Nintendo Wii U Console Review – Renewed Buyer's Verdict
Opening with a surprise that many buyers didn’t expect: the Nintendo Wii U Console 32GB Basic Set – Black (Renewed) often arrives looking “brand new” even when officially rated as “good” or “fair” condition. Trustpilot reviewer Jonah S. said: “I had lost my old one and this one came with my 2 favorite games preinstalled, plus it had the stylus… 10/10.” Combining backward compatibility with a unique GamePad experience, the renewed unit scores a solid 8.4/10 in cross-platform user feedback.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes in excellent cosmetic condition for most buyers | Short GamePad battery life (~1-3 hrs) |
| Backward compatibility with Wii games & accessories | Limited third-party support |
| Off-TV play via GamePad | Lacks ethernet port & advanced online features |
| Strong lineup of first-party titles (Mario, Zelda) | Additional controllers add to total cost |
| Affordable refurbished pricing vs. new units | Occasional crashes/freezes reported |
| Easy setup & family-friendly library | Confusion over being a “new” console vs Wii upgrade |
Claims vs Reality
Nintendo positions the Wii U GamePad as a “barrier-breaking” 6.2-inch touchscreen capable of second-screen play, motion controls, and integrated features like NFC. While this promise holds true for casual and family gamers, multiple Best Buy reviewers found its battery lifespan disappointing. One buyer noted, “The gamepad dies way too quickly… it doesn’t last long enough to game for more than a few hours.”
Marketing also emphasizes backward compatibility with Wii games and accessories. This claim comes through in practice—Amazon buyers and Reddit users report seamless play with Wii remotes, nunchuks, and balance boards. However, a GameFAQs poster cautioned that the transfer from Wii to Wii U erases game progress on the Wii, as “the data wasn’t copied but rather completely transferred.”
Nintendo's selling point of an integrated multimedia hub with TVii and streaming apps sees a gap in expectations. While Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube integration work well for many, some Best Buy reviewers called the browser “functional if somewhat inconsistent” and noted video apps don’t work without the GamePad, even when it’s not needed for gameplay.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Off-TV play is the standout feature for nearly all user groups. Families with one TV found it transformative. A Best Buy reviewer shared: “Being able to play games on the GamePad while my wife uses the TV is a big plus.” This resonates with apartment dwellers and students who need flexibility.
Backward compatibility broadens the game library instantly. One Reddit member advised, “Buy it, then buy some Wii back catalog games like Zelda and Metroid and have fun!” Parents upgrading from a faulty Wii praised the smooth transition: “All of the Wii games are compatible, although the kids have been entertained for hours with Mario 3D and Nintendo Land.”
First-party exclusives like Super Mario 3D World, Zelda: Wind Waker HD, and Smash Bros consistently draw praise for quality and replayability. Back Market reviewer Raiden B. bought primarily for the last Xenoblade title and was “happy to see I didn’t get scammed… perfect condition.”
Common Complaints
GamePad battery life is a recurring sore point. Lucas K. on Trustpilot reported his GamePad “only holds a charge for about an hour,” forcing him to play plugged in. Multiple Best Buy reviewers recommend budgeting for a larger aftermarket battery.
Online play quality varies heavily due to the lack of a native ethernet port. One Smash Bros player described “lag somewhere around 0.3 seconds,” and uncertainty about whether a USB ethernet adapter fixes it. Hardcore online gamers find this problematic.
Peripheral costs add up quickly. The console ships with only the GamePad, so parties require extra controllers. One Best Buy reviewer broke down a $500–$600 spend after accounting for games and four controllers. Another noted Smash Bros’ eight-player mode demands significant investment in accessories.
Divisive Features
The GamePad itself splits opinion. Some call it “genius” for touch, swipe, and dual-display play; others feel few games use its full potential. A Giant Bomb user commented, “GamePad integration is not very good… few games make real use of it.”
Nintendo’s branding confusion at launch still lingers. Ars Technica recalls many parents thinking the Wii U was “an upgrade to the Wii,” not an entirely new console. Collectors see this as part of its charm; others see it as the root of its poor sales and limited developer support.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished units from Nintendo-approved sources and marketplaces like Back Market drew high reliability marks. Joshua C. said his “good” condition console “seemed excellent… packaged well, shipped fast.” Krisztian H. praised the “amazing” holiday packaging and near-perfect condition.
Cosmetic blemishes, when present, are usually minor. Lucas K. noted “surface scratches… did not affect functionality,” but flagged the weak GamePad battery as a sign of age.
Long-term Reddit users confirm durability. A GameFAQs poster’s refurbished unit was “still going strong to this day” except for occasional freezes with one specific title—attributed to the game, not the hardware.
Alternatives
The main alternatives cited by community members are PS4 and Xbox One, offering stronger third-party libraries and multimedia features. However, neither has backwards compatibility with Wii titles, nor the family-friendly focus. As Tom’s Guide points out, “parents or gamers looking for an entry-level console might be better served by grabbing an Xbox 360 or PS3” if Nintendo’s exclusives aren’t a draw.
For portability and continuity of Nintendo’s library, users mention the Switch, which inherited many Wii U hits but lacks the Wii backward compatibility and GamePad’s asymmetrical multiplayer.
Price & Value
Renewed units generally list between $140–$225, far below launch MSRP, with eBay bundles offering better per-game value. Large bundles with games and accessories trend at $194.99–$273.60 depending on condition.
Reddit bargain hunters advise watching for official refurbished listings (~$199) to avoid inflated resale prices. Trustpilot buyers felt the refurb price “saved money while still getting a high-quality product.” Peripherals, however, can close the gap between “cheaper than a PS4” and equal cost.
FAQ
Q: Does the Wii U work with all Wii games and accessories?
A: Nearly all Wii titles and gear are compatible, including Wii Remotes, Nunchuks, and Balance Boards. GameCube titles, however, are not supported.
Q: How long does the GamePad battery last?
A: Users report 1–3 hours on originals; extended batteries are available. Many play plugged in for longer sessions.
Q: Can I play Wii U games without a TV?
A: Yes, most titles support Off-TV play on the GamePad, a major plus in single-TV households.
Q: Is online play reliable without an ethernet port?
A: Wireless quality varies. USB LAN adapters help, but some lag persists for high-speed games.
Q: What’s the main reason to buy a Wii U now?
A: Access to its strong first-party library and full Wii backward compatibility at a lower cost via refurbished units.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want a family-friendly, backward-compatible Nintendo library with unique GamePad experiences and can accept shorter battery life. Avoid if third-party support, strong online play, or multimedia dominance are priorities. Pro tip from Back Market buyers: grab an extended GamePad battery and shop bundles to offset controller costs.
