We’ve heard it all before regarding Nintendo’s current gen system — how it’s ‘not as powerful as Playstation 4 or Xbox One” and that”It should have been released in place of the original Wii.” These are valid points that cannot be refuted. But instead of focusing on the system’s limitations or the many ‘what if’ scenarios available, this article will instead focus on the benefits of owning a Nintendo Wii U. I can picture the puzzled look on your faces right now – ‘There are benefits to owning a Wii U?’ Yes, there are many benefits to owning one. In fact, the first answer has nothing to do with Nintendo’s first-party titles.
Reason #1: Nintendo’s Digital Deluxe Promotion:
What is better than free? Gamers that own a 32gb Deluxe Wii U system are instantly enrolled into Nintendo’s Digital Deluxe Promotion. Here’s how it works: you earn points for every dollar you spend on games on the Nintendo eShop. When you have accumulated 500 points, you are given a $5.00 eShop credit that can be spent on games and/or DLC of your choosing. Each eShop credit is given as an activation code that must be redeemed via the eShop.
Reason #2: Miiverse
There are plenty of ways to interact with gamers on other console systems, but none of them are like Miiverse. Think of Miiverse as a ‘constantly connected’ message board where Wii U gamers converge to discuss games, offer tips, and post photos of their latest accomplishments in-game. It’s not uncommon to see incredibly talented artists post their Zelda or Mario masterpieces by using the Wii U’s Gamepad. But most importantly, it’s a great way to stay connected to other Wii U gamers from around the world. Entire conversations regarding recent games have not only spanned multiple pages, but many friendships have derived from it. Miiverse is a close-knit community that truly benefits the Wii U system and its users.
Reason #3: Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Promotion (May 30th, 2014)
There is another benefit to owning a Wii U, especially during the month of May. When you purchase Mario Kart 8 for Wii U on May 30th, 2014, you can choose from one of the four following AAA titles (in the States) or from one of the following 10 AAA titles (in Europe) from Nintendo’s stable of first-party titles:
North America:
New Super Mario Bros. U
Pikmin 3
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Wii Party U
Official North American Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Promotional Website
Europe:
(European gamers receive a much larger selection of games during the promotion.)
Nintendo Land
Super Mario Bros. U
Game & Wario
Pikmin 3
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Sonic the Lost World
Mario & Sonic at the Olympics
Wii Party U
Wonderful 101
Monster Hunter 3
Official UK Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Promotional Website:
This promotion is valid in both territories until July 31st, 2014.
Reason #4 Bayonetta 2:
The game everyone thought would never have a sequel is finally receiving one thanks to Nintendo’s partnership with Platinum Games. While this partnership prevents the Bayonetta franchise from appearing on different platforms, it does secure the rights to future sequels on Wii U. According to Platinum Games producer Atsushi Inaba, Bayonetta 2 would not exist if Nintendo had not partnered with them. Despite some of Nintendo’s recent follies, securing the Beyonetta franchise was a step in the right direction for stabilizing the Wii U’s legitimacy in the console market.
Reason #5: And, of course, Nintendo’s First-Party Titles:
Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. U, Hyrule Warriors (title subject to change) – the current and future line-up of first-party titles for Wii U continues to remain strong. Nintendo and its IPs have always stood in the face of adversity despite a lack of third-party support. And while this deserves a ‘reason’ of its own, a growing number of indie titles are being added to the Wii U’s software library. The Wii U exclusive Shovel Knight by Yacht Club Games is causing quite a stir with its tribute to 8-bit graphics, Castlevania-like levels, and unique gameplay mechanics where the player uses a shovel to flip enemies, leap over gaps and dig for treasure. Delayed for additional ‘polish’, Shovel Knight promises to reinvent the platform genre once released.
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-Mike Pittaro-
What did you think of the five reasons given to own a Wii U? As the console wars heat up this summer, the possibility of another Wii U hardware price drop could happen. Nintendo’s console may not be as powerful as its next-gen competitors, but it’s still a great system that offers an incredible selection of first-party and indie titles.
