The Wii U, Nintendo’s follow-up to the wildly successful Wii console, may not have reached the same heights as its predecessor, but it still boasted an impressive library of games. Despite selling only 13.56 million units worldwide before being discontinued, the Wii U had several standout titles that sold millions of copies and received critical acclaim.
Many of the top-selling Wii U games featured Nintendo’s beloved characters and franchises. Mario Kart 8 led the pack as the best-selling Wii U game with over 8.4 million copies sold worldwide. Other popular titles included Super Mario 3D World and various entries in the Super Smash Bros and Legend of Zelda series. These games showed that even with limited hardware adoption, Nintendo could still create compelling experiences for their fans.
1. Mario Kart 8
Mario Kart 8 stands as the best-selling game on the Wii U, reaching over 8.4 million copies sold worldwide. It first hit the Japanese market on May 29, 2014, before rolling out to other regions.
Nintendo’s official sales figures confirm Mario Kart 8 sold 8.46 million units during the Wii U’s lifetime. This impressive number is especially notable considering the Wii U itself only sold about 13.56 million consoles total before being discontinued.
The game’s success didn’t stop with the Wii U. When Nintendo released Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch, it became even more popular. The enhanced version has sold over 55 million copies on the Switch platform at $60 each.
More recent figures show Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has now reached nearly 62 million sales, making it Nintendo’s best-selling game ever. This incredible achievement spans both the original Wii U version and its Switch counterpart.
What made Mario Kart 8 so popular? The game featured stunning HD graphics, anti-gravity racing mechanics, and a roster of 30 playable characters. It also introduced new items and course designs that refreshed the series.
Nintendo supported the game after launch with two major DLC packs adding new characters, vehicles, and tracks. This post-release content helped maintain player interest long after the initial purchase.
The game received praise from critics and fans alike for its polished gameplay, beautiful visuals, and excellent multiplayer options. Its strong sales performance represents a bright spot in the otherwise disappointing commercial run of the Wii U console.
2. Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World is one of the most successful titles on Nintendo’s Wii U console. Released in 2013, this platformer became the second best-selling game on the system, showcasing the creativity Nintendo is known for.
The game sold an impressive 5.89 million copies worldwide on the Wii U. This achievement is particularly notable considering the Wii U’s limited commercial success compared to other Nintendo consoles.
Super Mario 3D World features Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad as playable characters. Each character has unique abilities that help players navigate colorful levels. The game introduced the cat power-up, allowing characters to climb walls and scratch enemies.
The game received praise for its four-player cooperative gameplay. Friends could team up locally to complete levels together, adding a social element to the Mario experience.
Despite the Wii U’s relatively small user base, Super Mario 3D World managed to outsell many other first-party titles. It ranks just behind Mario Kart 8 in the list of top-selling Wii U games.
The popularity of Super Mario 3D World led Nintendo to release an enhanced version for the Switch in 2021. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury added new content and brought the game to a wider audience. The Switch version has sold over 5.6 million units, bringing the total sales across both platforms to more than 10 million copies.
Players enjoy the game’s mix of 2D and 3D platforming elements. The level design takes inspiration from both classic side-scrolling Mario games and more open 3D adventures.
Super Mario 3D World stands as a testament to Nintendo’s ability to create engaging games even on less successful hardware. Its strong sales figures helped establish it as one of the definitive Wii U experiences.
3. New Super Mario Bros. U
New Super Mario Bros. U was one of the launch titles for the Nintendo Wii U in 2012. The game continued the side-scrolling platform tradition that fans had come to love from the Mario series.
With colorful graphics and familiar gameplay, it quickly became a hit among Nintendo fans. Players could once again control Mario, Luigi, and Toads as they jumped and dashed through the Mushroom Kingdom.
The game featured a map system similar to Super Mario World, connecting various themed worlds. It also introduced new power-ups like the Flying Squirrel suit, which let players glide through levels.
What made this game stand out was its multiplayer mode. Up to five players could join in, with one using the GamePad to place platforms for others. This feature added a fresh twist to the classic Mario formula.
The game’s sales were impressive for the Wii U. According to Nintendo’s financial data, New Super Mario Bros. U sold well despite the console’s struggles in the market.
Later, Nintendo released an enhanced version called New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe for the Switch. This version combined the original game with the New Super Luigi U expansion.
Between both versions, the game has reached remarkable sales figures. The combined releases have sold 23.88 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever.
While not as popular as Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, New Super Mario Bros. U proved that 2D Mario games still had plenty of appeal. Its success showed that traditional platformers remained relevant even as 3D games dominated the market.
The game received positive reviews for its level design and multiplayer options. Critics praised how it balanced nostalgia with new ideas, creating something both familiar and fresh.
4. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U hit shelves in 2014 and quickly became one of the console’s most popular games. With sales reaching 5.38 million copies, it stands as one of the top-selling titles for the system.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the ratio of game sales to console ownership. Despite the Wii U’s limited market reach, Super Smash Bros. has the highest units sold per console ratio in the series. This shows just how essential the game was for Wii U owners.
The game features a roster of popular Nintendo characters who battle it out across various stages. Players can choose from classics like Mario and Link or newcomers like Mega Man and Pac-Man. The fighting mechanics balance simplicity with depth, making it accessible to newcomers while offering complexity for competitive players.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U also became the fastest-selling Wii U game in the United States upon its release. This initial sales burst helped cement its place in the console’s library as a must-have title.
The game received praise for its HD graphics, responsive controls, and wealth of content. From single-player challenges to eight-player battles, the game offered something for every type of player. Its online mode also allowed fans to test their skills against opponents worldwide.
Nintendo supported the game with downloadable content, including new fighters, stages, and costumes. This extended the game’s lifespan and kept players engaged long after its initial release.
Many Wii U owners bought the console specifically for this game. Its popularity among fighting game fans and casual players alike helped boost the Wii U during a time when the console struggled to find its audience.
The success of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U laid groundwork for its Switch successor, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which would go on to break even more records for the franchise.
5. Splatoon
Splatoon stands out as one of the most successful games on the Wii U. This colorful shooter was a fresh IP from Nintendo that took a big risk with a new concept focused on ink-based territory battles.
The gamble paid off impressively. Splatoon sold 4.95 million copies worldwide on the Wii U. This is especially remarkable considering the Wii U only sold about 13.5 million units total.
The game achieved an amazing attach rate for a brand new series. Nearly 1 in 3 Wii U owners purchased Splatoon, showing just how appealing this new franchise was to Nintendo fans.
In Japan, Splatoon became the best-selling physical Wii U game with 1.53 million copies sold. It also topped the digital charts, becoming the highest-selling title on the Japanese Wii U eShop.
Nintendo took a chance on a completely new IP when they could have played it safe with established franchises. The risk worked beautifully, creating a new pillar franchise that continues today.
The game’s bright colors, unique gameplay, and creative concept set it apart from other shooters on the market. Instead of focusing on violence, Splatoon emphasized covering territory with ink.
The success led directly to sequels on the Switch that expanded on the original. Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3 built upon the foundation created by this Wii U hit.
Splatoon’s performance remains one of the bright spots in the Wii U’s library. It proved that even on a struggling console, the right game could find massive success.
The game now ranks among Nintendo’s most valuable modern franchises. What started as an experiment on the Wii U has grown into a major series with a dedicated fanbase and competitive scene.
6. Super Mario Maker
Super Mario Maker launched on the Wii U in September 2015 and quickly became one of the console’s standout titles. The game sold 4.02 million copies worldwide, making it a commercial success despite the Wii U’s limited user base.
What made Super Mario Maker special was its focus on creativity. Players could design and share their own Mario levels using elements from several classic Mario games. The intuitive touchscreen interface of the Wii U GamePad made level creation accessible to players of all ages.
The game included styles based on Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U. Each style had its own unique physics and special items that matched the original games.
Nintendo supported Super Mario Maker with regular updates after launch. These updates added new items, features, and ways to find and play community-created levels.
The online sharing component became the heart of Super Mario Maker. Players uploaded millions of levels ranging from traditional platforming challenges to bizarre contraptions and even music levels. The variety was endless.
Some creators gained popularity for their consistently excellent or uniquely challenging level designs. The community aspect helped extend the game’s lifespan well beyond what a typical Mario game might enjoy.
Super Mario Maker later received a 3DS version and a full-fledged sequel on the Nintendo Switch. However, the original Wii U version remains special as one of the top-selling titles that truly took advantage of the console’s unique features.
The game received critical acclaim for its creativity and accessibility. It earned numerous awards and helped boost Wii U sales during its release period.
Super Mario Maker stands as one of the Wii U’s defining games. It showed how Nintendo could innovate within its classic franchises while embracing user-generated content in meaningful ways.
7. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD was a significant release for the Wii U console. This HD remake of the GameCube classic launched on September 20, 2013, bringing the colorful adventure to a new generation of players.
Sales figures show this title was quite successful on the struggling console. The game sold approximately 2.37 million copies worldwide, making it one of the better-selling Wii U titles.
The Wind Waker HD features a unique art style that stands out in the Zelda series. Its distinctive “toon-shaded” graphics were enhanced for the HD release, making the already beautiful game look even better on modern TVs.
Nintendo included this title in their Nintendo Selects line, which offered popular games at a reduced price. This helped extend the game’s sales life and accessibility to more players.
The remake wasn’t just a visual update. It also improved the controls and streamlined some gameplay elements that fans found tedious in the original version. These quality-of-life improvements were welcomed by both new and returning players.
On the North American eShop, Wind Waker HD was consistently one of the best-selling digital titles. Many players chose to download the game rather than purchase a physical copy.
The game tells the story of Link sailing across a vast ocean to rescue his kidnapped sister. The Great Sea setting was a major departure from previous Zelda games and offered a sense of exploration and adventure.
Wind Waker HD ranks as the 21st best-selling Zelda game in the franchise’s history. While not the highest-selling entry, it performed well considering the Wii U’s limited install base.
Players praised the game’s charming characters, engaging story, and fluid combat system. Critics particularly noted how well the cel-shaded art style held up in the HD conversion.
8. Pokken Tournament
Pokken Tournament brought the world of Pokemon to life in a unique fighting game for the Wii U. Released in 2016, this game combined elements of traditional Pokemon battles with fighting game mechanics.
The game quickly became a commercial success. According to sales data, Pokken Tournament outsold Street Fighter V in the US at retail, which was quite an achievement for a Wii U exclusive title competing against a PlayStation 4 game.
In Japan, the game made a strong first impression. It topped the Media Create sales charts during its debut week with 69,675 copies sold, showing the strength of the Pokemon brand even on the underperforming Wii U console.
The gameplay featured popular Pokemon like Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo in arena battles. Players could use various attacks and special moves unique to each Pokemon character.
What made Pokken Tournament special was its accessibility to newcomers while still offering depth for competitive players. The control scheme was simpler than many traditional fighting games but still allowed for strategic gameplay.
The game received support through downloadable content, adding more playable Pokemon over time. This helped maintain player interest and expanded the roster of fighters.
Later, Nintendo released an enhanced version called Pokken Tournament DX for the Nintendo Switch. This version included all DLC characters from the Wii U release plus additional fighters and features.
While not reaching the sales heights of games like Mario Kart 8, Pokken Tournament proved that the Wii U could support successful new gameplay concepts when paired with a strong franchise like Pokemon.
The game also found a place in competitive gaming, with tournaments held at various events including some official Pokemon Championship Series competitions.
9. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was a notable title in the Wii U’s library. This platformer, developed by Retro Studios, continued the revival of the classic Donkey Kong Country series that began on the Wii.
The game sold around 2.02 million copies on the Wii U, making it one of the best-selling titles for the console. This number is impressive considering the Wii U’s limited user base compared to other Nintendo platforms.
In Japan, the game performed decently, selling over 70,000 copies in its first month of release. While not massive numbers, these sales helped contribute to its overall commercial success.
The game brought back fan-favorite characters and added Cranky Kong as a playable character. Players could choose between different Kongs, each with unique abilities that helped navigate the challenging levels.
Tropical Freeze was known for its difficulty. Many players found its precise platforming and tough boss battles more challenging than most modern Nintendo games. This difficulty became part of its identity and appeal to hardcore players.
The game featured beautiful visuals that showcased what the Wii U hardware could do. Its detailed environments and fluid animations were widely praised by critics and fans alike.
One minor criticism of the Wii U version was its long loading times. This technical issue was later addressed in the Nintendo Switch port released in 2018.
Tropical Freeze continued the musical tradition of the series with an excellent soundtrack composed by David Wise. His return to the series was celebrated by longtime fans.
The game’s commercial performance helped it earn a spot among the top-selling Wii U games in the US. Its success led Nintendo to port it to the Switch, where it found a second life and reached more players.
While not reaching the massive sales numbers of the original Donkey Kong Country trilogy on SNES (which sold 9.3, 5.1, and 3.5 million copies respectively), Tropical Freeze is considered a worthy entry in the beloved franchise.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands as a unique entry in the Wii U library. Released in March 2017, this game launched simultaneously on both the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch.
Despite being available on the Wii U’s successor console, Breath of the Wild still managed to sell 1.5 million copies on the Wii U. This is quite impressive considering many players had already moved on to the Switch by this time.
The game marked the final major Nintendo release for the Wii U system. Nintendo officially announced it would be the last Nintendo game for the console, giving the system a memorable sendoff.
What makes Breath of the Wild special is its critical and commercial success across both platforms. The game has gone on to become the best-selling Zelda game ever, reaching 10 million sales when combining both versions.
For the Wii U specifically, Breath of the Wild ranks among the best-selling games on the system. This achievement is noteworthy given its late release in the console’s lifecycle.
The game broke from Zelda traditions with its open-world design and freedom of exploration. Players could tackle the game’s challenges in almost any order they wished.
While the Switch version might have overshadowed the Wii U release, many fans who hadn’t upgraded consoles still got to enjoy this groundbreaking title. The Wii U version featured nearly identical gameplay and content.
Technical differences between the two versions were minimal. The Wii U version ran at a slightly lower resolution but maintained the same art style and game mechanics that won so much praise.
For many Wii U owners, Breath of the Wild served as a fitting conclusion to the console’s library. It showcased what the system could do when pushed to its limits.
History of Wii U Games
The Wii U console had a unique library of games that defined Nintendo’s approach to gaming from 2012 to 2017. Despite the system’s commercial struggles, it produced several critically acclaimed titles that would later find greater success.
Development and Release
Nintendo launched the Wii U in November 2012 as the successor to the wildly popular Wii console. The system featured a tablet-like GamePad controller that offered new gameplay possibilities for developers. Early titles like Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros. U showcased the unique features of the console.
Game development for the Wii U faced challenges as third-party publishers gradually withdrew support. This left Nintendo to carry much of the development burden themselves. The company responded by creating high-quality first-party games like Mario Kart 8, which became the system’s best-selling title with over 8.46 million copies sold.
Other top-selling games included:
- Super Mario 3D World (5.89 million)
- New Super Mario Bros. U
- Nintendo Land
- Splatoon
Impact on Gaming Industry
The Wii U’s commercial performance was disappointing, selling only about 13.56 million units worldwide before being discontinued. However, its games had a lasting impact that extended beyond the console’s lifespan.
Many Wii U exclusives were later ported to the Nintendo Switch, where they found much larger audiences. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch became one of Nintendo’s most successful games ever, building on its Wii U foundation.
The Wii U era also saw Nintendo experiment with new IPs like Splatoon, which became a major franchise. The innovative use of the GamePad influenced game design approaches, particularly for the Switch’s portable mode.
Digital distribution grew significantly during this period, with the Wii U eShop featuring indie titles like Affordable Space Adventures and classics like Ducktales: Remastered among its top sellers.
Features of Top-Selling Wii U Games
The most popular Wii U titles share key elements that helped them stand out on Nintendo’s console. They typically blend intuitive controls with the system’s unique GamePad functionality.
Gameplay Mechanics
Mario Kart 8, the best-selling Wii U game with over 8.4 million copies sold, introduced anti-gravity racing that let players drive on walls and ceilings. This fresh twist on the racing formula kept the series feeling new while maintaining its core appeal.
Many top Wii U games used the GamePad’s second screen in creative ways. In Wind Waker HD, players could view maps and inventory without pausing gameplay.
Games like Super Mario Maker let users create levels by drawing directly on the touchscreen. This turned level design into an intuitive, accessible activity.
Splatoon introduced a unique movement mechanic where players could transform between human and squid forms to swim through ink, creating a shooter that focused on territory control rather than eliminations.
Multiplayer Options
The Wii U shined brightest during local multiplayer sessions. Games like Super Smash Bros for Wii U supported up to 8 players simultaneously, making it perfect for parties.
Many top titles featured asymmetric gameplay where the GamePad user had a different role than TV players. In Nintendo Land, one player could chase others as a ghost only visible on the GamePad.
Mario Kart 8 included a battle mode alongside its racing, giving friends various ways to compete. The game’s split-screen options worked well even with four players.
Online multiplayer in Splatoon introduced 4v4 team-based matches that helped the new IP quickly build a dedicated community. Its accessible controls made it easy for newcomers while still rewarding skilled players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nintendo fans often have common questions about Wii U games and their sales performance. These answers help collectors and gamers understand the console’s place in Nintendo history.
What are the top 10 Wii U games ever sold?
The best-selling Wii U game is Mario Kart 8 with an impressive 8.46 million copies sold worldwide. This racing game dominated the Wii U sales charts from its release in May 2014.
Super Mario 3D World takes second place with 5.89 million copies. New Super Mario Bros. U follows in third position.
The top 10 is rounded out with titles like Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Nintendo Land, Splatoon, and Mario Party 10. Most top sellers were first-party Nintendo titles.
Can you list some must-have titles for the Wii U?
Mario Kart 8 is considered essential for any Wii U collection. Its fun multiplayer racing and beautiful tracks make it the system’s defining game.
Splatoon introduced Nintendo’s fresh take on team shooters with ink-based gameplay. Its single-player mode remains exclusive to Wii U and won’t be found on Switch.
Super Mario 3D World offers excellent cooperative platforming for up to four players. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD are stunning remasters of classic adventures.
Bayonetta 2, Pikmin 3, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze round out the must-own list with their unique gameplay.
How does the Wii U’s best-seller list compare to that of the Switch or the original Wii?
The Wii U’s top seller moved 8.46 million copies, which pales compared to the Switch and Wii. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch has sold over 55 million units, showing the platform’s vastly larger install base.
The original Wii saw much higher software sales too. Wii Sports sold over 82 million copies, while Mario Kart Wii exceeded 37 million.
Overall, the Wii U’s best-performers would rank as moderate successes on other Nintendo platforms. The console’s limited 13.56 million units sold restricted how many games could reach blockbuster status.
Are there any Wii U games that outperformed sales expectations?
Splatoon stands out as a surprise hit. As a new IP on a struggling console, few predicted it would sell over 4.9 million copies—meaning more than one in three Wii U owners purchased it.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE exceeded expectations in the niche JRPG category. While not a blockbuster, its unique blend of Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei elements created a cult following.
Hyrule Warriors performed well for a spin-off title, showing the strength of The Legend of Zelda brand even in non-traditional formats.
Do Wii U game sales figures contribute significantly to Nintendo’s overall revenue?
Wii U software sales made only a modest impact on Nintendo’s finances during the 2012-2017 period. The limited install base of 13.56 million consoles restricted potential software sales.
Even Mario Kart 8’s 8.46 million copies generated less revenue than many 3DS titles released during the same timeframe. Nintendo’s mobile games and amiibo figurines sometimes outearned Wii U software.
The platform’s underperformance led Nintendo to pivot quickly to the Switch, where game sales have been substantially stronger.
What factors contributed to the success of the top-selling Wii U titles?
Established franchises dominated the Wii U charts. Mario Kart 8 benefited from the racing series’ consistent popularity and excellent word-of-mouth about its polished gameplay.
Games with strong multiplayer components performed well. Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros., and Splatoon gave players reasons to keep engaging with the system.
Nintendo’s first-party polish helped titles stand out. Super Mario 3D World received critical acclaim for its level design and cooperative play.
Games that used the GamePad in meaningful ways, like ZombiU and Nintendo Land, attracted players interested in the console’s unique features.
