25 Best Nintendo Wii U Games of All Time

In 2012, Nintendo launched its most powerful console– the Wii U. At that time, it was an all-new home console that offered new features like off-TV gameplay where you could play the entire game in the uniquely build gamepad. Wii U was one of the best consoles available during that era and continues to be a popular gaming pad among Nintendo fanboys. So if you are looking for some of the best Wii U games then you’ve come to the right place. Below are the 25 must-play Wii U games that will turn you into a solid Nintendo fan if you aren’t one already.

Best Nintendo Wii U Games (Updated October 2020)

Here, we have enlisted all the best Wii U games you can play in 2020. You take a quick look at the list below and click on the link to move to the corresponding game. Be assured, we have mentioned all kinds of games including Wii U party games, best-looking Wii U games, Wii U adventure games, and more.

List of Top Wii U Games

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

One of the most popular Legend of Zelda games of recent times, Breath of the Wild is a must-have for anyone, no matter which Nintendo console you own. The game adds on to the long-running The Legend of Zelda series and is set at the end of the series’ timeline.

In the game, the player controls Link who has just woken up from a hundred-year long slumber to defeat Calamity Ganon before it can destroy the kingdom of Hyrule. Breath of the Wild offers players a large open world in which they can roam freely and complete tasks to progress in game.

The game’s main storyline can be completed in a non-linear fashion, which means that there are a ton of side missions that you can embark on, if you’re not feeling up to the task of completing the main story missions. Breath of the Wild is the best-selling Zelda game to date and ranks among the best Wii U games.

Features

• The best of the Legend of Zelda series
• Tons of side quests
• Amazing graphics and gameplay

Download Here ($53.90)

2. Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 7 is available on the Nintendo 3DS which means the next game in the series would be released for the Wii U. That’s how Mario Kart 8 landed on the Wii U and it’s superior to its predecessor in every way. The graphics are amazing and aesthetically attractive.

The gameplay is much better and there are tons of new features and modes to give you and your friends a lot of competition. The multiplayer is flawless and you can enjoy extreme races with your friends or strangers from around the world.

Features

• Excellent multiplayer gaming
• Graphics is top-notch
• Play with anyone around the world

Download Here ($59.95)

3. New Super Mario Bros. U

New Super Mario Bros. U is considered one of the best Wii U games in 2020. Mario and Luigi get back together for this amazing installment in the series that utilizes the power of the Wii U. This game has the perfect co-op mode and you can play together with another person.

Both of you can control one of the plumber brothers, and help each other out by picking and throwing each other to pass obstacles. This game is all about teamwork and coordination in the co-op mode. Also, don’t forget to collect all the coins because that’s the most important thing in a Mario game.

Features

• Perfect co-op game
• Teamwork and coordination
• Solve challenges 

Download Here ($86.56)

4. Unepic

This is the most fun Role-playing game with a lot of platformer elements thrown in their as well. You start as a boy named Daniel who gets teleported to a castle. Now it’s his duty to defeat the evil emperor of the castle by defeating his 7 generals and finally killing the emperor.

The game is filled with humor and references to popular TV shows and movies. You have to navigate through different parts of the castles, gather weapons, items, and become powerful enough to face the emperor. The voice acting in this game is top-notch which makes this game, even more, awesome.

Features

• Action-packed
• Reference to movies and TV shows
• Kill the emperor and free yourself

Download Here ($12.99)

5. Pikmin 3

This is the most unique and intuitive game available on the Nintendo Wii U. It’s all about solving puzzles, killing enemies, and making more Pikmins. The gamepad is integrated into the game flawlessly.

You can really enjoy an immersive gameplay experience while playing Pikmin 3 for long. This game is all about strategy. You have to be tactful and use your brain to solve the puzzles in this game. It’s exciting and graphically very cute. In tandem, Pikmin 3 continues to be the best Wii U game that you can play in 2020.

Features

• Tactful gameplay
• Takes advantage of gamepad
• Graphically immersive

Download Here ($86.94)

6. Wind Waker HD

This the remake of the amazing The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. This game has been remastered and looks really amazing on the Wii U with those cell-shaded graphics. This is where Toon link came from and he has also been featured in Super Smash Bros.

The gameplay is much better than classic The Legend of Zelda games and the music is really wonderful. It’s a highly rated title that originally appeared on the GameCube, lots of new features and graphical advances have been made to the remake of the game.

Features

• Another remake of The Legend of Zelda series
• Wonderful background music
• Top-notch graphics

Download Here ($38.32)

7. Mario Party 10

Released back in 2015, Mario Party 10 continues the tradition of the Mario Party series allowing up to four players to compete against each other on a game board in a series of mini-games.

The game features all of the standard modes that you might already be familiar with from previous Mario Party games, with the addition of two new game modes called Bowser Party and Amiibo Party. The Bowser Party mode allows a fifth player to join in, with the four main players tasked with reaching the end of the board while avoiding being caught by Bowser.

The fifth player controls Bowser with the Wii U GamePad and it is his duty to prevent the others from completing the board. Simply put, if you are looking for the best Wii U party game then Mario Party 10 is the one you should play.

Features

• Replete with mini-games
• Best Wii U Party game
• Compete against each other

Download Here ($43.94)

8. Super Smash Bros. 4

The fighting game that redefined the whole genre and made a real mark on the Nintendo platform. This is the same game as available on the Nintendo 3DS but the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. 4 is more polished and graphically more advanced than the handheld version.

Battle your friends is an all-out fighting match. 4 people can battle at the same time. Use power-ups and extra tools to aid you in the battle and defeat your opponents easily. It’s all about blocking and hitting at the right time to beat your opponents in this game.

Features

• Action-packed
• Fast-paced game
• Excellent graphics

Download Here ($59.89)

9. Hyrule Warriors

Hyrule Warriors is a full 3D hack and slash game that lets you explore the world slashing enemies with your favorite characters from the Legend of Zelda game series. The game is a combination of Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda games. There are different modes to play the game.

The story mode is all about playing through the story and completing levels. Free mode lets you play any levels with any characters to get the most out of the game. You can also level your characters and give them different abilities as in a regular role-playing game. You can also use the amiibos to unlock new characters for in-game play.

Features

• Hack and slash game
• Pick any role
• Play against characters of any level

Download Here ($48.99)

10. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

The 13th installment in the Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is another great game that you should have on your Wii U. The game, which was released back in 2006, has aged quite well and it’s still a compelling purchase if you’re a fan of the Zelda series.

In the game, the player takes the role of Link (as always) and tries to prevent the kingdom of Hyrule from being engulfed by a corrupted parallel dimension called the Twilight Realm. To prevent that, Link takes the form of both a Hylian and a wolf, and with the assistance of a mysterious creature named Milna defeats Ganondorf.

Features

• Another game under The Legend of Zelda series
• Defeat the Kingdom
• Beautiful gameplay

Download Here ($161.95)

11. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

If you want to hunt monsters then this game is obviously what you should be playing on your Wii U. This version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is much more advanced than the Nintendo 3DS version and you can even make parties with online friends and hunt the monsters together.

There are powerful and exotic monsters in this game including the Kraken and the mighty Dragon, and you’re the real hero who has to hunt them down one by one. This is your only shot at glory. In conclusion, if you like fast-paced action games then Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is a must-play Wii U game.

Features

• Supports Multiplayer
• Hunt down the monsters with your friends
• Kill and win

Download Here ($23.48)

12. Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends offers a vibrant and charismatic platforming adventure in a colorful world. This game is a fast-paced platforming adventure that takes you into the vibrant world of Rayman and his friends. It’s a 2D platformer that shows you how good 2D platformers can still be with fast and furious style gameplay.

It’s all about kicking, punching, and jumping your way through different obstacles a completing each level quickly. So many unique elements make it completely different from other games in the genre. I would say Rayman Legends is the best looking Wii U game on this list.

Features

• Awesome platformer-adventure game
• Fast-paced gameplay
• Vibrant graphics

Download Here ($38.94)

13. Splatoon

Possibly the most fun and exciting third-person shooter game ever to be made. It’s not your regular third-person shooter filled with gore and violence instead Splatoon is all about splashing ink everywhere. It’s like paintball evolved into something more exciting and fun than it already is.

You team up with your friends or strangers and take on another team in an ink-spilling match. Color everything with your preferred color of ink and have lots of fun while doing this, that’s all you have to do in Splatoon. There are new weapons, features, and amazing modes that give the game a high replay value.

Features

• Splash ink on everyone
• Fun and colorful game
• Participate in ink-spilling match

Download Here ($10.12)

14. Sonic Lost World

Sonic is back in this full 3D adventure and he has brought along all of his friends to go against the evil Dr.Eggman. You have never seen or played Sonic in this way. Sonic Lost World is a completely new Sonic game that will blow you away with the amazing graphics.

It has a decent story, and a very familiar Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay that we all have fallen in love with over the years. If you prefer Sonic over Mario then this is the game you should be playing. Also, Sonic is way faster.

Features

• 3D adventure with Sonic
• Amazing graphics quality
• Similar gameplay like earlier Sonic games

Download Here ($49.99)

15. Super Mario Maker

If you have had enough of playing all the Super Mario games then we think you are going to love making an all-new Super Mario level to play on. Super Mario Maker lets you create all-new levels for the Super Mario game.

You can make these levels as difficult as you want or even impossible to complete, you can share your created levels with the world and people will try to beat your level while you play on other users’ created levels. This game is all about creativity and imagination to create the most authentic, unique, and difficult Mario levels of all time.

Features

• Create Super Mario levels
• Pretty fun and exciting
• Use your creativity and imagination

Download Here ($29)

16. Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 looks stunning, plays amazing, and sounds really delightful. This is the perfect action game available on the Nintendo Wii U with awesome graphics. The gameplay is fast and wild which keeps you on your toes when playing this game.

This game pits a witch against an army of evil minions and she has to do everything in her wicked power to destroy them all. This game is fast-paced and action-packed, every moment of this adrenaline-pumping game will provide you with pure excitement.

Features

• Stunning graphics
• Destroy the evil minions
• Action-packed Wii U game

Download Here ($35.95)

17. Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X is a role-playing game with sci-fi and action elements to give this game unique gameplay. This game lets you explore a whole new world where everything is within your reach.

You have to be careful because there are hostile beings around you that can attack you at any time. The game offers amazing quests filled with depth and beauty. If you have time to spare then this is the perfect RPG to utilize your time or waste it, it depends on how you see it.

Features

• Explore and complete quests
• Pick your character
• Sci-fi elements

Download Here ($51.99)

18. ZombiU

The best zombie apocalypse game available on the Nintendo Wii U. This is a first-person shooter game that puts you right in the middle of a zombie-infested London. This game utilizes the Wii U gamepad very effectively and you can use it to target and shoot all the undead brain-eaters coming your way.

ZombiU has amazing graphics and a very scary tone. You need to be quick to shoot the zombies or you will just end up being their chow. Survive the apocalypse and help others stay alive during the zombie infestation that’s your entire goal in this game.

Features

• Zombie-themed Wii U game
• The key is to be quick
• Shoot and kill

Download Here ($6.49)

19. Shovel Knight

Get your shovel ready because it’s time for the Shovel Knight to do his thing. This game takes you back into the retro gaming world with its classic graphics, an amazing background tune, and old-school gameplay.

This game combines the elements of RPG, action, and platformer games together in a perfect package. Get ready to dig out some treasures or beat the crap out of your enemies with your trusty shovel. It’s time to use your shovel for more than just casual digging.

Features

• Retro game
• Elements of RPG, Action and platformer
• Defeat your enemies with shovel

Download Here ($26.40)

20. Just Dance 2020

The newest game on this list, Just Dance 2020 has the potential of making it to your Wii U game library, but only if you’re a fan of dancing. While I wouldn’t find myself playing the game at all, there’s no reason for you to not give it a go.

Just Dance 2020, much like older titles in the series, is a dance rhythm game in which the main objective is to mimic the moves of the on-screen dancer to a chosen song. Unlike the older games, however, Just Dance 2020 comes with a redesigned interface.

It focuses on recommendations and curated playlists, sidelining other modes to focus on the core gameplay. So, if you enjoy dancing but don’t want to leave the house to do so, Just Dance 2020 might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Features

• Dance rhythm game
• Mimic the moves 
• Curated playlists

Download Here ($43.73)

21. Minecraft Wii U Edition

Minecraft is almost the same on all platforms. It’s all about using your imagination and creativity to build anything that you want in this whole new fantasy block world. The game is filled with endless possibilities and a lot of add-ons that add so much more value to the overall game.

Just make sure that you are safe from those haunting creeps that come out at night to eat you. Minecraft Wii U Edition does not utilize the Wii U gamepad but if the gamepad support is added for inventory then it would be really amazing and a bit more unique. You can find some more Sandbox games like Minecraft on this list.

Features

• Enjoy Minecraft on Wii U
• New fantasy block world
• Build and survive

Download Here ($29.99)

22. Badland

Badland, at first, feels like playing Limbo but it’s much more different than Limbo. The artwork and graphics may seem a bit identical but Badland has an entirely different approach in terms of gameplay and storyline. The game is all about being quick. You have to be fast to complete a level because the timer is always ticking.

There are no time-wasting elements in the game and you have to keep your objective in mind. If the screen catches up to your player, then it all restarts and that’s the worst punishment. So just be as fast as you possibly can be in this game.

Features

• Complete the objective
• Amazing graphics
• Time-based game

Download Here ($0.99)

23. Super Mario 3D World

If you have loved playing Nintendo 3DS and Super Mario 3D Land then the sixth installment of Super Mario Galaxy– 3D world — is going to blow your mind away. It’s easily one of the best Wii U games in 2020 that you can play. Filled with amazing graphics and level gameplay, Super Mario 3D World sets out to redefine how you have played Super Mario so far.

Another notable point about this game is that multiplayer finally works as you wanted to. You and your friends have to invade Sprixie Kingdom where you have to save fairy-like creatures from Bowser, the main antagonist of Mario franchisee. I would simply say, just go ahead and play this game on your Wii U console. You won’t regret it.

Features

• Best Mario game on Wii U
• Multiplayer works pretty well
• Rescue the fairy-like creatures

Download Here ($49.49)

24. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a must-play Wii U game for any Nintendo fanboy. The game is filled with puzzles and challenges that you have to solve to collect diamonds on each level. However, unlike Mario, you don’t have many skills, most importantly the jumping one.

Slowly, you will have to learn and make your way out to the top. In tandem, the gameplay is very similar to other Nintendo games, but the new chapters, course, and design improvements over the years have made Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker a fun and enjoyable game. To sum up, if you are looking for a best looking Wii U game then this is the one.

Features

• Excellent graphics
• Solve puzzles and collect diamonds
• Escape death and gather treasures

Download Here ($54.75)

25. Affordable Space Adventures

Affordable Space Adventures is our final Wii U game on this list. It’s a pretty niche game that didn’t get the limelight, but it fully took advantage of Wii U’s unique gamepad. You begin by buying a small aircraft from a company called UExplore and then you can explore a newly discovered planet.

That said, keep in mind, you need to navigate the Small Craft in such a way that you don’t exhaust the resources and burn down midway. The game is pretty fun and exciting and since it uses the gamepad for advanced controls, you can simultaneously perform many actions. So go ahead and play Affordable Space Adventures on your Wii U console. You won’t be disappointed.

Features

• Takes advantage of the gamepad
• Explore new planets
• Maneuver your spacecraft without burning resources

Download Here ($19.99)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Wii U Worth It in 2020?

Since the Nintendo Switch is out, I won’t really recommend the older Wii U console in 2020. If you love playing Wii U games then worry not, you can play them on Nintendo Switch too as the games are compatible with both old and new-gen consoles.

Q. Do They Still Make Wii U Games?

Yes, there are plenty of reports which suggest that new games are coming for Wii U. Shakedown: Hawaii and Regina and Mac are a few games that got released in the past few years. However, keep in mind, these are independently published games so don’t hope for Wii U’s resurrection in 2020.

Q. Why Did the Wii U Fail?

It didn’t fell flat but got a mixed response from the gaming community. While some praised its unique gamepad controller, some found it too gimmicky. Apart from that, the gamepad’s short battery life and clunky UI were among the major issues with the console.

Q. Why is the Wii U Bad?

Wii U is not considered among the best gamepads despite being the first one to support HD graphics is because of bad battery life and hardware processing speed.

Play the Best Wii U Games in 2020

Hop onto the couch and fire up your Wii U console because these games are going to suck you in the virtual world. If you think there are some other games that need to be mentioned in our list then feel free to list them in the comments below.