The Wii U, while not a commercial juggernaut, was home to some truly unique and memorable games. Now, with the immense success of the Nintendo Switch, many gamers are clamoring for their favorite Wii U titles to make the jump. While we've seen a good number of Wii U hits get fantastic Switch ports (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and Pikmin 3 Deluxe, just to name a few), there are still some gems that remain stranded on the older console. So, let's dive into some Wii U games that are crying out for a Switch release.

Why These Games Deserve a Second Chance

Okay, guys, let's be real. The Wii U had a rough time. It was a console that, for many, just didn't quite click. But that doesn't mean it didn't have some amazing games! Many of these titles were overlooked simply because the Wii U's install base was relatively small. Porting these games to the Switch would give them a new lease on life, introducing them to a much wider audience who may have missed out the first time around. Think about it: the Switch has sold millions upon millions of units, and a Wii U port could find a whole new fanbase eager to experience these games. Furthermore, the Switch's hybrid nature – being both a handheld and a home console – makes it the perfect platform for many of these titles. Imagine playing these games on the go, or enjoying them on your TV with enhanced graphics and improved performance. It's a win-win situation! Nintendo has a treasure trove of untapped potential sitting on the Wii U, and bringing these games to the Switch would not only be great for fans but also a smart business move. These games deserve a second chance to shine, and the Switch is the perfect stage for their comeback. A port of these Wii U games to the Nintendo Switch is not just about reliving the past, it's about ensuring that great games are not forgotten and continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come.

Games Longing for a Switch Port

Let's get into the specifics! Here are some Wii U games that are seriously begging for a Switch port, and why they'd be amazing on Nintendo's current console:

1. The Wonderful 101

PlatinumGames' The Wonderful 101 is a superhero action game unlike anything else. You control a team of 100 (yes, one hundred!) heroes who can unite to form powerful weapons and structures. Its unique gameplay mechanics, vibrant visuals, and over-the-top action made it a cult classic. The Wonderful 101 was originally funded through Kickstarter for a port to other consoles, including the Switch, and has been available since May 2020. The game has cross-platform availability on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam, GOG, and PlayStation 5.

2. Nintendo Land

Okay, hear me out on this one. Nintendo Land was the Wii U's launch title, designed to showcase the console's unique features, particularly the GamePad. While it was essentially a collection of mini-games, many of these were incredibly fun and inventive. Imagine playing Nintendo Land on the Switch, utilizing the Joy-Cons for motion controls and the touchscreen for various interactions. A revamped version with new attractions based on more recent Nintendo franchises (like Splatoon or ARMS) could be a massive hit, especially as a digital download title. This game is definitely one of the Wii U games that needs to be brought back.

3. Star Fox Zero

Star Fox Zero is a somewhat controversial title, but underneath its unusual control scheme lies a genuinely interesting game. Developed in collaboration with PlatinumGames, it features intense aerial combat and branching paths. While the controls took some getting used to, many players found them to be rewarding once mastered. A Switch port could refine the controls, perhaps offering more traditional control options, and improve the game's visuals, making it the definitive version of Star Fox Zero. This would give Star Fox Zero a chance to shine and be appreciated by a wider audience.

4. Devil's Third

Devil's Third is a third-person shooter and beat 'em up game developed by Valhalla Game Studios. It was released for the Wii U in 2015. While it received mixed reviews, some players appreciated its unique blend of melee combat and gunplay. A Switch port could rebalance the gameplay, improve the graphics, and add new content to make it a more polished and enjoyable experience. This could potentially turn Devil's Third into a cult classic on the Switch.

5. Game & Wario

Game & Wario is a collection of minigames developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Wii U in 2013. While it may not be as well-known as other WarioWare titles, it features a variety of creative and quirky minigames that make use of the Wii U GamePad in unique ways. A Switch port could update the minigames to take advantage of the Switch's Joy-Cons and touchscreen, adding new content and challenges to create a fresh and engaging experience.

6. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a platformer developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Wii U in 2015. In this game, players control Kirby by drawing rainbow-colored lines on the GamePad's touchscreen to guide him through each level. The game features a unique art style and creative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other Kirby titles. A Switch port could adapt the touchscreen controls to the Switch's touchscreen, or offer an alternative control scheme using the Joy-Cons. The game is also one of the Wii U games that deserves to be brought back.

7. Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X is an open-world action role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo for the Wii U in 2015. Set on the alien planet Mira, players explore a vast and immersive world filled with diverse environments, creatures, and quests. The game features a deep combat system, customizable characters, and the ability to pilot giant mechs called Skells. Given the success of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Switch, a port of Xenoblade Chronicles X would be a welcome addition to the console's library. A Switch port could improve the graphics, streamline the user interface, and add new content to enhance the overall experience. It is also one of the Wii U games fans really want to see on the Switch.

The Future of Wii U Ports

While Nintendo has already brought many of the Wii U's best games to the Switch, there's still a wealth of potential waiting to be tapped. Whether it's quirky mini-game collections like Nintendo Land and Game & Wario, or ambitious open-world RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles X, there are plenty of Wii U games that would find a new and appreciative audience on the Switch. Hopefully, Nintendo will continue to explore its Wii U library and bring more of these hidden gems to its current console. After all, a great game is a great game, no matter what platform it's on. And with the Switch's massive popularity, these Wii U games deserve a second chance to shine. So, Nintendo, if you're listening: please give us more Wii U ports! We're ready and waiting to rediscover these forgotten classics.