'Tis the season for buying new consoles.
With such a heavy purchase on a gamer's shoulder you need to know if a system has the type of games you'd even be remotely interested in. DualShockers has looked extensively into the PS4 and Xbox One in our recent Buyer's Guide series--now it's the Wii U's turn.
Below I'll be outlining the system bundles, accessories and major games that are available this holiday season, all in the name of having a go-to guide if you decide you might be interested in Nintendo's latest console.
Note: This guide is based off what is available in North America.
System Bundles
Mario Bundle Pack
This classic bundle includes two games, New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, as well as a 32 GB Wii U system. All this for $299.99, which is an excellent deal.
Zelda Bundle Pack
Next up is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle that comes with said game and a 32 GB Wii U. The GamePad is decorated in a beautiful Wind Waker design as well. Once again the price of this bundle is $299.99.
Skylanders Bundle Pack.
Skylanders SWAP Force will also be getting its own bundle pack which includes Skylanders SWAP Force for Wii U, a Portal of Power (used for summoning the figurines into the game), three Skylanders figures--including Ninja Stealth Elf, Blast-Zone and an exclusive color shift Washbuckler--a collector poster, trading cards and sticker sheets and the Nintendo Land game. This pack sells for $299.99.
Holiday Titles
New Super Mario Bros. U / New Super Luigi UDeveloper: NintendoPublisher: NintendoGenre: Platformer
New Super Mario Bros. U is a sequel to New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and is just as fun, if not a little uninspired. New Super Luigi U is a downloadable add-on to the game and has you playing as Luigi only in time-attack versions of New Super Mario Bros. U. You can check out the DualShockers review of New Super Luigi U here for more on the game.
Game & WarioDeveloper: NintendoPublisher: NintendoGenre: Party game
This unique party game is the latest in the long running Wario series, which stars Mario rival Wario. A constant barrage of incredibly fun and short minigames keep you on your toes and you can choose from single-player or mulitplayer, each mode housing unique games.
Pikmin 3Developer: NintendoPublisher: NintendoGenre: Real Time Strategy
Pikmin 3 is the latest installment in Nintendo's Pikmin series and combines the strategic elements of an RTS with cuteness overload. It's difficult but rewarding and the polished gameplay and wonderful visuals make this game a real treat. Check out my review of Pikmin 3 here.
The Wonderful 101Developer: Platinum GamesPublisher: NintendoGenre: Action
The Wonderful 101 is Platinum Games's tribute to the Sentai genre, an extremely popular genre of Japanese shows that features a three to five man band of superheroes wearing multicolored outfits. The battle system is unique, the bosses are action-packed and fun and the visuals are awesomely stylized. Read up on my review of The Wonderful 101 here.
Rayman LegendsDeveloper: Ubisoft MontpelierPublisher: UbisoftGenre: 2D Platfomer
Rayman Legends was originally a Wii U exclusive before coming to other platforms, and this shows in the gameplay features unique to the Wii U. The GamePad is used as a second screen to control secondary characters, which aids Rayman in his exploration. If you're curious about the overall game, read up on our Rayman Legends review here.
Batman: Arkham OriginsDeveloper: Warner Bros. Games MontréalPublisher: Warner Bros. Interactive EntertainmentGenre: Action-Adventure
The fourth entry in the Batman Arkham franchise and the prequel to the previous games, Batman: Arkham Origins features graphics and gameplay just as refined as the other titles. The Batman in this game is a much younger and unrefined loner who is being targeted by crime lord Black Mask.
Sonic: Lost WorldDeveloper: Sonic TeamPublisher: SegaGenre: Platformer
In Sonic: Lost World, Sonic is back in a new adventure. Stages are colorful and varied, while the new Parkour system adds more gameplay variety to Sonic's already wide range of classic moves. My review of the Wii U version of Sonic: Lost World can be found here, and will give you a better idea of the game.
Super Mario 3D WorldDeveloper: NintendoPublisher: NintendoGenre: Platformer
Super Mario 3D World is one of the definitive titles for the Wii U. The gameplay is incredibly inventive and additively fun, while the graphics are stunning at every turn. This is one of the top games of the year and is more than worthy of a spot in anyone's library. The DualShockers review of Super Mario 3D World here gives a nice summary of what makes this game so great.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black FlagDeveloper: Ubisoft MontrealPublisher: UbisoftGenre: Action-Adventure
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is the newest entry in the Assassin's Creed series and id the most ambitious one to date. The game has gameplay on both land and sea, with the former featuring the usual stealth action (albeit more refined) while the latter features epic ship battles and treasure hunting. Check out the DualShockers review of the game here for more info.
Wii Party UDeveloper: NintendoPublisher: NintendoGenre: Party game
If you're looking for a fun party game for the whole family to enjoy, then look no further than Wii Party U. The variety of simple and fun minigames make this game surprisingly hilarious and will dole out the good times for hours. Read my preview of Wii Party U here to learn more about the various minigames and overall gameplay.
Wii Fit UDeveloper: NintendoPublisher: NintendoGenre: Fitness game
The sequel to the popular Wii Fit game, now with more minigames and features. Wii Fit U even comes with a handy Fit Meter that measures the number of steps you take, the elevation climbed, and the amount of calories you burn in a day. Read up on our preview of Wii Fit U here for more information on the game.
Accessories
UBoost
The UBoost is a handy device that works in conjunction with the existing GamePad battery providing 2x the battery power for up to 10 hours of playtime. The extra playtime of the built-in The UBoost easily clips on to the back of the GamePad with no need to remove the internal battery or back cover. The UBoost easily recharges through the standard GamePad AC adapter or by placing it in the Charging Dock that is included with the Wii U battery.
Energizer Charging System
This ultimate charging station can not only charge your Wii U GamePad but also up to two Wii Remotes, which is really handy for extended multiplayer runs. Having rechargeable batteries for the Wii Remote is incredibly useful since you won't have to worry about constantly purchasing batteries (which tend to run out very quickly, from my own experience).
GamePad Silicone Protector
A cheap and useful accessory that protects your GamePad from dirt and scratches, as well as enhances the grip control and comfort of the Pad. Just remember that you can't put the system in the charging dock with the cover on--instead plug the charger directing into the GamePad.
Pro Controller
While the Wii Pro Controller was a terrible piece of plastic, the Wii U Pro Controller is far superior in every way, from the to material to the grip to the updated look. This controller is definitely a must buy for Wii U owners that are looking for a classic controller suited to their hardcore gaming needs.
Wii U Remote Plus
An upgraded version of the original Wii Remote. This version has the Wii MotionPlus built into the controller, increasing the sensitivity of the motion sensors. The Wii Remote is especially useful for multiplayer games, such as Wii Party U, or for games that play more accurately with it, such as Pikmin 3.