A really cracking title which shall never escape from Wii U (at least not until another console with two separate screens comes along), Affordable Space Adventures not only utilises the GamePad, but makes it integral to the experience as you navigate the dangerous caverns in your economy class spacefaring vehicle.
Tackling it solo or with others is equally rewarding, and developer Nifflas' devotion to small details and quality is what truly sets it apart and makes it one of our favourite games on Wii eShop. There's nothing else quite like this out there, and it's still a trip worth taking — even without its clever Miiverse integration intact.
Pokkén Tournament attempted to break into the fighting game genre with a bang, although it remains relatively niche. It stripped back unnecessary complexity from the controls which made it easy to pick up and play, but with a skill ceiling that left hardcore fans with plenty of room to explore.
The visuals could have been sharper — something that's also true for the only slightly improved DX port on Switch — but these are grotesquely outweighed by the sheer polish and replayability of the core gameplay. As a lovechild of such disparate properties as Tekken and Pokémon , Pokkén Tournament was a spectacularly scrappy surprise.
ZombiU isn't perfect, but it set out to do a very specific thing and succeeded with style. As a Wii U launch game, Ubisoft showed that — despite the hardware's appearance — dark, mature games could work on Nintendo’s newest console. It was atmospheric, horrifying, and provided plenty of sweaty palms and jump scares.
Anyone looking for a challenging and highly immersive experience with some real heft behind it found just that, and Ubisoft showcased the potential of the underutilised GamePad in a way that few third-party studios (and arguably Nintendo itself) would throughout the system's life cycle.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted U is a stunning port that went above and beyond in terms of tailoring a multiplatform title specifically for Nintendo's hardware and its feature set.
Criterion's game is fast, fun, and absolutely beautiful, with an open-world design that creates a real feeling of freedom to go with the sense of speed, but it's the graphical upgrades and GamePad-specific features that made this the definitive console version at the time.
It's one of the finest open-world racers we've ever played — the perfect example of a Nintendo port done right. Most wanted, indeed.
It would be simple to write off NES Remix as something only die-hard retro gamers would enjoy, but developer indieszero was really on to something here. The 200+ challenges are short enough to be interesting and fun to replay, but not long enough to outstay their welcome. The developer even managed to make challenges based on games like Urban Champion and Baseball fun, which is an achievement in itself.
If you're the type who likes to relentlessly collect stuff, the stars and stamps will also keep you entertained. Pairs well with its sequel , too. Who wouldn't want to play Super Mario Bros. backwards?
You can also find indiezero's similar (yet slightly inferior, if you ask us) Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition on Switch.
Koei Tecmo's Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water is drenched in the atmosphere and intrigue the Fatal Frame series is known for, and added some innovations that spark interest and excitement for fans to this day.
It's not perfect — a bit too much repetition and a few rough edges do mar the experience a little — but that absolutely shouldn't stop you from taking the plunge if you're able. Given the mechanics and the excellent camera-based GamePad integration, we thought this would remain one of the few true Wii U exclusives, but then Koei Tecmo went and did a Switch port .
Axiom Verge is an excellent Metroidvania that combines creative gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a compelling story to create a fantastic game which pays tribute to classics while doing something wholly new with the established formula.
It's made all the more impressive by the fact that the entire thing is the product of one-man-team Tom Happ's dedication. If you have even the remotest interest in 2D action games, do yourself a favour and pick this game up pronto. It's available on Switch , too. You know, if your Wii U is packed away or something.
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Release Date: 18th Nov 2012 (USA ) /
30th Nov 2012 (UK/EU ) Another great addition to the roster of the console with 'no games', Tekken Tag Tournament 2 launched alongside Wii U and threw exclusive Nintendo costumes and power-ups into its quality fighting mix, plus DLC content from other platforms, too.
This entry in Namco's franchise had already cemented itself as a quality participant contender in the genre, but add in the Wii U exclusive modes, bells, and whistles and you're left with perhaps the best console version of a fine fighter.
With tight controls, a new visual style and the series' trademark writing, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a top-class entry in WayForward's Shantae line of 2D platformers which began way back on Game Boy Color . It offered newcomers a great point to jump in and remains a shining example of WayForward's talent with 2D action games.
The Switch version added lovely portability, but Wii U is still a great place to play.
Don’t let the cartoony graphics and Disney branding fool you: DuckTales: Remastered is a challenging duck-blur of a platformer that’s absolutely brimming with charm. The campaign of this affectionate remake of the NES classic may be short, but WayForward updated it in a way that makes the experience feel fresh and guarantees you'll want to revisit it.
This is essential gaming for fans of the original DuckTales or the animated series, and even if you're not in those camps, it's still worth a look for fans of Disney, platformers, and Disney platformers.
Batman: Arkham Origins isn’t innately bad, but it recycles so much from its predecessors and does absolutely nothing to evolve or improve them. The gameplay is uninspired, the graphics are a bit shaky, and the plot tries to do too much and ends up being too sloppy to make any real sense. The previous two Arkham games played like excellent stealth adventure titles in which you happened to take on the role of Batman; this one feels much more like a Batman game with stealth elements tacked on.
It's far from awful — and taken in isolation it's rather enjoyable — but it's a shame that the Wii U received this lacklustre and unremarkable entry in the Arkham series over, say, the original Arkham Asylum.
NES Remix 2 mostly played it safe, with a new set of games and challenges and a few small, yet welcome, additions to the formula of the original such as a replay feature. While the game selection the second time was undoubtedly stronger, there were fewer games and challenges overall, and they felt somewhat easier, too.
Luckily, however, Super Luigi Bros. — which lets you play the entirety of Super Mario Bros. in reverse — and Championship Mode (if you own the first game) help fill these gaps, providing yet another enjoyable package of rapid-fire retro goodness.
New Super Luigi U is a terrific title for capable platform gamers, with intense and exciting bursts of momentum to put those thumbs to the test, although that does make multiplayer even more awkward than before in New Super Mario Bros. U , and arguably puts this beyond the reach of less experienced gamers, even using the indestructible Nabbit.
The sense of the old you get from revisiting familiar stages here is thankfully tempered by a fresh feel and clever level design, however, and even if Luigi's adventure doesn't last long for those without completionist instincts, it's fun while it does last.
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: 22nd Oct 2013 (USA ) /
25th Oct 2013 (UK/EU ) Two years old at the time of release on Wii U but certainly worthy of resurrection, Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut felt completely at home with the GamePad in 2013. No, not everything was fantastic, with some issues from the original remaining — combat felt like a 'lesser' play style, predictably dumb AI didn't do the game any favours, and some wonky voice acting could confuse the mood — but a few blemishes couldn't overshadow the sheer number of things that Human Revolution got so right.
Organic second-screen support, lovely additional features and some welcome, if subtle, tweaks to an already fantastic title put Human Revolution at the top of the Wii U food chain; one of several excellent third-party efforts on the console.
The Wonderful 101 can be overwhelming, and the initial impression can be that it's simply bombarding the senses with too much information, confusing both the eyes and the thumbs. The key is to play at the right difficulty level and accept its insanity, work with its peculiar logic and remain open-minded to its mechanics.
In return, it delivers an exceptional experience in which no scenario is too outrageous, no enemy too exaggerated or no set-piece too excessive. It's not perfect, with some control quirks, fiddly moments and a multiplayer mode that feels tacked on, but so much about this title is thrilling.
Of course, the Remastered version is probably the one to go for these days, but at the time this was a must-have title for Wii U.
If you loaded up New Super Mario Bros. U with the expectation of playing another genre-defying escapade like Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Galaxy , then you may have come away disappointed.
Mario’s first game for the Wii U played it safe when it came to theme and concept; like previous titles in the ‘New’ series, this was essentially a colourful rehash of the same old blueprint. The mechanics remained the same, but gilded by decades of subtle refinements and enhancements, ultimately leading to one of the most accomplished 2D platformers ever created.
New Super Mario Bros. U may not have offered a cataclysmic genre shift, but it was a fine Wii U launch game and remains a 2D gem in the Mario canon (now more easily accessed on Switch in 'Deluxe' form ).
The ‘light’ in the title sums things up nicely – Child of Light serves up game mechanics usually reserved for massive RPG epics in a concise, beautifully refreshing package. A touching score matches the tone of the lovely artwork, and a few framerate hitches aren't enough to cast a shadow on this delightful adventure.
The Ultimate Edition on Switch is more easily accessible these days, but the Wii U version is still de-light-ful. Geddit?
Drinkbox's Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition might have a short campaign, but the opportunities to explore, collect, take on challenges or simply play it again deliver more than enough bang for your buck.
As a single-player adventure, the mechanics — both complex yet impressively intuitive — combine with terrific attention to detail to deliver a truly polished experience. If you're an action platformer fan with quick thumbs, this is a must wherever you find it (yes, it's on Switch , too).
Publisher: Image & Form
Release Date: 20th Oct 2016 (USA ) /
29th Sep 2016 (UK/EU ) SteamWorld Heist on Wii U is exactly what you expect — a high-quality Wii U iteration of a game that was already fantastic on 3DS . The wider field of view and sharper graphics are certainly appealing (and those benefits obviously apply to the Switch port , too), and this remains a game that can easily keep you engrossed for many excellent hours.
Image & Form struck gold with its blend of turn-based strategy and skill-based combat on 3DS, and it stole our affections twice more on Nintendo's home consoles.
Must. Stop. Rebuying. SteamWorld Games. On Sale!
The Wii U turned out to be a surprisingly excellent platform for download-only 'indie' titles, and FAST Racing NEO was a shining example (a Shin'en example, actually).
Its gorgeous graphics, incredible sense of speed and steep challenge made for a unique futuristic racing game on the system at the time, although one which you can now enjoy in Switch in the form of Fast RMX . It's a good'un.
Image & Form's brilliant SteamWorld Dig provides nearly endless hours of spelunking fun – it even keeps track of how many metres you've dug altogether so you can marvel at how much of your life you've wasted away caving deeper.
With an exceptionally high level of polish and focus, tight controls, a lush Western soundtrack, beautifully animated sprites, and a simple gameplay loop that kept you coming back for more (until SteamWorld Dig 2 arrived, at least) SteamWorld Dig is a very fine game whether you play it on Wii U, 3DS , or — yes, of course — Switch .
Nintendo Land might not have been the Wii U killer app in the vein of Wii Sports, but it's still a wonderful celebration of Nintendo's past and an exciting glimpse of a future that might have been had developers been a little more adventurous with the GamePad (and had players responded, of course).
When it works and while the magic lasts, Nintendo Land delivers riotous fun and is one of the best local multiplayer experiences ever crafted. There's also a surprising amount of depth to the single-player offerings, too, and Miiverse integration meant you were never really on your own.
For nostalgic Nintendo fans, it was simultaneously comforting and exciting (we'll take any drop of F-Zero-adjacent content we can!), and in its best moments it managed to make you feel like a kid again.
Hyrule Warriors represented Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force's first foray into the Zelda universe, and it was clear from the off that the team had a deep respect for the setting and characters of Hyrule.
This first attempt lacked the polish we'd see in its Switch 'sequel', Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity , but there was enough hack-and-slash entertainment on offer to make this a rather enjoyable diversion. The game has since been ported to both 3DS and Switch with extra content and improvements, but the Wii U original remains an entertaining addition to the Zelda stable for action fans.
Publisher: SEGA
Release Date: 18th Nov 2012 (USA ) /
30th Nov 2012 (UK/EU ) A quality, credible alternative to Mario Kart 8 , and one starring the plumber's erstwhile platform rival Sonic the Hedgehog (and other Sega luminaries)?
It shouldn’t really have come as a surprise to discover that Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed was top-shelf stuff; Sumo Digital’s track record speaks for itself, and at the time the studio had been bolstered by an influx of staff from racing experts Bizarre Creations (Project Gotham Racing , Blur ) and Black Rock Studio (Split Second , Pure ).
The result was a game which was far more focused and entertaining than the either original Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing — which was a fine game — or Team Sonic Racing , the less exciting Switch follow-up which ditched the thrilling cast of Sega luminaries.
As its name appropriately suggested, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate took the already exceptional Wii title and added a daunting amount of new content and HD sheen. It's not a game for everyone, and unsuspecting players may have had a nasty surprise at the level of commitment and skill the game demands.
That's nothing new in the Monster Hunter series, though. Assuming you were up to the task, MH3U on Wii U was hard to put down. Some elements felt a little phoned-in (some ugly clipping, poor textures and the 3DS touchscreen ratio on the GamePad, for example), yet they were minor blemishes on an impressive package.
Those that missed Monster Hunter Tri the first time round had an excellent opportunity to catch up on Wii U, and veterans got the chance to upgrade to the big screen.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is roughly 85% Shin Megami Tensei , and 15% Fire Emblem , but somehow ends up feeling like something completely separate from both. It strikes a middle ground and boasts an energetic and dynamic combat system wrapped in a setting that takes J-Pop cheesiness to astral heights. There's a remarkably lengthy and enjoyable experience to be found here for anyone who doesn't already have stage fright from its relatively niche proposition.
The Switch 'Encore' port makes it easy to catch up with these days, but just as so many quirky (and excellent!) games did, it was originally part of Wii U's wonderfully diverse and underrated library.
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse was a triumph for WayForward and a treat for gamers. Very minor issues aside, this is one of the strongest titles on Nintendo's eShop — Wii U, 3DS , or Switch — although we're partial to the home console versions thanks to the larger canvas of the TV and increased definition for the 2D sprite work (not to mention the incredible character art).
A Pirate's Curse? More like a blessing if you ask us.
There are technical cracks in its brickwork, but in combining the familiar constructs of the LEGO video games with an original story — plus huge amounts of humour and a ridiculous number of things to collect or discover — LEGO City: Undercover proved that LEGO titles can be blockbusters without a big licence.
This one eventually came to Switch, although we've got a soft spot for the Wii U original version and its GamePad integration.
At the time, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker seemed like a rare case of a game that felt truly designed — from the ground up — with the Wii U in mind.
An expansion of the Toad puzzle stages in Super Mario 3D World , the GamePad was utilised just enough to be worthwhile without being a nuisance, and the only misstep was that the difficulty later in the game can't be eased by assistance from a friend, parent, or game-savvy offspring. Of course, the game got an unlikely 3DS port and Nintendo eventually added full co-op to the game with an update to the Switch version which first released in 2018.
Ultimately, Captain Toad's relentless charm and precious nature lost little in its transition to other systems, but the original is still a delightful nugget of 3D puzzle platforming, and the only version of the game that comes on a disc with deliciously curved edges, too. That's gotta count for something!
Coming to a Nintendo system for the first time following the platform holder's involvement funding and publishing the sequel, Platinum Games' Bayonetta was a must-have for action fans and almost required reading for anyone intending to dig into the then-exclusive Wii U follow-up.
In its own right, the first instalment (originally published by Sega) is a cocky, self-assured and bombastic video game which maintains a sense of irreverence and fantastical fun, a great antidote to the legions of self-serious action games around at the time.
Wii U owners a taste of the character's fancy, frenetic action (and attitude), and a chance to catch up on lore and backstory before diving into the even-better Bayonetta 2 .
Yoshi's Woolly World is accomplished platforming within Yoshi's quirky and unique template and has enough soft cuteness to charm young gamers and melt the hearts of the most jaded veteran gamers.
Along with some of Nintendo's best co-op platforming, tough collectible challenges for skilled players, and some simple but neat use of amiibo, it also delivers where it matters the most with clever, witty stage design. This stands up as one of the Wii U's elite games - perfect for snuggled-in gaming time.
The original Wii U Super Mario Maker , with its multiple updates, additions, and tweaks over time, was a game which arguably justified the Wii U GamePad on its own.
Enabling you to craft levels in the style of the original game, Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and the New series, the elegant user interface and overall polish made this an exceptional Mario experience, one that was tailored perfectly to the second screen of the Wii U GamePad. It was the system's true 'killer app', but it arrived too late in the lifecycle to make a difference.
Its Switch sequel might have added slopes and other fun doohickeys, but the sequel stands on the shoulders of the original, and the basic course creation experience is arguably still at its most intuitive on a Wii U GamePad.
You can't share your creations online via Nintendo's bafflingly backward course-sharing system anymore, but if you've ever enjoyed a 2D Mario game and have a creative, playful spirit (and a Wii U), then the original Mario Maker still deserves your attention.
Yacht Club Games scored a hit with Shovel Knight across all platforms, Nintendo or not. It boasted brilliant game design, charming presentation that tapped into everyone's 8-bit nostalgia before it was done to death, and a ton of post-release content which added a bewildering amount of new stuff to the base game.
This was a wonderful first title from the fledgling developer and proved that Kickstarter successes were indeed possible.
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition may not be the definitive version of the game but, aside from some frame rate issues, the incorporation of GamePad controls felt totally natural, and the opportunity to don the Dark Knight's cowl and cape in one of the best Batman games ever was a considerable boon for Wii U owners.
With a relatively lengthy campaign, loads of extra content, and the opportunity to give Batman's gallery of rogues a sound thrashing, this was the Batman game to play on Wii U — a console which boasts no fewer than five flavours of the Caped Crusader (counting the LEGO ones , Arkham Origins , and Blackgate - Deluxe Edition ).
Rayman Legends is close to 2D platforming perfection and its minor missteps, while noticeable, are easily forgiven. The main story levels clock in at well under 10 hours, but the developers made those hours utterly glorious, and then threw in enough extra content, challenges, remixes, and collectibles to conceivably more than double that playtime.
And the fact is that playing levels again, hunting out those hidden Teensies or chasing gold cups, is not only essential, but completely worthwhile. It's also worthwhile playing extensively in both single and multiplayer, as each option feels distinctly different, shaking up the experience in pleasing ways. The Definitive Edition on Switch is equally lovely.
Boasting perhaps the most colourful box art ever created, Super Mario 3D World is bursting at the seams with cuteness, creativity and catsuits. While it might lack the unbridled freedom of Mario's other 3D adventures, it provides a terrifically enjoyable, tight and impeccably structured adventure.
With a focus on bringing fans of the 2D games into the realm of 3D Marios , it recalls the mascot’s 3D heritage while providing the perfect starting point for novices. It's also the only 3D Mario to offer four-player co-op.
Super Mario 3D World is simply unmissable and prior to its reappearance on Switch, we'd have said it was worth hunting down a Wii U to play. The additional Bowser's Fury content of the newer version — plus various gameplay tweaks and the addition of online and local wireless play — arguably gives the Switch edition the edge in a head-to-head battle.
Still, the original Wii U experience remains one of the console's highlights, so why not grab yourself a copy and just sit with it on your lap as you admire the box art and run your forefinger around the curved edge of the disc? The Switch cart doesn't have that, does it? Meow!
Xenoblade Chronicles X is sprawling, diverse, complex, and entrancing. It utilised the Wii U's capabilities not only to produce a beautiful world, but also showed how something as simple as a map on the GamePad screen can be invaluable.
What's most impressive is the dynamism and impression of freedom in play - level caps and grinding are naturally part of the equation, yet they're managed within a structure where even small missions or Affinity quests greatly enhance the narrative and sense of place. To truly experience the story of this human colony and the vast planet Mira requires exploration and patience, and Monolith Soft found a great balance in bringing its vast range of gameplay systems and mechanics together.
Occasional bottlenecks are infrequent and easily overcome in the broader experience, and overall Xenoblade Chronicles X delivers a hugely impressive RPG adventure. It was an enormous accomplishment for Monolith Soft and an irresistible part of the Wii U library.
Beautifully crafted and filled to the brim with exciting gameplay features, Pikmin 3 is a worthy instalment in Nintendo's quirky strategy series.
The core gameplay mechanics remain true to the GameCube originals, but were further enhanced by the unique features of the Wii U GamePad, although you could still use your Wii Remote and Nunchuk (honestly, the 'Deluxe' Switch port offers further proof that the GamePad really was a peripheral option here).
A few minor issues here and there arguably prevented it from reaching the heights of its predecessors, but the Wii U's HD sheen made the fruit hauled by your little plant-based helpers look more delicious than ever.
Twilight Princess was simultaneously Zelda's swansong on the GameCube and its introduction on the Wii. It's an excellent action adventure, but not without flaws.
Perhaps its biggest problem is that it did little to shake up the Zelda formula, which was feeling a little tired at this point; it plays a bit too similarly to Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker.
The HD version on Wii U restored the GameCube's orientation — putting Kakariko Village back on the side of the map it should be — while retaining the Wii version's 16:9 aspect ratio and adding a host of minor improvements along with high-definition visuals; TP HD is inarguably the best version of Twilight Princess.
Midna is an all-time great companion , and the game hits some brilliant highs, though perhaps not as consistently as other entries.
In many ways, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U felt like a direct response to criticisms of the series' party-friendly aspirations. The crossover fighter series had its innocuous start as a goofy game with a playground spirit, allowing players to finally see who would win in a fight between the world’s two most famous Italian plumbers and some of their friends. This theme would continue, only with more figurines in the toy box to choose from and more playgrounds in which to do battle.
All that fantastic fan service was still present here, and more polished than ever, but the series finally embraced its hyper-competitive side, all the while still managing to deliver one of the most enjoyable eight-player party games in years.
With the inclusion of exclusive modes (Smash Tour, Special Orders, and Event Mode), support for a wealth of controllers, and the inclusion of Special Smash, this was a smarter, more focused blast of fighting mayhem, confident in its ability to appeal to any audience willing to give it a chance.
In a sea of rock-solid single-player Nintendo experiences, Splatoon stood out as being an utterly sublime multiplayer endeavour. Everything is knitted beautifully and seamlessly together to create what is quite simply some of the most fun you can have online.
The single-player elements and the local multiplayer also presented a way to enjoy the game when you're not geared up for the chaos that comes from fighting others online, and provided a useful reprieve if your internet cut out.
Indeed, the formula was potent enough for Nintendo to repeat it more or less verbatim in its Switch sequel , but Splatoon got away with it by being easily the freshest shooter we'd played in years.
Bayonetta 2 is a must-buy for action gaming fans. It's fast, intense and ridiculous, all with an entertaining story and a protagonist who is forever subverting and playing with her audience. It's pure Platinum Games, and one of the Wii U's best games — a rare arrival on that system that was unashamedly violent, gory and mature, while still mischievously winking at the player.
Of course, the Switch port is the easier way to play it these days, but regardless of platform, Bayonetta 2 is brilliant, brash, and impossible to ignore.
Retro Studios demonstrated once again that it can take a treasured Nintendo franchise and keep it relevant, with modern thrills and retro nods expertly combined. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze utilised the Wii U’s graphical capabilities beautifully, with levels both stunning in design and looks, and impressive set-pieces that never skip a frame and can test any gamer’s skills.
Small touches and masterful contributions, such as the music of David Wise, only add to the experience. As a single-player experience, it is near flawless, but the precision of the level design can lead the often fun multiplayer into moments of chaos.
An excellent Wii U title that would inevitably be recruited for another tour of duty on Switch , it was a demonstration of how skilful developers and powerful hardware can be combined for spectacular results.
Mario Kart 8 took a while to arrive, but was worth the wait. The vehicles and racers have never handled better, the collection of courses is possibly the best ever, while replayability through Ghost Races or — primarily — online races and Tournaments is almost endless.
While the Deluxe version on Switch would include all the DLC, add the missing Battle Mode and polish everything until it glistened, the brilliant base game is largely unchanged. Mario Kart 8 was an accomplished effort that pushed the franchise forward in thrilling ways, and regardless of the version you play, you're guaranteed a great time.
Nintendo breathed new life into The Wind Waker in this HD remaster, taking its timeless art style and giving it a glorious high-def sheen and also making worthwhile improvements to previously flawed aspects of the original. Sailing across the Great Sea, discovering new islands, and exploring exciting dungeons — the designs of which still shine even today – has never been more fun than on Wii U.
Nintendo could have done more in certain areas — there really isn’t anything substantial in the way of new content — and the updated lighting, though lovely in its own right, is not necessarily 'better'; it's heavy on the bloom compared to the sublime original.
Still, The Wind Waker was never in need of a drastic overhaul; this refinement made welcome tweaks that brought it more in line with modern standards. A great game made (for the most part) even greater, then.
Some will say, not unreasonably, that as the Wii U iteration of Breath of the Wild can't fully match the Switch version in visuals and performance it should be considered inferior. We understand and appreciate that perspective, but this is nevertheless a fully functional and still entrancing iteration of one of Nintendo's greatest-ever games.
Across dozens of hours it blends innovative ideas with established tropes, and unfolds in a manner different for everyone. The 'best' version of the game is on Nintendo Switch, but the freedom, the spontaneity, and the outstanding charm and craft of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild isn't lost on Wii U.
