Wii U questions
 

Does it basically function like a Switch? How many controllers will it accept, and how does that work? All wirelessly, I am assuming... but how do you register them? I vaguely remember when I had the original Wii a button you press on the controller... like that?

Also, how does Mario Party 10 compare to Super Mario Party on Switch?

I love the Wii U and have most of the first-party games for it. Ironically, Mario Party 10 is one I don't have, since I don't have regular opportunity for "couch play" with someone else, and the fact that the game didn't get good reviews and I've never been a big fan of the series anyway.

The Wii U is similar to the Switch in that both systems can be considered "portable" to the extend that a TV or monitor isn't required to play, however the Wii U gamepad must remain within a few feet of a powered console. The Switch is entirely contained in the gamepad, so it isn't encumbered by an external unit.

Also, the Wii U is a touchscreen-based console like the Switch. The Wii U has one advantage over the Switch in that it allows for "dual screen" play on certain games while the Switch must either be in portable mode or decked for TV play. The Wii U didn't have a lot of games that made extensive use of this feature, but it could be fun when a game used it well like Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD or Star Fox Zero.

One thing I hate is that the Wii U version of Breath of the Wild had a key feature removed from final release, presumably so that no one could say the Wii U version had an advantage over the Switch. The Wii U version planned to incorporate that dual screen feature to aid with navigation and HUD options and maybe some other things. But it was scrapped very late in the game once it became a dual-console title.

1. No, you can play some games without a TV but sometimes both screens are used and it always needs to be plugged in.
2. It will accept the screen controller but only one of those, for multiplayer it'll accept wii motes and standard controllers. Local multiplayer allows for five people at once.
3. Same as on the Wii, push sync buttons.
4. I haven't played Mario Party since 4.

Would you guys recommend buying a Wii U to someone who owns a Switch?

I had a Wii U since it launched and I regret it to this day, that's not to say it didn't have great content, it did but it's now most of it on the Switch in one way or another. In a way it really is a beta Switch and because of the uniqueness of the console, how little it sold, having great content, the hardware etc it'll become an expensive cult classic in a few years so if you want one better get one now.

Yes you can play games on your tablet controller but because it's streaming from the console and not doing any computing that means you have to be in the same room and that's hella annoying, I remember walking to the kitchen right next to the living room after getting it and had already lost connection, I really expected more. Because of that you also can't use the Wii U youtube/netflix apps while playing another game, your tv would need a separate netflix/youtube app to take advantage of watching netflix while playing the Wii U.

You can connect up to 8 controllers but maybe more, you can connect a wii remote which means all the Wii controllers are also compatible, there's an official adapter for gamecube ports so any gamecube controllers are also compatible, the Wii U pro controller and tons of third party bluetooth controllers also supported so there's plenty of options. All wireless like on the Wii (slightly easier) unless you're using the gamecube adapter which of course will have cords (unless you use a wavebird).

Most of the most popular games have been ported to the Switch or 3DS. So it would really depend on what title(s) you're buying it for. I bought my Wii U to play Yoshi's Crafty World, and although it has been ported to 3DS, I really enjoy the experience of playing it on the Wii U.

It is also handy to use now to watch Netflix, as the Switch, for whatever reason, doesn't have a Netflix app.

There are several gems on the Wii U which is why I bought one off ebay recently (mine died).

Namely:

- Splatoon
- Super Mario 3D land
- Legend of zelda: Twilight Princess HD
- Legend of zelda: Windwaker HD
- Super Smash bros U (experience un-nerfed Bayonetta as the most powerful OP that she is)
- Super Mario Maker
- Sonic Lost World
- Sonic Boom (it’s badly reviewed but it’s my guilty pleasure)
- Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

Plus it can play wii games (i.e. Legend of zelda Skyward Sword etc) which is a big plus because wii is a mess to setup.

If I remember the Wii U "upscales" Wii games which means it might be best way to play old Wii content.

I'm actually interested in 3D World, Pikmin 3, Wonderful 101, Sonic Lost World, etc. but I can't help but feel some of those games will get ported (probably not Lost World unfortunately as Sega's kinda funny on porting their games over to modern consoles).

The Virtual Console is said to be the biggest argument for owning a Wii U.

You can get it through Steam!

Are there games where I have to use that gamepad? Can I just set it down by the console and forget about it, just use normal controllers?

Without the Yoshi and Zelda DLC, though.

At least for the initial setup, you just about always have to use the Wii U gamepad before setting your controls to a preferred controller like a Wiimote or Pro Controller. Most games do allow you options, but a few pesky games will force usage of the Gamepad for certain features.

Indeed, that was a real treat for loyal Sega and Nintendo fans. I was very excited about the NiGHTS into Dreams DLC (all free) too, and Sega deserves credit for making multiple updates to Lost World after some mixed reviews after its launch.

Basically my reasons for seeking a Wii U are only two, but it's enough for me:

#1: I've gotten great enjoyment from playing Super Mario Party on Switch with others of late. But there's only 3 maps and Nintendo hasn't done any DLC for it at all and apparently has no plans to. And 3 maps is getting stale fast. I've read that Mario Party 10 for Wii U has tons of maps, and way more minigames.

#2: All the Wii/Wii U Zelda games that may or may not ever show up on Switch and if they do, might be years off.

The Wii U gamepad is perfectly fine to use as the primary controller. To me anyway. If you were thinking it’s too big or uncomfortable.

The only thing I’d say is it loses charge kinda fast so I just kept it plugged in. Again I guess some find it too annoying to use a wired controller now but I don’t mind.

I don’t have it setup right now, my Switch is hooked up, but I always saw the Wii U as more of a giant DS even though Nintendo promoted the switching feature.

I think the Wii U version of BotW has a better framerate, which might be true for for other ports as well. And because Nintendo isn't doing Virtual Console anymore in favor of streaming NES games (and only NES games), the Wii U has plenty of SNES, N64, GBA, DS and TG16 games that may not even end up on Switch.

Truthfully, it's getting cheaper at Gamestop so I don't know if it'll become more expensive over there.

I'm seeing it for like $70 at pawn stores. One of these days.

Important to find one that doesn't have any noticeable issues with the gamepad screens or controls, since that is essential to the system's play factor.

Seconded. I bought a separate controller because I assumed I would hate the big gamepad, but I just always use the big gamepad and never the controller.

Ya, same with the original Xbox. I thought about getting the S controller but using the fat one was also fine for me. I know it became known as the duke.

The only controller I never really liked was the N64. Putting the stick right in the middle was so dumb.

It was comfortable enough I guess but your hands were too close. The GameCube controller was obviously the way it should have been.

So I did get the Wii U. Enjoying the hell out of Twilight Princess HD, Wind Waker HD, and Skyward Sword (not HD, because it doesn't exist in that strangely) on disc. It's really taking me back, and it is satisfying to trudge further than I got years and years ago. Skyward Sword is fun as hell, for the most part... with the Wii controls, you really feel like you're swordfighting. I hate that Nintendo gravitated away from this, this should have been their niche.

Also there is a bunch of stuff in the store that is not available on the Switch store.

That's awesome. I've recently dusted off the Wii U and finally got to the HD remasters myself. Finished Wind Waker a couple weeks ago and been on Twilight Princess since. I've only ever completed each one once before, and it's insane how memorable they are. Also, getting through them back to back and being refreshed on a lot of the dialogue and locations has certainly been eye opening to me with just how interwoven this series is.

Glad you're enjoying Skyward Sword though. I think that game is underrated and it's rare to see someone else not griping about the motion controls. Too often I hear how unresponsive they were and I can honestly say that's more of a personal problem and not the game's fault. I had a flawless experience with them, so clearly, people are doing something wrong. Definitely gonna run through Skyward Sword again after Gears 5. Hopefully I'll be done with Twilight Princess by then.

We're in the same boat, then. I even ordered the Zelda Historia book that came out a year or two ago to get fully in the Zelda spirit.

The controls are awesome on everything in Skyward Sword. And I have such great memories... like handing my 2 or 3 year old daughter the remote to handle slashing of bushes eons ago.

My only gripe is the sail business in Skyward Sword. They made that be a true chore somehow. Anytime I have to chute down somewhere it's pretty nerve wracking... and it shouldn't be (as we know from Breath of the Wild).

Nice pickup, Andrew!

I wish folks would move on from the fact that the Wii U was a market disappointment and just appreciate it for what it had to offer.

(wonders whether the word "Crafty" was used by mistake in the making of this message or not)