A commercial flop, the Wii U nonetheless hides gems that often became cult hits (and were re-released elsewhere): Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, Splatoon, Bayonetta 2. This Top 30 gathers the console's best, re-tested and re-ranked by RomWize, each title with its re-evaluated score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value — a value climbing among collectors.
"Absolute masterpiece that redefined open-world action-adventure. Total freedom, organic exploration, reactive physics and chemistry. WiiU execution is slightly inferior to Switch but the experience remains transcendent."
"One of the best platformers of its generation across all consoles. Level design of inexhaustible inventiveness, memorable music on musical levels. The original WiiU version benefits from exclusive GamePad features. A masterpiece."
"Indie platformer homage to NES classics, brilliant in its design. Impeccable level design, numerous secrets, memorable bosses. One of the decade's best indie games. WiiU version benefits from amiibo features. Indispensable."
"Excellent 3D Mario platformer with co-op up to 4 players. Inspired and varied level design in each world, fun costumes. Perhaps the best multiplayer Mario before Odyssey. Slightly too accessible for experienced solo players but a genuine treat."
"Absolute WiiU-exclusive action masterpiece by PlatinumGames. Combat system among the richest ever designed, sustained pace, original co-op. Bayonetta 2 is one of the reasons to buy a WiiU. Simply unmissable."
"The best Smash Bros. before Ultimate. Generous roster, abundant modes, balanced gameplay. One of the best multiplayer party games ever made. Amiibo add a collector dimension. A complete and indispensable home version."
"Unquestionably one of the best Mario Karts. Spectacular anti-gravity circuits, sublime WiiU graphics, excellent online. DLC adds very good tracks. Still a safe bet very enjoyable today. Indispensable."
"Superb HD remake of the GameCube classic. Cell-shaded art direction remains breathtaking, maritime navigation is enhanced. Welcome improvements to the original pacing. One of the best WiiU games and unmissable Zelda saga entries."
"The first Bayonetta offered free with Bayonetta 2, a royal gift. Spectacular action, deep and satisfying combat system, Bayonetta herself is an icon. The WiiU version remains the best way to own both episodes in one."
"Pikmin 3 is one of the best accessible strategy games on console. Splendid art direction, well-integrated new Pikmin, varied bonus missions. GamePad excellent for management. A WiiU gem worth visiting."
"Twilight Princess HD remake with visual improvements and bonus content. Dungeon design remains excellent, dark adult atmosphere distinguishes this entry. Some pacing heaviness persists. An excellent revised and corrected Zelda for WiiU."
"MH3U on WiiU, the best console port of this entry with GamePad screen for management. Cross-play with 3DS version is appreciated. Colossal content, steep learning curve but addictive. An excellent franchise entry point for WiiU."
"Bundle of both NSMBU and New Super Luigi U games, the ideal way to have both. Combined generous content, varied modes. If you own neither, this pack is clearly the best value for money."
"WiiU port of Black Ops II with honest GamePad support. Online community now practically dead but solo content remains decent. The best CoD available on WiiU in terms of quality-content ratio."
"CoD Ghosts on WiiU, one of the series' least inspired entries. Multiplayer dead for a long time. Solo campaign is short and predictable. Hard to recommend today except for complete WiiU collectors."
"Titanic open world action JRPG on WiiU. Breathtaking planet Mira, playable mechas (Skells), colossal content. Less narrative than the first Xenoblade but exploration is exceptional. GamePad map is essential. A must for genre fans."
"The best multiplatform port of NFS Most Wanted by Criterion, with exclusive extra content. Exciting open world racing. GamePad well integrated. A solid and accessible racing game for WiiU."
"Best WiiU port of a third-party espionage game. GamePad well integrated for gadgets and map. Sam Fisher remains charismatic and stealth still satisfying. A very good game often overlooked on WiiU."
"2D platformer masterpiece by Retro Studios. Level design of exceptional richness and inventiveness, legendary David Wise music. Difficult but rewarding. One of the best WiiU games and best modern platformers across all consoles."
"Bundle of both SteamWorld games (Dig and Heist) in a WiiU package. Two excellent indie games with polished design. SteamWorld Dig is an addictive Metroidvania, Heist a creative turn-based tactical. Excellent value for money for the WiiU library."