5 Best Wii Games for Some Nostalgic Gaming Console Vibes

Do you recall the iconic Wii console by Nintendo, which marked the company’s entry into direct internet-enabled gaming consoles? Released in 2006, it ushered in a new era of gaming experiences. Now, with the anticipation surrounding the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, the Wii has become a significant chapter in Nintendo’s console history. Despite being two generations old, the Wii remains cherished for its classic titles, some of which have been revived for the Nintendo Switch, ensuring their continued enjoyment. As we reminisce, what are the best Wii games worth revisiting today?

5 Best Wii Games to Play

The Wii debuted on November 19, 2006, featuring a lineup of 21 launch games. The final game releases for the Wii, namely Retro City Rampage DX+ and Shakedown: Hawaii, became available on July 9, 2020. According to Wikipedia, the Wii gaming console comprises a total of 1638 Wii games. Although an old gaming console, yet there’s plenty to play. With so many choices of Wii games, we’ve come up with this list of the 5 best Wii games that are a must-play.

1. Metroid Prime Trilogy

The first one joining in the list of the best Wii games is the Metroid Prime Trilogy. The game offers more than just three exceptional games bundled on a single disc. Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes have undergone enhancements, including widescreen display, an achievement system, and notably, improved Wii pointer controls, aligning them with the standards set by Metroid Prime 3.

Despite being released over a span of five years and on two different consoles, the Metroid Trilogy presents them seamlessly as one grand narrative of a bounty hunter’s battles against space piracy, formidable alien creatures, and colossal radioactive brains. This compilation stands as the ultimate way to immerse oneself in the Prime series. If you’re a gamer into alien-themed games, be sure to try out this game.

Release Date: August 24, 2009

Developer: Retro Studios

2. Super Mario Galaxy

The gumbo pot consisting of Nintendo games will lose its most unique taste if their special ingredient — Super Mario games are missing. Thus, the arrival of a Mario game marks a significant milestone for any Nintendo console, and Super Mario Galaxy surpassed all expectations.

Super Mario Galaxy ingeniously blended physics with exceptional design, crafting a range of dynamic environments that consistently felt innovative and captivating. This title stands as a must-play experience for anyone, regardless of Wii ownership. It’s a game that could easily persuade sceptics to reconsider their stance on the Wii console, marking this game as one of the best Wii games.

Release Date: November 1, 2007

Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo

3. Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy comes storming into the list of the best Wii games again with Super Mario Galaxy 2. Arguments insist that Super Mario Galaxy 2 surpasses Super Mario 64, and it might sound controversial, yet it’s not difficult to make a compelling case.

While Super Mario Galaxy 2 may not introduce groundbreaking originality or innovation, it excels in creative energy and evolves the 3D platforming/adventure genre. The game showcases exemplary level design, expanding upon simple ideas in remarkable ways and seamlessly logically introducing new concepts. Nintendo maintained a balanced difficulty level, catering to both inexperienced and seasoned players. As the bar is set high by Super Mario Galaxy 2, any future Mario instalment on the Wii will undoubtedly face a daunting challenge. This game will always be celebrated as one of the greatest of its generation.

In addition, the success of the Mario franchise is once again shown in the Super Mario Bros. Movie, and on Sunday, which is Mario Day, Nintendo revealed that they are working on a new Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, and you can discover more about this news here.

Release Date: May 23, 2010

Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo

4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Next in line with the best Wii games comes Super Smash Bros. Brawl, which stands as a pinnacle of crossover gaming, where iconic characters from various franchises collide in an electrifying battle royale game.

@nintendoogfan64 Super smash bros brawl – startup screen #nintendo #wii #nostalgia #supersmashbrosbrawl #supersmahsbros #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Nintendo Fan🇵🇸

Upon its initial release, Super Smash Bros. Brawl appeared to be a delightful homage to fans, featuring a multitude of beloved Nintendo characters engaging in playful combat. It offers a frenetic mix of action-packed gameplay and nostalgic charm.

Yet, its unexpected depth in fighting mechanics surpassed all expectations, prompting a fervent demand for sequels. Super Smash Bros. Brawl emerges as the largest instalment in the series, introducing a vast roster that, for the first time, includes non-Nintendo characters. This groundbreaking inclusion allows for iconic matchups like Mario versus Sonic, providing a platform to settle age-old gaming debates.

Release Date: March 9, 2008

Developer: Nintendo /Game Arts

5. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the latest game to be released for the Wii console compared to the above four Wii games, which was released in 2011. As 2011 approached, although the Wii console was waning in popularity, it still boasted numerous outstanding games, many of which are considered among the greatest of all time. However, what the Wii lacked was a game that unequivocally validated its concept of motion-based gameplay, demonstrating its potential to revolutionise a franchise for the better. This pivotal role was fulfilled by The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword upon its release.

Zelda: Skyward Sword was a daring endeavour, representing a significant departure from the established norms of its renowned Zelda franchise. It revolutionised the core controls of the series, replacing traditional button inputs with precise motion controls using the Wii remote. This shift not only emphasised the importance of motion gaming but also reshaped the fundamental gameplay experience, making it integral to the game’s mechanics.

Beyond its innovative control scheme, Skyward Sword delivered an exceptional Zelda adventure characterized by superb dungeon design and a captivating narrative that built to a truly memorable climax. Its ability to rival and surpass iconic titles like Super Mario Galaxy, the Metroid Prime Trilogy, and even Super Smash Bros. Brawl underscores its monumental achievements in motion control, storytelling, and overall game design. For its groundbreaking contributions to the Wii platform and its unparalleled excellence across various aspects, Zelda: Skyward Sword stands not just as a remarkable Wii game, but as the pinnacle of the Wii gaming experience.

Release Date: November 20, 2011

Developer: Nintendo

Wii (We) Would Like to Play

This marks as the end of the short list of the 5 best Wii games to try out, each holding a high Metacritic score and also highlighted by many as the must-try Wii games. It’s time to blow away the dust on your Wii gaming console and rewind the gaming fun brought by the nostalgic 00s and early 10s vibes.

In fact, besides these recommended Wii games to play, Wii is also famous for its Wii sports that bring on the sports vibes although being indoors in the living room. Do check out this article if you’re interested in Wii Sports, as it joined in the World Video Game Hall of Fame last year.