Virtual Console version will force you to use the obligatory "Wii Classic Controller", which, is kind of neat in theory, but the fact that it requires the Wii remote to operate is a little annoying, in the argument that it seems to be able to drain the batteries. Also, if you buy it in the box, it comes with a molded plastic steering wheel, which, is good for playing other Wii games as well, such as Raving Rabbids TV party, and the ExciteTruck and ExciteBots
games.
11. (Retail Only)(Wii -) Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party-$15, new or $7, used @ GameStop
I almost didn't put this on on the list, although, I did mention it in my MarioKart review, but then I realized that it wouldn't really be fair, as I have already played through it once and really enjoyed it. It's especially fun if you already own Wii Fit, because you can sync the Wii balance board up and sit on it like you are riding a toboggan and you can also use your body to steer through the snow. Definitely another game that everybody should try at least once. Also you can use the steering wheel from Mario Kart (as mentioned above) in the tractor driving game and you can use the balance board for gas and brake pedals.
Now, a little more info on the features: first thing you want to do is register your console to a Club Nintendo account. If you didn't do this when you owned the original Wii, then shame on you, because you missed out on some great reward opportunities, which, help you get a lot more out of a Nintendo-branded console. To register games and your console to said account, once you sign up, you will look for a piece of paper with a serial number on it and the Club Nintendo logo (your console's serial number label will be placed on the side where you mount the brackets to make it sit upright).
Once you have this account, you will want to make a copy of your log on credentials and enter them on both the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo eShop in order to earn points (referred to as "Coins" or "Stars", depending on your geographic region) for each game you download to your Wii U console. Once you do this, you will be able to earn said points on downloadable games as well as retail ones, which, allow you to get cool stuff such as more downloadable games and even PC screen savers, as well as other novelty items.
Next, if you purchased a Deluxe Wii U console (it'll be black and come with a charging cradle) then after 24 hours of purchasing your first downloadable game (and every 24 hours after every purchase thereafter) you will be able to earn a separate set of points on each downloaded Wii U game from the Nintendo eShop (Why do I specifically mention the Wii U in this paragraph? Because the Nintendo 2DS and 3DS also utilize the Nintendo eShop and I don't want to confuse the issue). Once you start earning THESE points, (each game is worth a fraction of the cost in points: e.g. $14.99=149pts.) then if you earn 500 of them, you can redeem them for $5.00 in credit for the Nintendo eShop, which ought to be good on both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS/2DS games (if you own one of those).
Bottom Line: Don't knock the Wii U for not being a good value. Especially since they've already knocked $50 off the original MSRP. The lower price and backward compatibility (which are two things Microsoft and Sony can't brag about) make the Wii U the best bang for your buck. Just be careful when making a trade-in purchase, because if you have downloaded games on your original Wii, used stores (*cough, cough* "GameStop") WILL NOT do an in-store system transfer.
One final note: I added the prices above when I initially wrote this article and used sources like Amazon and GameStop as citations. Because such retailers often change their prices depending on demand and age, the above listed prices might not reflect current market values, so proceed with caution when doing your comparison shopping.
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