Why Wii U Was Our Favorite Console Ever!

It won't be everyone's favorite console, but we here at Video Game Fans Only still think it's our (keyword) favorite console ever. For us though we have to say it is because of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 (released an eternity before the Switch version) and last but not least,  the Wii U's Gamepad.

Sometimes, you just want to be able to lay down on a couch or your bed, and play some Nintendo games. That's where the Wii U came in. Part console, part handheld, the Wii U allowed you (in part due to its extreme portability) to game from a friend's house or your own comfy bed...or...poof chair. 

The Wii U also-sadly not anymore- had an epic Nintendo Games Store built into its software with crazy discounts. For example, we got the entire Metroid Prime trilogy for $10. You're reading that correctly, $10. So, if you were keeping an eye on releases of games you could get insane discounts. Nintendo had also a very generous reward system. We ended up getting Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze and Pikmin 3 free of charge. Alas, the Wii U's days are done and the the Wii U game store has come and gone. 

One more time, let's review all that made Wii U--maybe not the best game console of all time--but our personal favorite:

1. Unique Gamepad: The Wii U introduced the GamePad, a controller with a built-in touchscreen that offered innovative gameplay possibilities. It allowed for off-TV play, where players could continue their games on the GamePad screen while someone else used the TV. This feature provided convenience and flexibility, especially in households with multiple players.

2. Diverse Game Library: The Wii U boasted a strong lineup of first-party Nintendo games, including titles like Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8, and Splatoon. These games were well-received and showcased Nintendo's creativity and attention to gameplay mechanics.

3. Backward Compatibility: The Wii U was backward compatible with Wii games, allowing players to enjoy their existing Wii game library on the new console. This feature appealed to those who wanted to continue playing their favorite Wii games while also exploring new Wii U titles.

4. Offbeat and Innovative Experiences: The Wii U featured unique and experimental games that made use of the GamePad's touchscreen and motion controls. Titles like Nintendo Land and ZombiU offered different gameplay experiences that took advantage of the console's capabilities.

5. Miiverse: The Wii U had an integrated social platform called Miiverse, where players could interact, share messages, and drawings within games. It fostered a sense of community and provided a unique way for players to connect with each other.

While the Wii U had its strengths, it also faced challenges and did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some other consoles. Factors such as marketing, lack of third-party support, and confusion over its identity (as some consumers initially mistook it for a Wii peripheral) contributed to its relatively low sales figures. However, it's worth noting that some of the features and concepts introduced in the Wii U have influenced the design and functionality of subsequent Nintendo consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch.