Originally published December 26, 2014. Updated April 15, 2018.
Thomas Roach on why you should consider buying a Wii U…
This Christmas many people will have likely picked up a new games console, and chances are that would have been either a PS4 or a Xbox One. Sadly, many people will have looked over the Nintendo Wii U, which is often deemed too childish, and somewhat ignored. As a matter of fact picking up a Wii U may have been the best decision you could have made over the Christmas. There are certainly a great deal of positives for buying a Wii U instead of the other consoles. For those who have overlooked the Wii U, here are a few reasons why you should consider buying one…
It’s the cheaper option
People always want to pay less money for everything and the Wii U is the cheapest console available on the market. Whereas the PS4 and the Xbox One exceed £300, you can pick up a Wii U for just under £200. Some people will mention that the Wii U came out long before the PS4 and Xbox One so it is not of the same generation, but it is. The Wii U offers great looking games in HD and decent online play just like the others.
Great exclusive games
Whilst most games are available on multiple platforms, Nintendo games are only available on their own consoles, meaning some of the most iconic characters in video games are only available on the Nintendo Platform – most notably Mario. who is probably the most iconic video game character of all-time. Most recently Super Smash Bros., which has been highly praised and one of the best games of the year, is exclusive to the Wii U.
When the Wii U first game out the exclusives were a little underwhelming but Nintendo seems to be making a real effort in delivering the best exclusives. 2015 will see the return of Link in a new Zelda game and we shall also be getting a new Star Fox game, both which are exclusive to the Wii U.
Backwards compatibility
With tthe last generation, manufactors offered backwards compability with their consoles. That meant games from the previous generation could be played on the latest platform, however that changed very quickly. Both Sony and Microsoft consoles stopped backwards compatibility for the PS4 and Xbox Box, which left a lot of people feeling let down. But, if you owned a Nintendo Wii, you will be able to play all of those games on the Wii U. There are so many great games on the Wii U now it is not necessary, but the fact that this option is available puts Nintendo ahead of their rivals. Older Nintendo games from the can also be purchased on Nintendo e-store.
Local multiplayer
Whereas other multiplayer games on other platforms are designed to play over the internet, the Wii U allows great local multiplayer which can be really fun. It is great to have friends over and play games in the same room rather than being somewhat anti-social by playing over the internet. Four players can play Mario Kart 8 and Mario 3D World, and you can have eight players locally on Super Smash Bros.. Nintendo may be a little old school with playing on the sofa with friends but this is definitely a great trait for the Wii U. There are also some great drinking games when playing local multiplayer with your friends, and you can make a proper night out of gaming.
Free to play online
Whereas the other consoles make you pay to play online through Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus, Nintendo lets you play online for no extra cost. While Nintendo may be seen as more niche to the video game audience than other platforms, recent games like Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8 are really enjoyable to play competitively online. Give them a go and you will likely discover how good they are.
Do you think you will get a Wii U, and if you already have one, what do you make of the console? Let us know…
Thomas Roach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E&feature=player_embedded&v=Z2vq4CudKRk
