The holidays are arriving fast and gamers are trying to figure out which gaming console they should upgrade to for the coming new year. Microsoft and Sony have been in the spotlight recently because the Xbox One and PS4 were recently released last month. It’s becoming apparent that many gamers are forgetting about good ol’ Nintendo and the Wii U. The Nintendo Wii U was released last year in November so it’s understandable that the console is often forgotten by gamers, however, there are eight reasons why you should consider buying a Wii U instead of a PS4 or an Xbox One this holiday season.
1. Price
The Wii U deluxe set is $299, the PS4 is $399, and the Xbox One is $499
The Wii U is the most affordable next generation console on the market. The console is $100 less than the PS4 and $200 less than the Xbox One. You can use that extra $100 – $200 on accessories, eShop goodies, DLC, and extra games.
2. Great games that are available NOW
Buy Pikmin 3, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and Super Mario 3D World RIGHT NOW!
If you’re turned off by the fact that the PS4 and the Xbox One just don’t have a lot of launch games available right now then the Wii U is definitely for you. With great titles like Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and Wonderful 101; you won’t have to wait to play some awesome games on your new system. Unlike the Xbox One and PS4, the Wii U is backwards compatible so you can purchase some oldies but goodies like New Super Mario Brothers, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and Donkey Kong Country Returns.
3. Unique exclusive titles
Wanting to play Bayonetta 2 next year? You won’t be able to unless you have a Wii U! Bayonetta 2, Mario titles, Donkey Kong titles, a new Yoshi game, and the next Zelda game will only be available on the Wii U and Nintendo will deliver some fantastic game play with the integration of the game pad.
4. Free Online
Xbox Live has always had a subscription that you must pay if you wanted to play online with your friends. If you have a PS4, Playstation Network also has a subscription that must be paid now to play certain multi-player games online. Nintendo Network offers a free service to gamers where you can interact with other people on the Miiverse and play games like Call of Duty: Ghosts with your friends online… FOR FREE.
5. Dual screen gaming like you’ve never experienced
The PS4 and the Xbox One offer ways that you can experience dual screen gaming with the use of the PS Vita, cell phones, and tablets. These second screen experiences might be pretty cool but nothing will compare to the fully tuned and fantastic performance of the Wii U game pad. So many games have already been released that were made for the Wii U game pad like Wind Waker HD and Super Mario 3D World and the skies are the limit. Nintendo has been known to deliver some pretty awesome experiences in the past with their exclusive titles and unique ideas involving motion detection. We’re going to see some neat stuff next year on the Wii U.
6. The Wii U can control your television and cable box
Were you interested in the Xbox One because of it’s ability to control your television and cable box? With a cheaper price tag, the Wii U can also control your television and cable box. The Wii U game pad can also be set up to be used as a universal remote control for your television and cable box. Nintendo’s TVii application is a fun way to watch television shows. You can even interact with Miiverse users who are watching the same show as you live. Set up your favorite channels, TV shows, and movies using the TVii application.
7. The Wii U game pad
I know I’ve mentioned the Wii U game pad a couple of times now but let me elaborate on a couple of things that really make the Wii U game pad worth it’s price tag. Do you have daily Hunger Games battles in your home over who has control over the main television? If your mom makes you shut off your game because she has to watch the latest episode of her soap opera on the television but you’re freaking out because you’re in the middle of a dungeon, with no save point, and just a few doors from the boss; don’t fret. If you have a Wii U, you can make your mommy dearest happy by giving her free reign of the television and switch your game from your main television to the game pad and continue your adventure. You can sit right next to your mom, plug in some ear buds, and continue playing while your mom watches the television. So here’s another scenario… are you a parent and have kids that love to hog the television? If you’re tired of watching re-runs of kids shows, grab your Wii U game pad and hit up Netflix, Amazon Video, Youtube, or Hulu Plus and enjoy an adult show while your kiddo watches on the big screen or vice versa. Feel like showing off your artistic abilities? Hop on the Miiverse and use the Wii U game pad and draw some fabulous art with the stylus. Show it off to other users and interact with other artists. There are so many other uses for the game pad and Nintendo has plenty of awesome plans for the future.
8. Nostalgia
Get your retro-gaming fix on the Nintendo Wii U’s eShop.
Nintendo’s eShop is wonderful. You can download classic NES, SNES, and N64 video games right to your Wii U system for very cheap prices. If you’re wanting to re-live your childhood with some old school Super Mario World or play some games that you missed out on on the N64; the eShop will be your retro gaming heaven.
These are just a handful of reasons why the Wii U might be a better choice than a PS4 or an Xbox One this holiday season. With the recent release of the Xbox One and the PS4, gamers could easily forget Nintendo’s star of the show that released a year ago. If you’re looking for a console upgrade, don’t overlook this system!
If you have a Wii U, what is your favorite thing about the console?