As someone who grew up playing Nintendo consoles, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I think about the Wii U and its exclusive games. While the Switch has undoubtedly been a home run for Nintendo, it’s hard not to miss some of the gems left behind on its less successful predecessor.
It’s clear that the Nintendo Switch isn’t just doing well; it’s thriving. With more than 143 million units sold so far, this hybrid console has played a significant role in reviving Nintendo’s reputation after the relatively unsuccessful Wii U. The upcoming releases of games such as “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2” and “Metroid Prime 4” promise that the system’s momentum will continue.
But maybe the gulf between the Wii U and the Switch isn’t as great as some make it out to be. Though the former’s branding and marketing, coupled with its lack of competitiveness in the console tech arms race, made it a tough sell alongside the more impressive PS4 and Xbox One, it was still a high-quality system where it counts: games. In fact, many of the Nintendo Switch’s best-selling “exclusives” were actually released on the Wii U first, or as cross-platform titles. Games fitting this description include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Mario Kart 8
- Pikmin 3
- Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze
However, it’s interesting to note that while the Nintendo Switch boasts an impressive library, there are some Wii U exclusives missing from its collection. It might be worth investigating these games and considering their potential in the context of Nintendo’s upcoming hardware developments.
Major Wii U Exclusives That Haven’t Come to the Switch Yet
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Twilight Princess HD
It seems that two popular omissions from the Nintendo Switch library are the games “Twilight Princess” and “Wind Waker,” originally released on the GameCube. These games were later remastered for the Wii U, with many praising these versions as enhancements over the originals without compromising their unique charm. At this moment, it’s unclear if Nintendo plans to make these classic titles available on the Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch Online. For now, they can only be played on a basic Nintendo Switch through alternative means.
Splatoon
Over the past few years, Splatoon has garnered a dedicated fanbase, and its second and third installments are considered some of the Nintendo Switch’s top competitive multiplayer games. Interestingly, the original game in the series hasn’t been ported to the Switch yet. Unfortunately, as of April 2024, the servers for Splatoon 1 have been turned off, meaning that without a modified Wii U, it’s no longer possible to play this first release online, effectively rendering it obsolete in modern gaming terms.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Generally regarded as one of the top games in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, Xenoblade Chronicles X continues to be exclusive to the Wii U. This is somewhat puzzling given that the franchise’s fanbase is exceptionally loyal, and a port for the Switch would likely be popular. However, for now, enthusiasts must settle for playing the Wii U version.
Star Fox Zero
2015 saw the release of Star Fox Zero, a game that didn’t create a global sensation despite having its fair share of enthusiasts. As the long-awaited addition to the Star Fox series, which hadn’t seen a new installment for over a decade, there was immense anticipation for Zero. While some critics felt it fell short of those expectations, others appreciated it as a faithful sequel that maintained the series’ core qualities. Here’s hoping we see a true revival of Star Fox in the future, and maybe that could pave the way for another release of Zero.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
As a devoted Kirby fan, I’ve always found “Kirby and the Rainbow Curse” to be a game that holds its ground among the series, yet tends to get overshadowed by other entries. Its performance, somewhat mediocre due to its heavy reliance on the Wii U Gamepad, might be the reason Nintendo hasn’t ported it to the Switch just yet. Regardless, this game retains the enchanting allure and inventive spirit that the franchise is known for, making it a desirable candidate for the potential Nintendo Switch 2 lineup.
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2024-09-02 17:04