Top 10 Wii U Exclusive Games as of 2014

The Wii U had a slow start after its 2012 launch, but its library of exclusive games grew substantially through 2013 and 2014. By the end of its second full year on the market, the console was home to a strong collection of titles that could not be played anywhere else. This is a ranked list of the ten best Wii U exclusives available as of the end of 2014.

The Countdown: Numbers 10 through 6

10. New Super Mario Bros. U

Following the popular New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Nintendo did not wait long to develop a sequel. New Super Mario Bros. U was released as a launch title for the Wii U, continuing the series’ focus on classic 2D platforming. The game brought the familiar side-scrolling action into high definition for the first time. It also introduced new power-ups and special abilities for Yoshi, adding fresh mechanics to the established formula. For players who enjoy traditional Mario games, this title offered a polished and familiar experience from day one of the console’s life.

9. Hyrule Warriors

Many fans of The Legend of Zelda were initially skeptical of Hyrule Warriors, but the spin-off became a surprise hit on the Wii U. The game merges the world of Hyrule with the gameplay of the Dynasty Warriors series, putting players in control of iconic characters against massive armies of enemies. Beyond playing as Link, the roster includes many other figures from the franchise’s history, including villains like Ganondorf. It offered a satisfying and action-packed take on the beloved universe.

8. The Wonderful 101

Directed by Hideki Kamiya, known for his work on Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta, The Wonderful 101 was one of the most overlooked exclusives on the platform. In this action game, players control a swarm of superheroes who can recruit ordinary citizens to join their cause. These heroes combine their powers to form giant weapons and tools to defeat colossal alien invaders in spectacular battles. Its unique concept and stylish combat made it a standout title for fans of the action genre.

7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Born from the clever puzzle-box stages in Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker was expanded into a full game. The core concept requires players to guide the titular captain through a series of intricate, maze-like levels. Success often depends on rotating the camera to find hidden paths and secrets. The game is filled with charm and creative stage designs. It also launched at a budget price, making it an accessible entry point into the Wii U’s exclusive library.

6. Pikmin 3

Nine years after the release of its predecessor, the Pikmin series returned in 2013 with Pikmin 3. This installment expanded the real-time strategy gameplay by introducing three playable captains, which allowed players to multitask and manage their Pikmin squads more efficiently across the map. The game also featured new types of Pikmin, adding more depth to the puzzles and combat. A two-player multiplayer mode provided additional value beyond the main story campaign.

The Top Five Wii U Exclusives

5. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Building on the foundation of Donkey Kong Country Returns, this sequel refined the challenging 2D platforming the series is known for. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze featured improved level design and a memorable soundtrack. The cast of playable characters expanded to include Cranky Kong and Dixie Kong alongside Donkey and Diddy Kong, each bringing unique abilities to help navigate the difficult stages. The game was a demanding but rewarding experience for fans of classic platformers.

4. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

The fourth entry in the Super Smash Bros. series was also released on the 3DS, but the Wii U version offered a distinct experience. It featured gorgeous HD graphics and exclusive modes, including hectic eight-player battles. The development team made several gameplay adjustments based on feedback from the previous game, Brawl, such as removing random tripping and increasing the overall speed of combat. With a huge roster of characters from across Nintendo’s history, it was a comprehensive fighting game for fans of the franchise.

3. Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 was a significant step forward for the series, delivering an experience that improved upon its popular but sometimes divisive predecessor, Mario Kart Wii. The game’s headline feature was the introduction of anti-gravity sections, which allowed racers to drive on walls and ceilings, adding a new dimension to track design. It included a mix of excellent new courses and reimagined classic tracks. With tight controls and excellent multiplayer options for both local and online play, it stood as the best racing game on the system.

2. Bayonetta 2

The original Bayonetta was a critical success, but a sequel was nearly canceled before Nintendo stepped in to fund its development as a Wii U exclusive. Bayonetta 2 builds upon the stylish, fast-paced combat of the first game, refining the mechanics and adding new elements like the Umbran Climax for even more spectacular action. The game’s pacing is relentless, constantly throwing players into one unpredictable and over-the-top scenario after another. For action game enthusiasts, Bayonetta 2 was considered one of the best titles in its genre.

1. Super Mario 3D World

Rather than developing a direct sequel to Super Mario Galaxy, Nintendo created Super Mario 3D World, a game that blended the creativity of 3D Mario with the focused level design of the 2D classics. The result was a platformer filled with challenging and inventive obstacle courses. The game featured a massive amount of secrets and unlockable content that kept players engaged long after the main story was complete. Its four-player cooperative multiplayer was a highlight, allowing players to use characters with slightly different abilities to tackle stages together. It was a complete and highly polished experience.