Summary
The Nintendo Wii U has gone from being one of Nintendo’s most misunderstood consoles to one of the most interesting modern-retro systems to collect. It had a short life, a smaller physical library, a unique GamePad controller, strong Nintendo exclusives, and a strange place in gaming history between the Wii and the Nintendo Switch.
For years, the Wii U was overlooked. Now, collectors are paying more attention. Some Wii U games are still affordable, while others have already become harder to find. With the Wii U eShop closed for new purchases and many physical games becoming more desirable, now is a good time to take Wii U collecting seriously.
At Power Up Gaming, we carry a rotating selection of used Nintendo Wii U games in Canada, along with Wii U systems, Wii U accessories, and other retro and modern video game products.
Why Wii U Collecting Is Heating Up
The Wii U launched in North America on November 18, 2012. At the time, it struggled to find a clear identity. Many casual players thought it was just an accessory for the original Wii, while others were confused by the GamePad, the name, and the smaller release library.
That confusion hurt the Wii U during its original life, but it also makes the system more interesting now. The Wii U did not sell like the Wii, Switch, Nintendo DS, or 3DS. Because of that, many physical Wii U games had a smaller audience, and some titles did not stay common for long.
Collectors often become interested in systems that were overlooked during their original generation. The same thing has happened with the Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, GameCube, PlayStation Vita, and other systems that gained more appreciation after they were discontinued. The Wii U is now entering that same conversation.
If you want to learn more about why older systems keep coming back into focus, you may also enjoy our article on the rise of retro gaming.
Why the Wii U eShop Closure Matters
The Wii U eShop is no longer available for new purchases. That matters a lot for collectors.
When digital storefronts close, physical games become more important. A physical Wii U game can still be collected, displayed, traded, sold, gifted, and played on original hardware. Digital access can change over time, but physical games give collectors something they can actually own.
The Wii U was also home to many digital-only games, Virtual Console releases, indie games, DLC, demos, and downloadable content. Some of those are no longer easily accessible to new buyers. That makes the physical Wii U library more important for anyone who wants to preserve this era of Nintendo gaming.
You can browse our current selection of Wii U games online. Since our inventory is live, availability changes as games sell and new trade-ins arrive.
The Wii U Library Is Small, and That Matters
One of the biggest reasons Wii U collecting is interesting is the size of the library.
The Wii U does not have thousands of physical games like some other systems. Its library is much smaller, which makes it easier for collectors to understand, track, and build. A smaller library can also make certain games more desirable because collectors can realistically work toward owning a large portion of it.
Small libraries often attract collectors. When a system has a limited number of physical releases, people start paying closer attention to complete sets, late releases, exclusives, variants, special editions, and games that did not sell in huge numbers.
That does not mean every Wii U game is valuable. Many common games are still affordable. But the smaller library means that collector attention can move quickly when certain titles become harder to find.
Wii U Games That Collectors Should Watch For
If you are starting or expanding a Wii U collection, it helps to know which types of games are most likely to become more desirable over time.
1. Zelda Games
Zelda is always important for Nintendo collectors, and the Wii U has several major Zelda-related releases.
Games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Hyrule Warriors are all important parts of the Wii U library. The HD versions of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess are especially interesting because they remain strongly tied to the Wii U era.
Zelda games tend to hold long-term interest because the fan base is huge, the series has strong nostalgia, and collectors often want physical copies across multiple Nintendo systems.
2. Mario and Nintendo First-Party Games
Mario and Nintendo first-party games are always worth watching. The Wii U has several important releases, including Super Mario 3D World, New Super Mario Bros. U, Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Party 10, Paper Mario: Color Splash, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and Yoshi’s Woolly World.
Some of these games later came to Nintendo Switch, but the original Wii U versions still matter to collectors. For some people, the Wii U copy is the first version. For others, it is part of building a complete Nintendo collection.
3. Games That Still Feel Best on Wii U
Some Wii U games used the GamePad in ways that made them feel different from later ports or re-releases. That is one reason the original Wii U versions remain interesting.
The GamePad gave players a second screen, touch controls, maps, inventory management, off-TV play, and unique control ideas. Not every game used it perfectly, but when it worked, the Wii U version felt distinct.
Games like Nintendo Land, ZombiU, Game & Wario, Affordable Space Adventures, Star Fox Zero, and certain party or family titles are closely connected to the GamePad experience. These are the kinds of games collectors may appreciate more over time because they are harder to recreate on other systems.
4. RPGs and Niche Titles
RPGs and niche games are always worth watching in retro collecting. The Wii U has fewer RPGs than some other Nintendo systems, but that can make the notable ones stand out even more.
Games like Xenoblade Chronicles X, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, and other niche titles are important because they appeal to dedicated fan bases. These are the types of games that can become harder to find in clean complete condition.
5. Late-Generation Releases
Late-generation Wii U games are worth paying attention to because many players had already moved on or were waiting for the Nintendo Switch. Games released near the end of a console’s life can sometimes have smaller physical runs or lower demand at the time.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the obvious example because it launched on both Wii U and Switch. The Wii U version is especially interesting because it was the final major Nintendo-published Wii U release and represents the bridge from the Wii U era into the Switch era.
6. Licensed and Unusual Games
Licensed games can become collectible because rights expire, digital listings disappear, and re-releases become difficult. The Wii U had a smaller library, but it still had licensed games based on movies, comics, sports, music, and family entertainment properties.
Collectors should watch for clean complete copies of unusual Wii U games, especially titles that did not sell in massive numbers. These may not always be expensive right away, but they can become harder to replace later.
Wii U Hidden Gems Worth Knowing About
The Wii U has several games that deserve more attention than they received during the system’s original life.
Some hidden gems are great because they use the GamePad well. Others are interesting because they were overshadowed by the Switch, released late, or appeared on a system that many players skipped entirely.
Good Wii U hidden gem categories include:
- GamePad-focused games that feel unique to the Wii U
- Nintendo first-party titles that were overshadowed by later Switch versions
- RPGs and niche Japanese releases
- Family and party games that are better than people remember
- Licensed games that may not return digitally
- Late-generation titles that had less attention at launch
Wii U hidden gems are worth buying before they become collector talking points. Once a system becomes more popular with collectors, overlooked games can rise quickly.
Wii U Games That Are Already Getting Expensive
Some Wii U games are already more expensive than people expect.
Zelda titles, niche games, low-print titles, complete special editions, late releases, and certain family or licensed games can command higher prices than common Wii U games. Complete copies with original cover art, manuals or inserts when applicable, special packaging, amiibo bundles, or sealed condition can also be much more desirable.
Collectors should especially watch for:
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Xenoblade Chronicles X
- Game & Wario
- Paper Mario: Color Splash
- Wii Party U
- Mario & Sonic titles
- Devil’s Third
- Special editions, sealed copies, and amiibo bundle versions
This does not mean every copy will be expensive forever, and prices can move up and down. But these are the types of games that collectors often pay attention to when building a Wii U library.
Should You Buy a Wii U Console Today?
Yes, if you want to play Wii U games properly, buying original hardware still matters.
The Wii U is not just a standard console. The GamePad is a major part of the system. Some games use it for maps, inventory, touch controls, asymmetrical multiplayer, off-TV play, or required setup functions. That means buying a Wii U without a working GamePad can be a problem.
When shopping for a used Wii U system, check that the console, GamePad, GamePad charger, sensor bar if needed, power supply, HDMI cable, stylus, and controller sync all work properly. Also check the GamePad screen, battery, buttons, joysticks, touch input, and charging port.
At Power Up Gaming, we carry used Wii U systems when available. Inventory changes regularly as systems sell and new trade-ins arrive.
If you need help setting one up, read our guide: How to Set Up a Wii U Console.
Do Wii Games Work on Wii U?
Yes, the Wii U is backward compatible with almost all Wii games and many Wii accessories. That makes the Wii U more useful than some people realize.
A Wii U can play Wii U games and most original Wii games, which gives players access to two Nintendo libraries on one system. For collectors, that is a big advantage. It means the Wii U can be a practical console for both Wii U collecting and Wii game collecting.
You can browse our used Nintendo Wii games if you want to expand beyond the Wii U library.
What to Check When Buying Used Wii U Games
When buying used Wii U games, condition matters.
Check the disc surface, case condition, cover art, manual or inserts if applicable, and whether the game is complete. Some Wii U games included inserts, Club Nintendo papers, manuals, amiibo information, or bonus content. Not every copy will have everything, so collectors should always read the listing carefully.
Disc condition is important because scratched discs can cause read errors. At Power Up Gaming, our used Wii U games are cleaned and inspected. Discs with marks may be professionally refinished using our robotic disc refinishing system when appropriate.
You can also read more about disc care and repair in our guide: Can Scratched Video Game Discs Be Fixed?
Should You Buy Loose or Complete Wii U Games?
For players, loose discs can be fine if the goal is simply to play the game. For collectors, complete copies are usually better.
A complete Wii U game usually means the original case and cover art are included. Depending on the title, collectors may also care about manuals, inserts, registration papers, special packaging, amiibo bundles, or sealed condition.
Complete copies display better, are easier to organize, and usually hold collector interest more strongly than loose discs. If you are buying common games to play, loose may be fine. If you are buying Zelda, RPGs, niche titles, special editions, or expensive games, complete copies are usually the better choice.
Is Wii U Collecting Going to Get More Expensive?
Some Wii U games will likely get more expensive over time.
That does not mean every Wii U game will become valuable. Common games, high-print titles, and widely available releases may stay affordable. But specific categories are more likely to rise, including Zelda games, RPGs, niche releases, late-generation games, low-print titles, GamePad-focused exclusives, special editions, and sealed copies.
Wii U collecting has a few things working in its favour: a smaller physical library, Nintendo nostalgia, eShop closure, a unique controller, backwards compatibility with Wii, and a growing modern-retro audience. That combination can make certain games harder to find as more collectors enter the market.
Our video game sale section is also worth checking, especially when Wii U games are included in current promotions.
Final Thoughts: Wii U Collecting Is Worth Taking Seriously
The Wii U was overlooked during its original life, but that is exactly why collectors are starting to pay attention now.
It has a smaller physical library, important Nintendo exclusives, unique GamePad features, strong Zelda titles, interesting hidden gems, backwards compatibility with Wii games, and a growing list of games that are becoming harder to find in good condition.
If you are starting a Wii U collection, focus on the games you actually want to play first. Then watch for Zelda games, RPGs, niche titles, late releases, GamePad-focused games, complete copies, and unusual licensed titles. A great Wii U collection does not need to be built overnight, but waiting too long may make some games harder and more expensive to find.
You can shop our current selection of used Wii U games, Wii U systems, Wii U accessories, and other used video games at Power Up Gaming. We ship across Canada from our Barrie, Ontario store.
FAQ
Is Wii U considered retro now?
Many collectors now consider the Wii U to be retro or modern-retro. The system launched in 2012, has been discontinued, and has a growing collector market, especially for physical games.
Is Wii U collecting worth it?
Yes, Wii U collecting is worth it if you enjoy Nintendo games, physical collecting, Zelda titles, hidden gems, unique hardware, GamePad-focused gameplay, and smaller console libraries.
Are Wii U games getting expensive?
Some Wii U games are getting expensive, especially Zelda games, RPGs, niche titles, late-generation releases, low-print games, special editions, sealed copies, and complete collector copies.
What Wii U games should collectors watch for?
Collectors should watch for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, The Wind Waker HD, Breath of the Wild, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Game & Wario, Paper Mario: Color Splash, Wii Party U, Devil’s Third, Mario & Sonic titles, and special editions.
Did the Wii U eShop close?
Yes, the Wii U eShop closed for new purchases on March 27, 2023. Previously purchased games and DLC may still be redownloaded, but new purchases are no longer supported through the Wii U eShop.
Can Wii U play Wii games?
Yes, the Wii U is backward compatible with almost all Wii games and many Wii accessories. That makes it useful for both Wii U collecting and Wii game collecting.
Do you need the Wii U GamePad?
Yes, the Wii U GamePad is very important. Some games and system functions require it, and many games were designed around the second screen. A Wii U console without a working GamePad can be difficult to use properly.
Should I buy loose or complete Wii U games?
Complete Wii U games are usually better for collectors because they include the original case and cover art, and sometimes manuals or inserts. Loose discs can still be fine for players who mainly want to play the game.
What should I check before buying a used Wii U system?
Check that the console, GamePad, GamePad charger, power supply, HDMI cable, buttons, touch screen, joysticks, disc drive, and controller sync all work properly. The GamePad is especially important.
Where can I buy used Wii U games in Canada?
You can buy used Wii U games in Canada from Power Up Gaming. We carry a rotating selection of Wii U games, Wii U systems, and accessories online and from our retail store in Barrie, Ontario.
