Are you trying to seek out the perfect gift for that special someone who owns a Wii U? Knowing what to give someone can be tricky, but we’re on hand to run down the top Wii U presents.
Let the hunt for that gift be over; look no further than our handy guide below, conveniently separated out into price. However, bear in mind that the listed prices are just the MSRP – you might be able to find them even cheaper!
Mario Kart 8 is one of the best games available for the Wii U. While zooming around the tracks with the GamePad works well, the controller isn’t really the closest you can get to feeling like you’re a plumber in a high-speed kart.
That’s where the Wii Wheel comes in. Your Wiimote slots into the front of the wheel and you grip the sides, just as if you were really driving. Turning the wheel to each side will replicate the movement on screen, thanks to the controller’s built-in motion senses.
Sure, the Wii U GamePad comes with a stylus, but it’s just plain white/black! And it’s so small that it’s bound to go missing eventually! As such, it’s time to spice up your gift recipient’s life and give them back up with a pack of colourful styluses.
Not only do these bring some colour to the console, but they’re also made by the exact manufacturer of the official styluses that come bundled with the Wii U. These won’t damage your screen and they’ll slot snugly into the GamePad slot.
Also, they’ll work great on the 3DS, meaning this gift is extra great for the double Nintendo console owner.
Want to go even more out there than coloured stylus? Try this GamePad and Remote Decorate Skin pack, which allows you to kit our your Wii U controllers with awesomely bright New Super Mario Bros. U artwork.
The pack also includes four skins for Wii Remotes, featuring Mario, Luigi and the Toads. Perfect for adding the funky factor to your controllers, but also for quickly distinguishing between them. For a Mario fan, this present is sure to be loved.
Additionally, not only does the set include the controller skins, but there’s also a screen protector included to protect the LCD display from scratches and wear that might occur, especially if young ones get their hands on the controller.
Following on from the huge successes of the Skylanders series, Nintendo has now followed suit with their own figurines to collect. They’re being released in batches, but choices such as Samus and Kirby are available for immediate purchase.
These figurines do more than just look snazzy, however. They can also be placed on the Wii U GamePad, which will scan the amiibo. This has a different result depending on the game. For example, Smash Bros players can build up statistics for their fighters, while Mario Kart fans can receive a character-specific Mii costume for their racers.
The amiibos are being rolled out and their compatibility with games is set to increase, too. Not only do the amiibos look good, but they have actual functionality too, making them an excellent gift that goes beyond something that’s cool to show on the shelf.
While this comes with the Deluxe edition of the Wii U console, those who opted for the Basic wouldn’t have got it in the box. Which is a shame, because not only does this stand hold the GamePad in its sleek design, it also charges it too.
One feature of the GamePad is that the screen will turn on and display important messages. However, if the GamePad is just lying flat or tucked away somewhere then it can be tricky to see these messages. Handily, this stand resolves the issue, displaying the controller in all its glory.
While it is possible to buy Gamecube controllers and an adapter for the Wii U system, a more cost effective idea might be these Wired Fight Pad controllers. Inspired by the Gamecube, these plug into a Wii Remote and offers that more traditional experience.
These come in fun designs, being inspired by Mario and his gang, and will be especially great paired with a copy of Super Smash Bros.
While the Wii U GamePad does have a built-in microphone, there’s nothing quite like holding the actual thing in your hand to blast out tunes at the top of your lungs. While this microphone will function for other voice activities on the Wii U, singing is where it shines.
Wii Karaoke U comes preinstalled on Wii consoles, which is an excellent party game. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who thinks they can hold a tune (whether they actually can or not is a different matter) or would get a kick out of hosting karaoke nights, this is the gift for them.
This gift will be suitable for someone who is often traveling and plans to take their vast collection of amiibos with them. That may not be many people at the moment, but amiibos are still young and it’s likely that there are those who will desire to catch ‘em all.
Of course, this bag doesn’t just have to handle the Nintendo figurines. Look past the amiibo branding on the front and this can store anything you want. It’s a spacious carrier and has a handy shoulder strap that makes it perfect for any journey.
While the Wii U comes bundled with controllers, they’re either going to be white or black depending on your console package. That’s why these colourful, Mario-themed Wii Remote Plus controllers offer a much more interesting alternative.
These colourful Remote Plus controllers are available in red (Mario), green (Luigi), pink (Peach) and white/green (Yoshi). Sure, you could also grab another white or black one, but add some flavour to your recipient’s console by opting for the more interesting choice.
Gift someone an additional remote and they’ll be able to take part in multiplayer fun!
Mini game collections may not be for everyone, but if you know someone who likes hosting a party that’s complimented with games then Wii Party U could be the gift for them. Perfect for all ages, this package includes around 80 games that make clever use of the GamePad’s capabilities.
Whether it’s brawling in space, fending from ghosts or bobsleighing, this collection of mini games has something that everyone is going to enjoy. If you’re looking to gift the definitive collection of party games for a Wii U owner, this is the one to go for.
Toad has long been present in the Mario universe, but it’s only until now that he has the chance to shine in his own game. While Captain Toad might not have any super powers, the only thing he needs is his wits. The aim? Collect the stars and secrets hidden throughout each level.
That might sound like a simple premise, but this is a Nintendo game after all. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker brings the typical Nintendo charm that we’ve come to expect from their titles, offering much more depth than it might initially appear.
Nintendo are known for their quirky controllers, but that may not always be everyone’s cup of tea. For some games it can be better to hold a more traditional controller. That’s where the Wii U Pro Controller comes in.
The Pro offering from Nintendo is compatible with the vast majority of games available for the Wii U. Offering two analogue sticks, a d-pad and triggers, those players who are more used to other consoles will be right at home here.
Donkey Kong (and family) are back in Tropical Freeze, a side-scrolling platformer which sees the hairy primates traversing across various islands in order to defeat the Snowmads (a group of Arctic animals who have invaded Donkey Kong’s island).
This series is known for offering a steep challenge and Tropical Freeze is no different. While it’s easier to get to the end of a level, the real trick comes in managing to pick up all the collectibles scattered throughout the world. Those who like difficulty in their platformers would be well at home being gifted this.
This is the first Donkey Kong Country game to be released in high definition and it’s well worth the wait. The visuals are crisp and bright, complimenting the imaginative level designs. Not only that, but Tropical Freeze has some genuinely awesome boss fights, which isn’t always the case in platformers.
What better gift is there than one of the best Nintendo games remastered for the Wii U? Although originally released back in 2002, you wouldn’t be able to tell from this version thanks to the stunning new 1080p visuals, making Link and his world look better than ever.
Not only has it had a facelift, but the gameplay has also been tweaked and improved to make it less boring in places. Wind Waker HD will be loved not only by those who played the original when it first came out, but also by those who have yet to experience the wonder and joy it gives.
Rather than unleash family frustrations through shouting and upturned Monopoly boards, gift the latest Smash Bros. game and let the fighting run amok in Nintendo’s hugely popular fast-paced, cross-franchise brawler.
Featuring an all-star cast of characters, like Mario, Link and Star Fox, the latest instalment in the franchise allows up to eight people to battle it out on a huge variety of different stages. This is the only game where you can pit Pikachu against Sonic on a Duck Hunt battleground.
The Mario Kart series has been going for a long time now, but the newest holds its head high as one of the best in the franchise. After filling up on turkey, stuffing and veg this holiday season, this would make the perfect game for family and friends to settle down with and have some awesome fun.
Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and the whole gang are here, ready to zoom around a great array of different tracks in their customisable karts. This gift will have your recipient laughing and cursing; as they perfectly time their banana skin drop and get smashed out the way by Bullet Bill respectively.
The game is also being expanded with paid DLC, adding in the option of playing as characters such as Link or Animal Crossing’s Villager. Not only that, but the packs also include brand new courses and karts for even more karting excitement! This is a gift that will last well into the future.
Nintendo never disappoints with its games and Super Mario 3D World is a testament to that. There’s never a wrong time to connect with the inner-child in us all, the innocence of youth, and this is the prime game to bring that out. It’s Mario in a cat suit!
While there’s certainly nothing new about a Mario platformer, 3D world perfects the formula and makes it feel fresh all over again. It’s part free-roamer, part side-scroller and is universally praised for its gorgeous aesthetic and inventive level design.
There’s a whole lot of fun to be had with the Wii U and the gift suggestions above are really just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s also so much more on the way, like the new Star Fox and Zelda games in 2015, meaning that the entertainment will continue to come from Nintendo.
Who will you be treating to a Wii U gift? Will it be any of our suggestions or do you have your own to add to the list?
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