Nintendo Wii U Console Review: Fun for Fans, Flaws for Others
Launching with the promise of HD Nintendo games and a touchscreen controller, the Nintendo Wii U Console 32GB Basic Set - Black (Renewed) remains one of gaming’s most polarizing systems. Across thousands of pieces of user feedback, it lands at a solid 8/10 for players seeking family-friendly co‑op and legacy Wii compatibility—although the experience is hampered for those chasing cutting‑edge third‑party titles or flawless online play.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best for Nintendo fans, couch co‑op gamers, and those with existing Wii gear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Backward compatibility with most Wii games & accessories | Limited third-party support |
| Gamepad enables off‑TV play | Short battery life on Gamepad |
| Strong first-party library (Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros.) | No Ethernet port, occasional online lag |
| Family-friendly multiplayer appeal | High cost of extra controllers |
| Refurbished units often arrive in excellent condition | Marketing confusion led to underwhelming game catalog |
| Virtual Console access to NES, SNES, N64, DS titles | Slow OS and update process |
| HDMI output with HD graphics | Storage space can be limiting without upgrade |
Claims vs Reality
Nintendo marketed the Wii U as “breaking down barriers between you and your entertainment” via a 6.2” LCD touch screen Gamepad with motion controls, front camera, NFC, and multi‑controller support. In theory, this meant couch freedom and unprecedented gameplay options.
Digging into community feedback, off‑TV play did prove transformative for some. A Best Buy reviewer wrote: “Being able to play games on the gamepad while my wife uses the TV is a big plus, especially if you only have one TV in the house.” However, others found the range underwhelming—Reddit user feedback noted, “I like to use the game pad in bed… however the range isn’t that great.”
Another core claim was smooth integration of services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video via Nintendo TVii. While functional, the system’s lack of an Ethernet port caused performance inconsistencies for streaming and online gaming. A Best Buy buyer lamented that “there’s always consistent lag… an ethernet‑USB adapter might solve it, but the lag is always consistent.”
Nintendo also highlighted backward compatibility with Wii games and accessories as a selling point. Here, users overwhelmingly agreed—it worked flawlessly for old titles and old Wii Remotes, with one customer enthused: “Our old remotes from the Wii work perfectly fine with the Wii U.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, and Reddit communities, first-party software stood out as the console’s raison d’être. Titles like Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD were described as “money well‑spent” and “like playing a Monet” by happy owners. For families, local multiplayer was unmatched: “Whenever you have multiple people over, ‘one more round’ always pops up… never gets old,” wrote a Best Buy reviewer about Smash Bros and Mario Kart nights.
Off‑TV play was particularly appreciated by households with TV competition. The Gamepad’s ability to stream gameplay wirelessly allowed kids or partners to watch shows while gaming continued uninterrupted. A Trustpilot buyer shared, “It even had the stylus that is always gone… perfect condition, almost like I had gotten it straight out of the Wii U’s box.”
Backward compatibility deepened the system’s appeal—owners with an existing Wii library saved hundreds by reusing remotes, balance boards, and nunchuks. Reddit users even recommended newcomers “buy some Wii back catalog games like Zelda and Metroid and have fun.”
Common Complaints
Online connectivity drew repeated criticism. Without an Ethernet port, frequent lag was reported in competitive titles. One Best Buy customer measured “around 0.3 seconds” delay in Super Smash Bros. matches. The Gamepad’s battery life was another sore point, often lasting only a few hours before recharge. Lucas K. on Trustpilot noted, “The battery only holds a charge for about an hour… I’ll probably put in a larger replacement.”
Controller cost quickly inflated total investment. While the base set includes the Gamepad, most multiplayer staples require extra Wii Remotes or Pro Controllers—adding $30–$50 each. Best Buy reviewers warned buyers: “Even if you go out and buy the cheapest official controller, you’re looking at least another $100 for four-player games.”
Content droughts also tarnished the experience. Reddit threads recalled “a lot of time in between big releases for basically its entire life” as third-party support vanished after 2015. Even with strong Nintendo exclusives, this left the console idle for months for those not interested in replaying classics.
Divisive Features
The Gamepad itself split opinion. Fans celebrated its unique second‑screen asymmetrical gameplay in Nintendo Land and Zelda: Battle Quest. Critics called it “a gimmicky, expensive peripheral” that inflated console cost without enough killer apps. Some found it clunky in shape, others likened it to “a big DS” in a positive way.
The Virtual Console—offering NES, SNES, N64, GBA, and DS games—was adored by retro enthusiasts but dismissed by modern-only players. For some, it filled the gaps between sparse new releases. For others, “you don’t buy the Wii U just to play Game Boy games,” as one Quora contributor put it.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished units earned high marks on Back Market and eBay sellers. Jonah S. praised receiving “my 2 favorite games preinstalled” with the Gamepad in full working order. Megan V. found her “fair” rated device “looked brand new.” Shipping speed was frequently praised, with packages arriving in 1–2 days, securely wrapped.
Long-term owners reported durability, with hardware still functioning after years—except for predictable battery decline in the Gamepad. Replacement cells easily remedied this. The consistent quality control in refurbishing alleviated scam concerns; most platforms offered 90-day warranties, and some eBay sellers added year-long Allstate coverage.
Alternatives
Players comparing consoles often weighed the Wii U against PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Quora’s Tom’s Guide analysis noted, “You’ll get better graphics and smoother animation on the Xbox One or PS4” for cross-platform hits like Assassin’s Creed. While PS4’s Remote Play required an extra PS Vita for off‑screen play, Wii U's Gamepad integrated it at no additional cost.
For Nintendo fans, the Switch is the modern successor, but many of its biggest titles are simply enhanced Wii U ports (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Breath of the Wild). Those on a budget can find the core experience via the Wii U without Switch hardware investment.
Price & Value
Current refurbished prices range from around $140 for basic bundles to $270+ for complete sets with popular games. eBay market data shows strong resale demand, especially for deluxe bundles, Zelda editions, and systems including multiple controllers.
Community buying tips include:
- Use backward compatibility to save on controllers and classic titles.
- Factor in $30–$50 per extra controller for multiplayer-heavy households.
- External storage may be needed for digital purchases beyond the built‑in 32 GB.
FAQ
Q: Can the Wii U play Wii games and use Wii accessories?
A: Yes. Owners consistently report full compatibility with Wii discs, Wii Remotes, Nunchuks, Balance Boards, and other accessories.
Q: How far can the Gamepad be from the console for off‑TV play?
A: Range is roughly 25–30 feet in open space, but multiple walls can severely limit it, according to Reddit and Best Buy users.
Q: Is online gaming reliable without an Ethernet port?
A: It’s playable for casual titles, but competitive games like Smash Bros. may suffer lag. Some suggest an Ethernet‑to‑USB adapter, though results vary.
Q: Does the refurbished Basic Set include all cables?
A: Amazon Renewed and Back Market listings confirm HDMI, AC adapters for console and Gamepad, and sometimes a charging dock are included.
Q: Is the Gamepad essential to use the console?
A: For most games and menu navigation, yes. Few games allow play without the Gamepad present.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Nintendo-first gamer, have an existing Wii library, or want the ultimate couch co‑op machine. Avoid if you rely on heavy third-party support or flawless competitive online. Pro tip from the community: “Pick it up for Smash, Mario Kart, and Zelda—and use those old Wii controllers to save cash.”
