The Wii U was the biggest failure in Nintendo history, selling less than any other console in the company's long line of gameplay offerings. In total, only 13.56 million were sold globally. However, despite the Wii U's hardware failure, the game library was heavily praised, with tons of critical successes sadly being released to a gaming unit that nobody owned.
Fortunately, many Wii U games have been ported to the Nintendo Switch, and numerous titles have new content, built-in DLC, or expanded features in order to provide more value to those who may have already purchased the game for the Wii U.
LEGO City Undercover
Originally released in 2013, this adventure platformer put gamers in the middle of a sprawling LEGO metropolis (based on the LEGO City toy line). In a way, the game is like a family-friendly version of Grand Theft Auto, though, this time around, gamers take the role of the police instead of the criminal.
Filled with endless LEGO-style humor and fun levels, LEGO City Undercover proved to be a commercial success, while also proving that addictive and thrilling games don't need to be filled with the mature themes that made GTA so popular.
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Fatal Frame (known as Zero in Japan and Project Zero in Europe and Australasia) is a long-running horror franchise that began in 2001. Initially, the games were released on PS and Xbox consoles, but became a Nintendo exclusive starting in 2008.
In Maiden of Black Water, the game's three protagonists make their way to Hikami Mountain, which locals say is cursed with lingering spirits of the dead. As with previous Fatal Frame games, Maiden of Black Water is a plot-heavy fantasy-survival horror game that is perfect for any gamer looking to get lost in a captivating story.
Bayonetta 2
Originally released in 2014, Bayonetta 2 remains one of the most overlooked video games ever. Despite never being one of Nintendo's bestsellers, the game has received rave reviews from critics and gamers, holding an impressive 92% on Metacritic.
The action game has light RPG elements and follows the title character, Bayonetta, as she battles to rescue her friend who has been dragged into the underworld. The game was unanimously praised for its superb pace, combat, and story. It was even nominated for Game of the Year and placed on numerous Top 10 lists for 2014. Fortunately for fans, Bayonetta 3 is set to release on the Switch in 2022.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker builds off of the mini-games originally found in Super Mario 3D World and sees players take control of Toad as he navigates various maps. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker combines an action platformer with a puzzle game, making gamers explore 3D worlds filled with trap doors, moving platforms, and various other obstacles.
The goal is to figure out how to use each element properly to create a clear path for Toad to collect the gold star in each level. Treasure Tracker is just one of the many fantastic puzzle games on the Switch, which have proved to be popular since they play well while in the Switch's handheld mode.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Pikmin, first released in 2001, turned out to be a sleeper hit for the GameCube, going on to sell over a million copies. Pikmin 3 arrived on the Wii U in 2013 and continued the puzzle-based gameplay of using different colored Pikmin to complete various tasks and challenges, but it also added in more Koppaite characters that players must constantly switch between to help the Pikmin achieve their goals.
This also added a new level of strategy and difficulty to the game, making Pikmin 3 the hardest in the series so far. Pikmin 3 Deluxe came to the Switch in 2020, providing a much-needed relaxing and beautiful escape into nature for gamers around the world who were hunkering down during various lockdowns and viral surges.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Ever since Donkey Kong Country hit the SNES in 1994 with its unrivaled graphics and sound quality for 16-bit systems, the franchise has been known for producing some of the best platformer games ever.
When Tropical Freeze first launched for the Wii U in 2014, it was met with rave reviews, praising the game for its lush graphics, rugged levels, and an outstanding soundtrack. Destructoid even called the game "pretty much flawless", giving it a 10/10. After its port in 2018, Tropical Freeze quickly became one of the best platformers on the Switch, and rumors of a franchise reboot are starting to swirl.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
Combining elements of hack and slash games with the adventure aspect of the Zelda franchise, Hyrule Warriors sees Ganondorf return, this time corrupting a sorceress named Cia, who becomes hellbent on taking over Hyrule. It's up to Link, Zelda, and other franchise favorites to protect Hyrule and the Triforce.
Though the game is more combat-oriented than other Zelda games, it still has a great story and light RPG elements, making it fit seamlessly into the already well-established franchise.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U was the fourth installment of the popular New Super Mario Bros. series which sought to return Mario and Luigi to their sidescrolling platformer roots. Every game in the series has been well received, proving that platformers still have an important place in the world of video games, despite the transition to 3D gaming.
The Switch port, which carries the added 'Deluxe' in the title, comes pre-equipped with all of the DLC that was available for the original Wii U game.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
While New Super Mario Bros. was returning Mario to his sidescrolling roots, Super Mario 3D World continued his adventures through 3D levels. The game was heavily praised, with critics commenting on its vibrant colors, intricate level design, and inviting atmosphere. The Switch port also came with Bowser's Fury, a new Switch-exclusive mini-campaign that adds numerous hours of additional play-time.
3D World was also notable for being playable with up to four players, making it an awesome way for a group of friends to team up rather than battle against each other like most multiplayer Mario games such as Mario Party and Mario Kart.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 is the bestselling game on both the Wii U and Switch, totaling more than 47.20 million copies, making it one of the bestselling video games of all time.
The franchise has been popular since the '90s and is beloved for its ability to take action-packed racing competitions and add in fun, wacky, and downright absurd obstacles like giant bullets, careening shells, and those pesky bananas. The combination of intense competition with mood-lightening antics has made Kart one of the most popular in gaming history.