The Wii U may not have sold as well as other Nintendo consoles, but it boasts an impressive library of high-quality games. In particular, the Wii U featured some of the best RPGs in recent memory. With engrossing stories, creative gameplay, and imaginative worlds to explore, these RPGs exemplify the best of what the genre has to offer.
What is an RPG?
Role-playing games (RPGs) cast the player in the role of a fictional character in an interactive story. RPGs emphasize nonlinear gameplay, player choice, character progression systems, and rich worldbuilding. Players level up their customizable characters, undertake story-driven quests, and often explore sprawling open worlds.
A Brief History of the Wii U
Nintendo launched the Wii U in November 2012 as the follow-up to their highly successful Wii console. The Wii U introduced asymmetric multiplayer gameplay powered by the included GamePad controller with an embedded touchscreen. This allowed different players to have different experiences in the same games.
The Wii U got off to a strong start, selling 3 million units worldwide by the end of 2012. However, sales sharply declined in following years due to limited third-party support and Nintendo‘s struggles to communicate the GamePad‘s value to consumers. The Wii U was discontinued in 2017 with lifetime sales of just 13.6 million units, a fraction of the Wii‘s 100+ million.
7. Paper Mario: Color Splash
Paper Mario: Color Splash – Wii U Standard Edition
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Nintendo
- Release Date: October 2016
- Genre: Adventure/RPG
In Paper Mario: Color Splash, Paper Mario travels to Prism Island to restore color to the drained landscape. This comedic RPG blends exploration, puzzle solving, and turn-based battles. Mario‘s paint hammer brings color back to the world, in typical Paper Mario whimsy and charm.
6. Ittle Dew
- Publisher: Ludosity
- Developer: Ludosity
- Release Date: November 2016
- Genre: RPG
Ittle Dew is a lighthearted action-RPG focused on exploration and puzzles. The game pokes fun at RPG tropes with its silly story following two adventurers stranded on an island. With beautiful, vibrant art and approachable gameplay, Ittle Dew offers a charming, compact RPG experience.
5. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE – Wii U Standard Edition
- Publisher: Atlus/Intelligent Systems
- Developer: Atlus/Intelligent Systems
- Release Date: December 2015
- Genre: RPG
This crossover between Atlus and Fire Emblem transports players to modern Tokyo as they battle evil mirages. With flashy, music-themed attacks, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE combines standard JRPG fare with Atlus‘ signature surreal style. The combat system is a highlight, along with the sheer weirdness of its pop idol setting.
4. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate – Nintendo Wii U
- Publisher: Capcom
- Developer: Capcom
- Release Date: March 2013
- Genre: Action RPG
Monster Hunter 3 introduced underwater battles to the co-op hunting series. On Wii U, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate improved visuals and controls from the Wii original. With 14 weapon types and hundreds of missions, Monster Hunter endlessly repeats its loop of crafting, hunting, and upgrading gear. It perfected the formula that turned Monster Hunter into a worldwide phenomenon.
3. Xenoblade Chronicles X
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Release Date: December 2015
- Genre: Action RPG
Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive open world RPG and a spiritual successor to Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii. Players can explore five sprawling continents with giant mech suits, sampler creatures, and fully customize their playable avatar. It’s as pretty as it is big, showing off the Wii U’s technical capabilities.
2. Child of Light
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Release Date: April 2014
- Genre: RPG
A 2D sidescrolling RPG, Child of Light stands out for its mesmerizing visual style. The watercolor painted fantasy world comes alive as young Aurora quests to return home. With a touching story, strategic turn-based combat, and platforming challenges, Child of Light captures the wonder and emotion of classic fairy tales.
1. Mass Effect 3: Special Edition
Mass Effect 3 – Special Edition (Nintendo Wii U)
- Publisher: EA
- Developer: BioWare
- Release Date: November 2012
- Genre: Action RPG
The Mass Effect trilogy capped off Shepard’s sci-fi saga with the enhanced Mass Effect 3: Special Edition on Wii U. With additional gameplay segments, improved frame rate and visuals, and included DLC, it’s the definitive way to experience this generation-defining RPG series. And by integrating inventory and weapons onto the GamePad, this version made great use of the Wii U controller.
Where to Buy Wii U RPGs
The Wii U eShop is still currently available if you want to download games directly to a Wii U system. However, the eShop is now closed to new purchases. Physical Wii U game prices are also increasing as supply diminishes.
Used game stores and second-hand markets like eBay are now among the only ways to buy Wii U games. Be sure to inspect condition and completeness for any used Wii U RPG purchases.
Buying new or second-hand Wii U systems may also be difficult. Be prepared to pay a premium on sites like eBay. Console modding can also help you play downloaded Wii U games if interested.
Wrapping Up
Despite poor sales, the Wii U boasted some spectacular RPGs. These games made excellent use of the Wii U GamePad for inventory management, maps, touch controls, and more. With most exclusives unavailable on other platforms, the Wii U RPG library is still well worth exploring for fans of the genre. Just be prepared to potentially pay higher prices for used physical copies as official stores stop selling Wii U games.
