Nintendo Wii UFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 58 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment53%
PROS 53%
CONS 47%

Rank based on 58 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a huge, cheap first-party library like Mario Kart 8, Splatoon, and Breath of the Wild
  • You value free online play and a beloved classic eShop
  • You want Wii backward compatibility plus unique GamePad second-screen gameplay

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You expect strong third-party game support
  • You want a console that's easy to explain or market to others
  • You're confused by the Wii U name and think it's just a Wii add-on controller

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1
Sega Genesis
Beloved game libraryStrong nostalgic valueSuperior versions of multiplatform gamesInitial unfamiliarity or low expectationsOvershadowed by SNES in some areasController reliability over time
Sega Genesis
Beloved game library
Strong nostalgic value
Superior versions of multiplatform games
Initial unfamiliarity or low expectations
Overshadowed by SNES in some areas
Controller reliability over time
2Mid
Nintendo 64
Groundbreaking 3D gameplayLegendary first-party game libraryStrong emotional and nostalgic valueCartridge format limitations and costLimited third-party and overall library sizeHardware and memory bottlenecks
Nintendo 64
Groundbreaking 3D gameplay
Legendary first-party game library
Strong emotional and nostalgic value
Cartridge format limitations and cost
Limited third-party and overall library size
Hardware and memory bottlenecks
3Mid
PlayStation 2
Massive, acclaimed game libraryNostalgic and emotional valueBuilt-in DVD playerDisc Read Errors on launch unitsLaser burnout on slim modelsLoud fan noise
PlayStation 2
Massive, acclaimed game library
Nostalgic and emotional value
Built-in DVD player
Disc Read Errors on launch units
Laser burnout on slim models
Loud fan noise
4Mid
PlayStation 1
Iconic startup sound and nostalgiaDeep and beloved game libraryFormative personal and family memoriesWarped, wobbling texturesDisc read failures and load anxietyHardware cost-cutting compromises
PlayStation 1
Iconic startup sound and nostalgia
Deep and beloved game library
Formative personal and family memories
Warped, wobbling textures
Disc read failures and load anxiety
Hardware cost-cutting compromises
5Premium
PlayStation 3
Iconic Startup SoundBackward CompatibilityStrong Game LibraryHigh Launch PriceLost Backward Compatibility in Later ModelsDisastrous Launch
PlayStation 3
Iconic Startup Sound
Backward Compatibility
Strong Game Library
High Launch Price
Lost Backward Compatibility in Later Models
Disastrous Launch
6Mid
Sega Saturn
Exceptional 2D and arcade game library
Sega Saturn
Exceptional 2D and arcade game library
7Budget
Sega Master System
Standout RPG and platformer libraryStrong nostalgic first-console valueSuperior graphics and colour paletteLost the US console war despite strong hardwareInconsistent or inferior sound in some gamesMissing start/pause button
Sega Master System
Standout RPG and platformer library
Strong nostalgic first-console value
Superior graphics and colour palette
Lost the US console war despite strong hardware
Inconsistent or inferior sound in some games
Missing start/pause button
8
Sega Dreamcast
Outstanding game libraryPioneering online connectivityArcade-quality graphics for its eraShort commercial lifespanLacked a DVD playerRetailer and marketing pressure from Sony
Sega Dreamcast
Outstanding game library
Pioneering online connectivity
Arcade-quality graphics for its era
Short commercial lifespan
Lacked a DVD player
Retailer and marketing pressure from Sony
9Budget
PlayStation 4
Legendary Game LibraryIncredible Value for MoneyLong-Term DurabilityDated Hardware and GraphicsJailbreak and Cracked Game RisksPS5 Backward Compatibility Makes It Redundant
PlayStation 4
Legendary Game Library
Incredible Value for Money
Long-Term Durability
Dated Hardware and Graphics
Jailbreak and Cracked Game Risks
PS5 Backward Compatibility Makes It Redundant
10Premium
PlayStation 5
DualSense controller innovationImproved interface and visualsSocial features (Share Play, picture-in-picture)Overheating/tipping risk without standLimited base storageGlossy finish concerns
PlayStation 5
DualSense controller innovation
Improved interface and visuals
Social features (Share Play, picture-in-picture)
Overheating/tipping risk without stand
Limited base storage
Glossy finish concerns
You are here
28Mid
Nintendo Wii U
Strong first-party game libraryNostalgic charm and emotional attachmentInnovative GamePad conceptDisastrous 'new controller' marketingConfusing Wii U name and brandingPerceived as a failure or 'dead' console
Nintendo Wii U
Strong first-party game library
Nostalgic charm and emotional attachment
Innovative GamePad concept
Disastrous 'new controller' marketing
Confusing Wii U name and branding
Perceived as a failure or 'dead' console

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A console beloved for its first-party games and unique charm. Commenters repeatedly praise the Wii U's library: Mario Kart 8, Splatoon, Pikmin 3, Breath of the Wild, Zombi U, and more. Several call it underrated, saying it never deserved the hate, with fond memories of the menu music, free online play, and a great eShop. Many still own and use it regularly, decades later, with genuine nostalgic attachment despite its commercial failure.

Marketing confusion crippled the console's reputation from day one. Numerous commenters point out the E3 trailer said 'new controller' repeatedly while never saying 'new console', making people think the GamePad was just a Wii accessory. The Wii U name itself, plus footage of Wii games, deepened the confusion. Many wish Nintendo had called it 'Wii 2' instead, believing that alone could have changed its sales fate.

The GamePad was innovative but underused by many owners. Fans call the GamePad concept genius, citing Splatoon's second-screen map and Black Ops 2's split-screen use as standout examples. However, one long-term owner admits doing almost none of the advertised GamePad activities in four years of ownership. The Pro Controller is separately praised as one of the most comfortable controllers ever made, while third-party support overall stayed weak.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?