I grew up with Nintendo. From the earliest days of the NES, the company held a special place in my gaming heart. So, when I unexpectedly came into some money in 2013, I didn’t hesitate – I bought a PlayStation 4, an Xbox One, *and* a Wii U, all at once.
Many predicted the Wii U’s downfall, whispering about Nintendo abandoning ship. But I wasn’t swayed. I had no fear of missing out on other platforms; I believed in Nintendo’s commitment to quality. That faith was richly rewarded. The console, often dismissed, offered a surprisingly robust library of exceptional games.
The true measure of any console lies in its games, and the Wii U delivered in spades. It wasn’t a shortage of compelling titles that plagued the system, but rather a misperception of what it offered. I remember a colleague at work confidently stating Nintendo was on the verge of giving up, but his words felt hollow.
I’d spent the previous night lost in the vibrant chaos of *Splatoon*, still buzzing from the online battles. The game felt revolutionary, and the Wii U’s unique gamepad enhanced the experience. Being able to instantly navigate the map with a touch felt intuitive and immersive – a feature that, in my opinion, hasn’t been fully replicated since.
The exclusives were a constant source of delight. *Mario Kart 8* redefined kart racing, *Pikmin 3* offered a charming strategic challenge, and *Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker* was a delightful puzzle adventure. *Nintendo Land* alone was worth the price of admission, particularly the unforgettable ghost level – a uniquely terrifying experience impossible to recreate elsewhere.
*Super Mario Maker* was a revelation, perfectly suited to the Wii U’s stylus-based controls. I even received the incredible surprise of having one of my levels reviewed by someone at Nintendo headquarters. It was a humbling and validating experience.
Beyond those highlights, there was *Yoshi’s Woolly World*, *ZombiU*, and the stunning *Bayonetta 2*. We, the Wii U owners, weren’t lacking for content. Despite the constant narrative of a failing console, we were happily immersed in a world of innovative and engaging games.
And let’s not forget the remakes. *The Wind Waker* deserved far more recognition, and *Twilight Princess* offered a beautiful return to a classic. Even *Breath of the Wild* ran flawlessly on the Wii U, proving the console’s capabilities.
Looking back, it’s clear that a significant portion of the Nintendo Switch’s success relies on titles originally developed for the Wii U. It’s not a criticism, but an observation. Nintendo expertly repackaged and re-released these games, and it worked brilliantly. But for those of us who experienced them first on the Wii U, it felt like a well-deserved victory lap.
The Wii U may not have been a commercial juggernaut, but judged solely on the strength of its game library, it far exceeded expectations. It was a console that dared to be different, and for those who embraced it, it offered a truly unforgettable gaming experience.
