10 Best Video Games on the Nintendo Wii

Nintendo is one of the greatest gaming companies of all time, and with the Nintendo Switch 2 going strong through games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, many are considering the Nintendo Switch the greatest console the company has delivered since the Nintendo 64. However, looking back, there are serious contenders, including one of the most iconic pieces of video game hardware, the Nintendo Wii.

This legendary console made its way into everyone’s home, but hardware is useless without software, which is why this list will rank the all-time best video games on the Wii. Based on elements such as gameplay, design, narrative, originality, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, overall quality, and how well it used the Wii’s interface, these are must-play titles. Note that only first-party Nintendo games will be featured.

10

‘Metroid Prime Trilogy’ (2009)

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This may be cheating since it isn’t an original game, but the Metroid franchise includes some of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, and Metroid Prime Trilogy puts three of them together. Samus Aran is a space bounty hunter, and these titles take her through multiple adventures, from a mysterious planet with lore and history to an alternate dimension where she must fight an evil doppelgänger.

The third one, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, was released on the Wii, but the other two games were ported together, delivering the complete package. The first game pioneered the Metroidvania genre by bringing it into 3D with magnificent results, keeping the gameplay flowing and introducing fun gimmicks that enhance the worldbuilding, lore, and combat.

9

‘The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’ (2011)

The Legend of Zelda franchise might just be Nintendo’s best, and the Wii contains one of its most controversial entries, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Set as the first chronological entry, Link must rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Demise while traveling from the sky to the lands below, and also spend time crafting the legendary sword that will defeat the villain.

The HD version instantly became one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch, but that is because it revamped the controls, the most polarizing part of Skyward Sword. The motion controls are fun, but often glitchy, making combat more frustrating than it needs to be. But still, Skyward Sword earns an entry on this list because of its charming style, hub world, side quests, and magnificent story, which is the best the franchise has to offer.

8

‘Xenoblade Chronicles’ (2010)

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Some franchises might be renowned, but still don’t get the recognition they deserve, such as Xenoblade Chronicles, whose first game came out on the Wii. Set on the corpses of two gigantic creatures, Shulk is a researcher who seeks revenge for the destruction of his colony, taking him on a profound philosophical adventure.

It may not be fully open-world, but Xenoblade Chronicles feels like one of the greatest open-world games ever made. Pushing the limits of the Wii, this game redefined the JRPG genre and is one of the best-looking games on the console. The technical feats are impressive, but Xenoblade Chronicles also boasts real-time combat that is addictive to play as gamers explore its vast world.

7

‘New Super Mario Bros. Wii’ (2009)

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Mario is the most iconic video game character of all time, and he has plenty of games on this list, starting with New Super Mario Bros. Wii. While celebrating Princess Peach’s birthday, Bowser suddenly kidnaps her, forcing Mario and Luigi to embark on a quest through eight kingdoms to free her from his scaly claws.

Perhaps one of the most nostalgic Mario games, the co-op aspect featuring the two iconic brothers made it an instant must-play, adding double the fun. Whether players want to play alone and experiment with the in-depth controls or team up with three other players to share a platforming bond, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is one of the most fun games on the Wii and a staple of the franchise.

6

‘Mario Kart Wii’ (2008)

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One of the highest-selling Nintendo games is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and the Wii had its own entry in this franchise with Mario Kart Wii. Adding motion controls completely flipped the gameplay for the better, making it more immersive to feel like players are actually driving. With a grand selection of courses and characters, fans are in for the ride of their life.

Some debate whether it is the best Mario Kart game, but its online and bike balance could have been better. Still, Mario Kart Wii is a defining entry on the console, especially with the custom steering wheel which became an outright phenomenon. With some of the best courses, characters, and soundtracks, Mario Kart Wii is a bundle of pure entertainment value that will have players raging whenever a blue shell appears.

5

‘Super Smash Bros. Brawl’ (2008)

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Crossovers are always fun, and one of the original video game crossovers was from Super Smash Bros., with the Wii version being Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Players can select from a variety of their favorite Nintendo characters, and even embark on a story mission called the Subspace Emissary, where they must fight against a mysterious army trying to suck in their dimension.

It is hard to decide which is the best Super Smash Bros. game because Melee pioneered the franchise and Ultimate perfected it, but Brawl is a nostalgic gem that many consider the series’ pinnacle. The combat is perfect as always, but the crowning jewel of this game is Subspace Emissary, which uses its brilliant narrative, cinematic cutscenes, and epic scale to make Brawl one of the greatest fighting games of all time.

4

‘The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess’ (2006)

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As mentioned, The Legend of Zelda is an acclaimed franchise, so it was only natural for Nintendo to make it the launch title of the Wii. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess follows Link and his quest to collect the Spirit Lights in order to stop the usurper king, Zant. However, with the princess captured, there might be an even more sinister foe lurking in the shadows.

Technically, it is a GameCube game, but more people remember it on the Wii. After the backlash from Wind Waker, this game featured a much darker tone, but still kept the mysticism and whimsicalness of the franchise. This more mature Zelda experience is highlighted by its tone, visuals, designs, and darker story. For many, Twilight Princess was the game they were waiting for, and with its magnificent puzzle design and sense of adventure, it amounted to a masterful experience on the Wii.

3

‘Super Mario Galaxy 2’ (2010)

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3D Mario games are an absolute must for any Nintendo console, and the Wii luckily had two, with the first on this list being the sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2. With Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach again, Mario sets off with Yoshi on a giant spaceship, traveling through new galaxies to stop the Koopa King’s interstellar conquest.

It is an endless debate as to which game is better, but Super Mario Galaxy 2 scores lower because it simply built upon what the first one did. Still, this game is a masterclass in physics, level design, and movement, creating a complete package of riveting platforming content. Stripping away the hub world and narrative, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is jam-packed with new mechanics and gimmicks to enjoy, wonderfully combining with the platforming worlds to create an innovative platforming game experience.

2

‘Wii Sports’ (2006)

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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is one launch title, but the other title was paired with the console; in fact, a lot of the console’s marketing focused on it. We’re, of course, talking about Wii Sports. There is no dedicated story; players can simply pick from a selection of sports, including golf, boxing, bowling, tennis, and baseball, playing against friends or the AI.

Wii Sports Resort is also a classic, but this game in particular fed gamers for years with engaging content, and for free at that. Wii Sports is the quintessential Wii game, using its motion controls, Miis, and innovative gameplay to create a landmark game that cemented itself as a cultural icon and legendary title. The Wii is a family console, and Wii Sports could get anyone playing because of its tactile controls, immersive feel, infectious enjoyment, and bonding experience. It is a game that truly brings people together, making it arguably the most important Wii game.

1

‘Super Mario Galaxy’ (2007)

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As mentioned, there were two 3D Mario games on the Wii, and the first one was Super Mario Galaxy, which laid the groundwork for the sequel. Bowser is up to his usual antics, kidnapping Princess Peach and taking her across the galaxy. But with the help of Rosalina, Mario travels to multiple planets in order to find and save the princess and defeat Bowser.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 might have introduced new mechanics and improved on some aspects, but it is hard to beat the original since it built everything from the ground up. The new physics system and orbital gravity revolutionized platforming, making movement, momentum, character, camera, and feel completely different. These rejuvenated controls made platforming even more imaginative and fun. Super Mario Galaxy is perfect from start to finish, never offering a dull moment, but rather crafting a cinematic experience that is the greatest game the Wii has to offer.