Is the Wii U worth owning nowadays?

W101 is never getting ported, so if you want to play it, there's only one way to do it.

They're all most likely coming to Switch in 2019 when some Switch games announced for 2019 gets delayed *coughs loudly*

I love my Wii U but... NO

Pikmin 3 and TW101 say yes.

There's also Tokyo Mirage Sessions and Xenoblade X, so yeah it seems worth it.

MechaBreaker said:

W101 is never getting ported, so if you want to play it, there's only one way to do it.

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I still believe, and PG wanted to make it happen.

Hell no.

I can actually see Xenoblade X being a system seller (it lasted me months) but I'm not convinced it won't come to Switch. I also reckon a Pikmin 4 could easily be around the corner... So I wouldn't personally recommend buying the system for a couple of games unless you have the money to spare and the inclination.

If you're planning on playing the games straight away or you're a collector, yes. If you're interested in the games in general and will get round to them eventually, there's a strong chance every Wii U game worth playing will come to the Switch in some shape or form, except titles like Nintendo Land and Kirby that rely on the Game Pad.

For the games, I would say wait since it's likely most are getting ported. And if they're not, do you have any friends you could borrow the system from? Spending 170 bucks for one or two games seems wasteful, especially if you've got a backlog.

On the second point, you can literally buy a Wii HDMI adapter for like 10-20 bucks.

Don't forget about Tokyo Mirage Sessions if you like cheesy fun JRPGs and Zombie U for the best experience of that game. Outside of those two and the one you listed, those are the best games for getting on the system now.

Even without exclusives my WiiU still gets a lot of play time as a Virtual Console box.

But also Tokyo Mirage Sessions and 101 are never getting ported (probably) so there's that as well.

I think both Xenoblade X and Pikmin 3 will get Switch ports down the line. As well as Mario 3D World.
The Wonderful 101 could, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Other games that likely won't leave the console: Tokyo Mirage Sessions, Paper Mario Color Splash, Star Fox Zero, Star Fox Guard, Kirby & the Rainbow Curse.
Mario Maker and Yoshi's Woolly World got 3DS downports so they probably won't go to Switch any time soon.

Maybe wait another couple of years and see what happens, I don't see prices skyrocketing soon.

OP already covered that Wii U's are not cheap. That's the biggest issue, but if you canfind a bundle with enough games it would be worth it.

Go for it if you think Wii U is worth $170+ for backwards compatibility (Wii games + virtual console stuff).

But expect most of Wii U's titles to eventually end up on Switch.

It's my homebrew/VC machine, basically. 1985-2016 Nintendo all in one box.

Plus there's a few exclusives that I know will never, ever be ported.

Alternative take: if you're into homebrew, the Wii U is amazing.

I don't think so. Most of exclusives were/are/will be ported to Switch.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

I've tried them and none seem to work properly. I don't get audio and the IQ is worse than using component cables.

I'm thinking it might be a good idea to hold off on the console for a bit but to pick up the games right now while they're cheap. I can see a Dreamcast situation emerging where the great games that stay exclusive skyrocket in value.

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Hm, that's unfortunate.

I def would echo holding off on the console. I guess you could pick up the games as nintendo games tend to keep their value if inaccessible but realize they'll probably tank if they're ported elsewhere.

Yes and no. Depending on whether or not you own a Switch.

At this moment for me, no. I'm planning on selling my Wii U for that reason to buy a Switch. My favorite games on the system like Zelda BOTW, DKCTF, and Mario Kart 8 have been ported to the Switch. Also with Splatoon 2 already out and Ultimate releasing in a few months, I don't have a lot of reasons to keep playing Splatoon 1 and Smash 4 on the Wii U. Basically, the Switch has the ports or the better sequels on it.

But on the other hand, there are still other great games on it that probably won't get ported to the Switch anytime soon, like Super Mario 3D World, Pikmin 3, Zelda Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD.

Basically, it boils down to whether or not you can easily afford that 170$. If yes, then by all means. There are still great Wii U games that aren't on Switch. But if money's tight right now, I don't think it's worth it. Assuming you own a Switch, because if you don't own a Switch, the Wii U is definitely still worth owning.

At this point no, I considered it myself when I saw one for like a hundred Euros, but it's just an extra set of bulky equipment to keep attached to the TV for the 2-3 games that are not yet on the Switch and that will probably come to the Switch anyway. I'd mainly get one for Mario Maker if anything, but I'm pretty sure Nintendo will eventually port it in an enhanced edition. I mean, that's one of the most Amiibo-friendly games out there too, they'd be dumb not to unleash it on a community that is already larger than what the Wii U had. Unless you want a few extremely specific and niche titles that may not come out on the Switch, I'd not buy it, in fact I took the decision not to get it not long ago.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is like a great Persona spin-off. I liked Xenoblade Chronicles X more than XC2. TW101 is good. And I should get around to playing Pikmin one of these days seeing as how I own it (got it from Club Nintendo).

It functions as a solid Wii as well with HDMI & also some exclusive digital versions of Wii games. Playing Xenoblade Chronicles 1 on the Wii U gamepad is the best way to play the game IMO if you don't want to mess around with emulators (note, you can only do this if you purchase the game digitally on the Wii U).

So basically, I wouldn't say it's an essential purchase since several of its best games have Switch versions, but if you have the free income, there's certainly worse things you could do with your money.

I'd say so. I own a switch and a Wii U, and I've probably still put more time into my Wii U than my switch, even since getting the switch last year. In part because I don't care to rebuy the games I already had as switch copies, but also because it's given me the opportunity to play Wii games I never experienced since I never owned a Wii.

Plus, I easily prefer super Mario 3D word over Odyssey. The game I've put the most hours into on my switch is Stardew Valley, which I also have on my PS4 anyway.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

I want to pick one up but they're still too damn expensive even on the used market. I basically want to own one for four games, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Pikmin 3, and The Wonderful 101.

Xenoblade Chronicles X, like the first game in the series, I'm fairly confident won't get a Switch port. The Wonderful 101 also seems highly unlikely to me. Pikmin 3 on the other hand, is a huge surprise it hasn't happened yet along with Super Mario 3D World. We've got a Captain Toad port but no port for these games. I have to feel like it's inevitable.

Just as important, I want one for it's Wii backward compatibility. I already own a Wii but I only have one component input on my TV so having an HDMI enabled Wii would be a useful thing since I want to free up that input for a PS2 w/ component in.

But useful enough to be worth $170+?

By all accounts W101 is a system seller but I need you folks to talk me into (or out of) it.

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Get a used one for 50 bucks.

I just bought mine and I love it. The games for it are super cheap at Gamestop. I bought Zombie U for $3, along with Mass Effect 3 and guess what people are still playing online even at 3am! Also got Star Fox Zero for $5 and hooooly shit do I hate the controls. Turned it off after the tutorial level. It's kinda fun owning a system this long after it's death, especially when the Switch doesn't have YouTube or Netflix. It's the best way for me to watch YouTube stuff on my TV because for some reason my phone always has issues with the syncing. Using the app on my TV requires slow input through the remote also, but I can type on the gamepad and have videos on my TV a lot quicker. I've also downloaded a bunch of SNES and GBA games that look great on my TV and the gamepad. I've been playing Advance Wars . I say if you have some money to blow, get you a Wii U. Mine was $99 at Gamestop.

I think Wii U as a machine, is one of the least enjoyable consoles to use. It's start up time, force use of the gamepad for basic use and the need to keep the pad charged, makes it my least favorite Nintendo console, if you don't own a Switch, get a Switch, if you have the need of an HDMI Wii, it's a decent version of that console, but I find it frustrating, the games are great, but most of them are going to Switch and there is more on the way, I feel like the biggest reason to own a Wii U, is for a kid's room. It's much less delicate than a Switch, and offers netflix, youtube, amazon video, hulu and crunchyroll. A great selection of games, a web browser, VC and is a HDMI enabled Wii as well. If you mod it, it's a really cool media hub too, and you can get it to play digital backups of gamecube games as well, and with the gamecube adapter, you can even use the original controller. I think if you are willing to do those things, it's a no brainer, but if you are going to use it for what it is out of the box, it's just a less than enjoyable experience in my opinion, and I'm a Nintendo fan who has enjoyed every console Nintendo has offered, and if Switch didn't get those ports, it would absolutely be worth owning for it's library, but Switch has helped that library escape, and with it, the value of owning the Wii U.

CaviarMeths said:

It's my homebrew/VC machine, basically. 1985-2016 Nintendo all in one box.

Plus there's a few exclusives that I know will never, ever be ported.

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Joey Ravn said:

Alternative take: if you're into homebrew, the Wii U is amazing.

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This.

The Wii U becomes one of the best consoles when you hack it.

It would be by far the best Virtual Console machine if Nintendo didn't close down the Wii Shop.

WiiU Virtual Console + Wii backwards compatability + remaining WiiU exclusives is still a good package (if you don't already own a Wii of course).
WiiU games might not stay exclusive but Nintendo doesn't seem to have any plans currently to bring their catalogue to the Switch VC-style. So for older games WiiU is still the best option.

Also it's currently the only console where you can play the game of the gen Mario Maker on.

Hack it then yes. Details would probably get me banned but it can be pretty awesome.

I think it's worth it for a HDMI Wii back compat, virtual console and the exclusives it has left.

I sold my launch unit just before mid gen when my expectations were lowest but picked up a used one on Craigslist last year for $45. I think the woman thought it was an original Wii.

I'd go with no, until you can find it for really cheap.
There aren't many games anymore that will stay stuck on the system.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

Could you give me a brief overview of the advantages to Modding? Is it hard? I put CFW on my 3DS so I could patch in the orchestral soundtracks but the hack hadn't gotten much other utility besides that.

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Basically it becomes a backwards compatible console.

You will get every Nintendo console (apart from N64) and handheld, every console and handheld apart from Dreamcast, Sega Saturn and PS1/2 (I think?) in a single box which is very appealing.

I'm hearing great things about hacked WiiU, outside that it makes a good virtual console machine, 9f the dark filter doesn't bother you. Besides, where else are you going to play Wii games on an HD console? Where else are you going the Wonderful 101, Tokyo Mirage Sessions, Wind Waker HD, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Pikmin 3, Nintendo Land, Super Mario Bros 3D World, and Devils Third?

It might be if it didn't have that bizarre dark filter on Virtual Console titles.

You'll never play Affordable Space Adventures anywhere else. And you should.

An easy yes.

And I'm not even talking about hacking.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

Will a Wii U read GameCube disks? Also not as expensive as I thought. Gamestop sells the 8GB version for $100 which means I could probably get one cheaper from a local store.

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Yes provided you hack it.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

Xenoblade Chronicles X, like the first game in the series, I'm fairly confident won't get a Switch port.

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What ?
That doesn't make ay sense really : P.

Takahashi said he wanted it to be ported but also that he'd like to work on a sequel (which are both obvious).
It was the very first Open World RPG, it released on the cursed Wii U.
All the "best" Wii U games are coming. Of course X is also part of it.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

The Wonderful 101 also seems highly unlikely to me.

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I'd argue this one is more or less as likely. Platinum wants this ported to the Switch too.
Seeing how bayonetta came fast and how W101 is "teased" by Kamiya, I'd also say it's a matter of time really.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

Will a Wii U read GameCube disks? Also not as expensive as I thought. Gamestop sells the 8GB version for $100 which means I could probably get one cheaper from a local store.

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No, the Wii U doesn't support Gamecube disks. It supports the games though.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:

I want to pick one up but they're still too damn expensive even on the used market. I basically want to own one for four games, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Pikmin 3, and The Wonderful 101.

Xenoblade Chronicles X, like the first game in the series, I'm fairly confident won't get a Switch port. The Wonderful 101 also seems highly unlikely to me. Pikmin 3 on the other hand, is a huge surprise it hasn't happened yet along with Super Mario 3D World. We've got a Captain Toad port but no port for these games. I have to feel like it's inevitable.

Just as important, I want one for it's Wii backward compatibility. I already own a Wii but I only have one component input on my TV so having an HDMI enabled Wii would be a useful thing since I want to free up that input for a PS2 w/ component in.

But useful enough to be worth $170+?

By all accounts W101 is a system seller but I need you folks to talk me into (or out of) it.

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Yep get one, i have one and love it.

Get the following too -

Super Mario Maker
Project Zero Maiden of Black Water
Mario 3D World
Art Academy Atelier
Smash Bros. Wii U
Splatoon
Wind Waker HD
Tokyo Mirage Sessions FE
Paper Mario Color Splash
Yoshis woolly world

There are others but you probably have them for switch and i cant remember off the top of my head.

Plus its a great Wii with HDMI too.

Get a PS4 Pro too (not the base), so many games there.

Get one and homebrew it to death. At this point is the best Nintendo console ever by virtue of being able to play almost everything from NES to Wii

Get a Wiimote, a Nunchaku and NES Classic + SNES Classic for authenticity

Mediking said:

They're all most likely coming to Switch in 2019 when some Switch games announced for 2019 gets delayed *coughs loudly*

I love my Wii U but... NO

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Even if all great games are getting switch ports, buying them on wii u + the console itself is still cheaper due to the switch tax.

The web browser is great for streaming videos to your tv. Then there's access to the Wii VC games.

Don't know about you, but I don't see any other system with Pikmin 3 on it.

I bought mine for £120 with Splatoon, Mario Maker & Woolly World 18 months ago. Barely used it because of the annoyance of the Gamepad. However, it is now essentially a homebrewed GameCube for me so it definitely has its uses.

Hack it and it becomes the ultimate Nintendo platform, including (but not limited to) the ability to play:

• all NES games
• all SNES games
• about 50% of all N64 games
• all Gamecube Games
• all Wii Games

and also a lot of other platforms, Wii Homebrew etc. etc.!

I've seen them going pretty cheap here in the UK at CEX. I'm considering picking one up again, as I miss some of the games - stuff like 3D World, Art Academy etc.