Why 2015 is the Year You Should Buy a Wii U

Haha, the Wii U. Look at it, with it's second screen, it's lack of graphical prowess, it's a last generation console that thinks it's a current generation console. How we laughed when the shovelware reared it's head in the form of NintendoLand , how companies dropped support when they realised selling 3rd party titles simply didn't happen and how the everything was falling apart at the house of Mario.

I've given Nintendo's black or white box of tricks and tablet controller a hard-time in private, although on the blog, it's mostly boiled down to how little an appearance the console has made on my E3 posts since it's inception.

However, like the monstrous hypocrite I am and like every console generation I've been alive for, I always end up coming around, although it took far less persuasion than the Wii.

Looking at Nintendo's resent sales, forecasts and other business related projections, the console is currently bombing, although it's seen a resurgence thanks in part to Nintendo taking a slice of the Skylanders pie and giving Smash Bros. amibo action figures to collect.

This post will tell you in four easy steps why you should invest in Nintendo's current generation console, whilst a sister post will tell you why you shouldn't.

It's Never Been Cheaper

This will probably only entice UK readers of the blog, although I imagine this can be played out in other parts of the world.

In short, I bought my bog-standard Wii U on Christmas Day with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Bayonetta 2 Special Edition and a Pro-Controller for £189.99. At the time, that was a bargain and not the only one out there. As it stands, to invest in an PS4 or XBox One, you need to look anywhere between £250-£330, so the Wii U is a surprisingly cheap investment for a current generation experience (your milage may vary on how current generation the Wii U is but there you go).

However, thanks to several of the big supermarkets ditching video-games instore, you can purchase a premium Wii U (the one with a slightly bigger hard-drive and the sensor bar) with a game for a staggering...£86.

Yes, it's a wild goose chase, you'll be lucky but sweet Xenu, that is ridiculous. Even if you miss that, there's been several reports of the bog-standard console going £130 which is still pretty cheap in line with the competition.

The Virtual Console Library works a treat on the GamePad

Ok, the Wii U gamepad looks and is massive, making the original XBox controller look small and compact in comparison. Yes, you're better off buying an actual controller for the console's actual games like Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and even Super Mario 3D World and the battery life and other hang-ups are frankly, stupid.

However, Nintendo's virtual console library is leagues above what Sony and Microsoft can offer and nothing can match the joy of playing, say, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past or Donkey Kong Country 3 whilst the wife watches Call the Midwife on the TV.

That or track down a Game boy Advantage with the ports or emulate with a tablet or laptop if you're the shady sort but that's besides the point.

The screen is plenty big enough, the controller is surprisingly not as uncomfortable as it should be and the novelty of playing childhood classics or discovering old classics for the first time hasn't worn off. Add the potential of Nintendo 64 titles and it's another big plus.

The Current Software Library is Great

One of the reasons I bought a Wii U was the write-ups concerning Bayonetta 2. I was a fan of the butchered, horrible version that graced the PS3 and the sequel looked superb.

And it is, in everyway imaginable.

If you're a fan of action games and have been waiting for the next Devil May Cry (the original, not the great if gritty reboot), Bayonetta 2 is worth the price of admission.

Add to that a Super Mario 3D World which the missus and I have spent hours blitzing through, a HD port of the one of the best 3D Zelda titles, a gorgeous Mario Kart and yes, despite me saying otherwise, a fun and fantastic sequel for Super Smash Bros, and the aforementioned virtual console library, there's bound to be something to love on the Wii U, albeit first and second party titles.

2015's Release Schedule Looks Amazing

2015 is a magical year for video games, Metal Gear Solid 5, Batman Arkham Knight, Persona 5, Uncharted 4, No Man's Sky and plenty more are coming to solidify the current gen for those who have held-off buying a new console.

Nintendo however, are delivering three big titles to tempt you to the Wii U.

Firstly is Xenoblade Chronicles X, one of two huge JRPG releases this year (the other being the aforementioned Persona 5) and it looks gorgeous. If it can match the gameplay and story of the modern cult classic on the Wii and New 3DS, expect to this in a lot of top ten at the end of the year.

Secondly for space shooter enthusiasts and furries (for which I'm strictly the former) is Starfox Wii U. Although only a screen-shot and a mention in title three is all we have going, a promised E3 unveiling and Miyamota working at the helm raises hopes for the dormant franchise.

Last and certainly not least is The Legend of Zelda Wii U. From the gameplay footage and information shared, the next console release for Nintendo's darling franchise looks and sound fantastic, even after the underwhelming Skyward Sword.

Promising a radical change to the The Legend of Zelda formula with exploration taking the forefront and impressive visuals, it's almost certain to miss 2015 but one can only hope it will make it on the 2015 release schedule.

H

@Retcon_Nation