TheWii Udid not have the best track record in Nintendo’s line of consoles, failing to meet expectations both financially and critically. That being said, theWii U is far from being a bad console, and though its line-up of first-party exclusives isn’t big, what’s there is worth playing.
Nintendo of America just announced on Twitter that theWii U and 3DS eShops will no longer allow users to purchase new gamesstarting in late March 2023. For those that still own a Wii U, now is the perfect time to dive in and grab games that didn’t quite make the cut a few years ago. With some of Nintendo’s best first-party games, there’s quite a few stand-outs that fans should consider picking up in the next year or so.
RELATED:The Wii U Eshop is Getting a Brand-New Game With Balance Board Support
Xenoblade Chronicles X
While Wii U owners will still be able to pick up and play physical copies ofXenoblade Chronicles Xafter the eShop shutdown next year, buying it straight from the eShop is usually easier than tracking down a copy in the wild. Although its main narrative is disconnected from the original Wii title, as well asthe Switch sequel and upcomingXenoblade Chronicles 3,Xenoblade Chronicles Xis worth a play for fans of the franchise, or fans of the open-world RPG genre as a whole.
Star Fox Zero
Though it was criticized a fair amount upon launch,Star Fox Zerois definitely a good game to pick up for any Wii U owners who have a particular fondness for the space-faring fox. While it may not add too much to the classicStar Foxformula,Star Fox Zerogives fans a good-looking - albeit short - experience.
It should be noted thatStar Fox Zerocontrols like gyro-aiming can be a little frustrating. With a bit of perseverance,Star Fox Zerois a solid re-imagining ofthe original Nintendo 64 game, and is definitely worth picking up - even if players just want to play the bonusStar Fox Guardtower-defense game that’s included.
Game & Wario
Another Wii U game that garnered a mixed reception on launch wasGame & Wario, the eighth game in the franchise. While some critics believed that the title’scollection of micro-gameswas a little uninspired, others believing that most of the micro-games really showcased the features of the Wii U to the best of their ability.Game & Wariois certainly one to pick up for those who want a game that really makes use of the Wii U’s unique hardware.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD
Despite rumors that they will make it to Switch,official ports forThe Wind WakerandTwilight Princess HDare still unconfirmed, and the only way to play these high-resolution versions is on Wii U. Their quality-of-life improvements, along with visual touch-ups, make theseZeldatitles a perfect starting place for any gamer who hasn’t had a chance to jump into the series yet.
Virtual Console Games
With Nintendo not bringing back the Virtual Console idea for Switch, Wii U owners should take full advantage of this gigantic catalog of some of Nintendo’s best games while they can. ForPokemonfans, the original Game Boy Advance andDSMystery Dungeongamesare a great choice, along with thePokemon Rangerseries. ForZeldafans,The Minish CapandPhantom Hourglassare both available on the Wii U’s Virtual Console.
On top of these Game Boy and DS games, theWii UVirtual Console is also home to a range of NES and SNES titles that still haven’t been brought over to the Switch.Earthworm JimandBattletoads, for example, are some classics that can be played on Wii U, but aren’t yet available on Switch.
