Nintendo Wii U, Part 2

 

It's been 2 years since I last reviewed Nintendo's latest hardware console. Back then, I promised on doing a part 2 in the future, talking more about the things and features to come. But honestly, not much has changed since then.

YouTube and Netflix are available and functional now, Miiverse is the most normal feature to behold when starting up and off screen play without using the television is pretty much the same. Aside from performance and bug fix patches, it's all the same.

What has changed however is the Wii U's available software library and the introduction of amiibo, a counterpart towards Disney's Infinity and Activision's Skylanders. With the important release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Nintendo seems to be almost back on track in regards to sales.

I am still skeptical about the usage of amiibo however, aside from the obvious reason of collecting these little statues. I do like the idea of unlocking physical content with certain video games, and also training your own Smash fighter. I will observe with interest how the amiibo will develop further.

The internet browser remains powerful and the most convenient for me to use as far as console browsers go, but the fact that I have so many electronics nowadays in my room means that the PC remains the comfiest so to speak.

Wii U Chat, Wii Street U and Wii Karaoke U are all entertaining bonuses, but I am most of all still very glad with the backwards compatibility and the available virtual console through the eShop. I still am immensely dissapointed however by the regional lock Nintendo continues to use for the 8th generation.

As far as the software library now goes however, there is no longer an excuse for gamers who are still in doubt about buying the console. Nintendo's AAA games have arrived in quantity and quality, and there is certainly enough diversity.

Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U are a blast online and filled with content, Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze remains my favorite 2D platformer, Super Mario 3D World is family oriented and Pikmin 3 is gorgeous and unique.

I will probably replay and play for the first time Bayonetta 1 and 2, and buy Hyrule Warriors when it's price drops. The same goes for The Wonderful 101, and in the mean time, I got my hands full with the free Wii U enhanced game I got, which is Monster Hunter Tri Ultimate.

All in all, Nintendo's Wii U is only getting stronger and more attractive for gamers to delve into, and 2015 is looking to be promising, as upcoming video games always seem to be nowadays, with notable examples including Xenoblade Chronicles X, Splatoon, Star Fox U and Zelda U.