10 Best Nintendo Wii U Consoles Compared and Reviewed

I still remember unboxing my Wii U back in 2012. The GamePad felt like science fiction, a controller with its own screen that let you keep playing while someone else used the TV. Nintendo’s marketing fumbled the launch badly, and most people thought it was just an accessory for the original Wii. But the console itself? Packed with some of the best first-party games Nintendo ever made.

If you’re hunting for a Wii U in 2026, you’re buying into a library that includes Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros, Splatoon, and a dozen other titles that never got ported anywhere else. The Wii U is discontinued, so you’re looking at used, refurbished, or new-old-stock bundles. I’ve rounded up the best options still worth grabbing, including bundles with games already included.

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Why the Wii U Still Matters in 2026

The Wii U sold about 13.5 million units lifetime, making it Nintendo’s worst-selling home console. But poor sales don’t mean poor quality. The system was the first Nintendo console to output HD graphics, and its GamePad controller with a built-in 6.2-inch touchscreen was genuinely ahead of its time. Off-TV play meant you could game on the controller while someone else watched Netflix on the big screen.

The game library is where the Wii U punches well above its weight. Titles like Bayonetta 2, Xenoblade Chronicles X, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (yes, it launched on Wii U too) are reason enough to own one. And since the console is fully backward compatible with original Wii games and controllers, you get access to two generations of Nintendo titles on one machine.

Compared to an Xbox or PS4, the Wii U won’t win any raw power contests. But if you want family-friendly local multiplayer and Nintendo exclusives at a budget price, nothing else comes close. Prices on used Wii U consoles have actually started climbing as collectors catch on, so now is a good time to buy.

Nintendo Wii U 32GB Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle

This is the bundle I’d recommend to most people. You get the 32GB black console with Mario Kart 8 pre-installed, so you’re playing within minutes of setup. No hunting for game discs. Mario Kart 8 is one of the best entries in the series, and the bundle includes a Nintendo eShop download card for two DLC packs that add 16 new tracks, 6 characters, and 8 vehicles.

The box comes with everything you need: the console, GamePad, sensor bar, HDMI cable, charging cradle, stands, stylus, and both AC adapters. 32GB of internal storage isn’t huge by modern standards, but it’s enough for a few digital downloads alongside your physical game collection. If you want a single Wii U purchase that’s ready to go out of the box, this is it.

Nintendo Wii U Console 8GB Basic Set

The white 8GB Basic Set is the entry-level Wii U. It’s the same hardware under the hood (IBM multi-core processor, same GPU), just with less storage and the white color scheme. At 10.5 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches, it’s a compact console that fits under any TV without drama.

You get four USB 2.0 ports, HDMI output with 6-channel PCM audio, and full backward compatibility with Wii games and accessories. That means your Wii Remotes, Nunchuk, Classic Controller, and even the Balance Board all work. The catch? 8GB fills up fast. If you plan to buy any digital games, you’ll need an external USB hard drive. But if you’re a physical-disc person and want the cheapest way into the Wii U library, the Basic Set does the job.

Wii U Console Premium (Refurbished)

If you’re comfortable buying refurbished, this is where the value is. The Premium Black comes with 32GB of storage and every accessory: GamePad, cradle, stands, sensor bar, HDMI cable, both AC adapters, and the stylus. Refurbished units go through cleaning, inspection, and functionality testing before being repackaged.

I’ve bought refurbished Nintendo hardware before and it’s been fine every time. Nintendo’s build quality holds up. The only downside is generic packaging instead of the original retail box, which matters if you’re a collector but shouldn’t matter if you just want to play games. For the price difference between refurbished and new-in-box, I’d pick this one nine times out of ten.

Nintendo Wii U Console 32GB Nintendo Land Bundle

This bundle pairs the 32GB console with Nintendo Land, which was the Wii U’s equivalent of Wii Sports. It’s a collection of 12 mini-games themed around Nintendo franchises like Zelda, Metroid, and Animal Crossing. It’s honestly the best way to show off what the GamePad can do, because several of the games use asymmetric gameplay where the GamePad player has a different view than the TV players.

The GamePad itself has a 6.2-inch 16:9 touchscreen, front-facing camera, stereo speakers, motion controls, a microphone, and rumble. It’s basically a tablet with game controls bolted on. You also get full backward compatibility with Wii games, and the console works with Wii Remotes, Nunchuk controllers, the Balance Board, and Classic Controllers. If you’re buying a Wii U for family game nights, this bundle makes the most sense.

Nintendo Skylanders SWAP Force Bundle

This is a niche pick, but if you’ve got kids who are into Skylanders (or you’ve already collected the figures), it’s a solid deal. The bundle includes the Wii U console plus Skylanders SWAP Force, which features 16 swappable figures that can be mixed and matched for 256 different character combinations. The NFC reader in the GamePad handles the figures natively, no extra portal needed.

You get the standard GamePad with its 6.2-inch touchscreen, front camera, stereo speakers, motion controls, and dual analog sticks. The Skylanders franchise is mostly dead now, but the figures are cheap on the secondhand market, and kids still love the toy-to-life concept. If you’re setting up a Wii U for younger gamers, this bundle gives them something to play right away.

ZombiU Deluxe Set Wii U Console

This is the bundle for anyone who wanted a grittier side of the Wii U. ZombiU was a launch title survival horror game set in London, and it’s one of the few Wii U games that used the GamePad in genuinely clever ways. Your inventory management happened on the GamePad screen in real time, so zombies could attack you while you were digging through your backpack. It created real tension.

The Deluxe Set comes with the 32GB black console, the GamePad with its 6.2-inch touchscreen and dual analog sticks, and ZombiU on disc. You can connect up to four Wii Remotes for five-player gameplay in other titles. If you want a Wii U but also want proof that the console could do more than just family-friendly games, this is the bundle to look for. ZombiU copies are getting harder to find standalone, so getting it bundled is a win.

Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set (Super Mario 3D World + Nintendo Land)

This might be the best value bundle in the entire Wii U lineup. You get the 32GB black console, two full games (Super Mario 3D World and Nintendo Land on disc), plus all the standard accessories: GamePad, cradle, stands, sensor bar, HDMI cable, and two AC adapters. Super Mario 3D World is one of the highest-rated games on the system, and playing it in four-player co-op is pure chaos in the best way.

On top of gaming, the Wii U doubles as a media hub. You can access Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video, and browse the web through the GamePad. The built-in browser works better than you’d expect. For a console you’re picking up as a secondary gaming machine or a kids’ entertainment center, this Deluxe Set checks every box. Two great games, 32GB of storage, and the full accessory package.

Wii U Super Smash Bros and Splatoon Bundle

Two of the Wii U’s absolute best games, pre-installed on a 32GB console. Super Smash Bros for Wii U is still a favorite in the competitive community, and Splatoon started an entire franchise that went on to sell millions on the Switch. Getting both bundled with the console means you’ve got a local multiplayer machine and an online shooter on day one.

The bundle includes the black console, GamePad, HDMI cable, sensor bar, cradle, console stand, GamePad stand, and two AC adapters. If you’re buying a Wii U specifically for multiplayer, this is the one. Grab a few extra controllers and you’ve got a party setup that’ll keep friends busy for hours. These bundles are getting rare, so if you spot one at a reasonable price, don’t wait.

Nintendo Wii U Deluxe WUP-101(02) 32GB with Pro Controller

This bundle stands out because it includes a Pro Controller, two Wii Remotes, a Nunchuk, and a Classic Controller alongside the standard GamePad. That’s a serious amount of controllers in one box. The Pro Controller alone is worth $30-40 on the used market, and it’s the most comfortable way to play games that don’t need the GamePad’s touchscreen.

You get 32GB of storage and full 1080p HD output. The Wii U was the first Nintendo console to hit HD, and games like Mario Kart 8 still look good even in 2026. With all these controllers included, you’re ready for four-player sessions right out of the box. If you’re building a local multiplayer setup and don’t want to buy controllers separately, this is the most practical choice on the list.

Nintendo Wii U Console 32GB Basic Set

The 32GB Basic Set is a no-frills option. Console, GamePad, and the standard accessories, no bundled games. You get the 6.2-inch touchscreen GamePad with front camera, stereo speakers, motion controls, and rumble. Four USB 2.0 ports let you connect external storage or additional accessories.

Full backward compatibility with Wii games and controllers means your existing Wii library carries over. You can play with the GamePad, a Wii U Pro Controller (sold separately), or Wii Remotes. This is the right pick if you already have a stack of games you want to play or you want to pick your own titles rather than being locked into a bundle. The 32GB storage gives you room for a few eShop downloads alongside your physical collection.

Which Wii U Bundle Should You Buy?

I’ll keep this simple. If you want the best all-around value, get the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle or the Deluxe Set with Super Mario 3D World. You get 32GB of storage, a great game included, and every accessory you need. If you’re buying for kids, the Nintendo Land Bundle is the way to go because those mini-games are perfect for showing off the GamePad’s features.

For multiplayer households, the Super Smash Bros and Splatoon Bundle or the WUP-101(02) with Pro Controller give you the most bang for your buck in controllers and games. And if you’re on a tight budget, a refurbished Premium console saves you money without sacrificing quality.

The Wii U didn’t sell well during its run, but it’s aging into one of Nintendo’s most underrated consoles. The exclusive games are worth owning, the Nintendo Switch hasn’t replaced everything from the Wii U library, and prices are still reasonable if you know where to look. Check out the best gaming deals for seasonal discounts, or pair your new console with a proper gaming chair and a good gaming headset for the full setup.

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