This winter has been a crazy one. It’s been pretty warm but recently it’s been snowing…a lot. On those snowy days Kora & Logan tend to play outside for as long as they can but once they get cold they come in and it’s not long before they are yelling, “I’m bored! What can we do?”
Thankfully our snow days are changing.
As tech bloggers Dave and I have always loved relaxing at the end of the day by playing video games. That love has passed on to Kora & Logan and they enjoy playing as much as we do. We keep things simple here and enjoy family friendly games.
Wii U and Games received.
That’s why we love the Wii U, it’s taken our family gaming to a new level.
What Makes The Wii U Different?
The Wii U comes with a GamePad controller that is a second window into your video game. It has an LCD touchscreen as well an traditional button controls and two analog sticks. When you use it you’ll notice it has motion control, a front facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, and a stylus.
You can use the GamePad in addition to the main display. This means that the person using the GamePad may have a different objective and experience than the other players. You can point, tilt, tap, shake, swipe and even talk to the GamePad to make games come to life.
For example, in this photo you can see that while playing Nintendo Land’s Catch Mario, Logan is using the GamePad as his Mario Mii to hide from Kora. She is her Mii as a Toad and is trying to find them. The GamePad screen is completely different than what’s on the TV. This is such a fun game and always gets the kids laughing. You can learn more about it below.
When using the GamePad you can use up to 4 other Wii U controllers so up to five people can play at once. You can also play your game directly on the GamePad – no TV necessary. This is nice and means that one person can play the game while others watch their favorite television show.
The Wii U Game Pad also acts as a second screen when browsing the internet. Using the stylus on the GamePad you can easily type in web addresses and more.
How Are The Graphics?
It supports crystal clear high definition graphics which makes the games brighter, more colorful, and more enjoyable.
What If You Already Own A Wii?
If you have a Wii U, you can rest easy because the Wii U is backwards compatible which means you can use it to play most games developed for the Wii.
Also it is compatible with existing Wii Remote and Wii Remote Plus Controllers as well as with the Nunchuks and Classic Controller attachments.
Are Online Services Available?
Yes. The Wii U uses the Nintendo Network which enables online multiplayer games as well as downloading and purchasing games or apps from the Nintendo eShop. You can also video chat using the GamePad’s camera and the Wii U Chat Service.
What About Those Cute Mii Characters?
You can create characters that look like you, your family members, and friends – these are called Miis. They can be personalized easily, you can choose their clothes, hair, facial expressions etc. With the Wii U you can take your photo with the camera on the GamePad and it will make a Mii based on your looks. We’ve had some good laughs with this feature!
There is also the Miiverse which is an online social network where you can interact and share your thoughts with other players. You can share accomplishments, drawings, handwritten notes, and screenshots.
Can I Watch Netflix On The Wii U?
Yes. With the Wii U you can also access your accounts on Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, and YouTube. It makes it easy to watch your favorite movies and shows right from the Wii U console.
Recommended Games
We enjoy keeping our gaming light-hearted and family friendly. That’s why we were excited to discover Nintendo Land. It is a party game that has 12 mini-games in it. Each game is based on other Nintendo games and it’s so much fun!
I mentioned Mario Chase above, it’s a game where one player uses the GamePad as their Mario Mii and runs and hides.
The GamePad shows a top down perspective as well as map overview of the area so this player can see where the other players are. Another player uses a regular controller and only looks at the tv which shows the game from their perspective as a Toad. The Toad players run around trying to find Mario, the tricky part is Mario’s map overview allows him to see where the other players are at all times. The game is runs on a timer and whether Mario if found or not, in the end it Mario Chase always gets the kids laughing.
We’ve also had a great time playing Donkey Kong’s Crash Course. In this single player game, you tilt the GamePad back and forth and up and down to move a trolley with you Mii face on it through a Donkey Kong obstacle course. At one point you even have to blow into the microphone to get a pulley system to lift the trolley up. It’s creative, fun, and gives Donkey Kong fans a real feeling of nostalgia.
Other mini games include:
- The Legend Of Zelda: Battle Quest
- Luigi’s Ghost Mansion
- Metroid Blast
- Pikmin Adventures
- Animal Crossing
- Captain Falcon’s Twister Race
- Balloon Trip Breeze
- Yoshi’s Fruit Cart
- Octopus Dance
We also love Super Mario Bros. U If you’ve played the game on the Wii, you’ll find this game is completely different from the past Super Mario Bros. games with new objectives.
It’s also lots of fun having one member of the family use the GamePad to help out whenever we reach a troublespot. It’s truly a unique and fun experience and puts a new twist on our favorite old classic.
We’ve also played Splatoon. It is a third player shooter game but this time you are shooting ink.
As Inklings, players transform between humans and squids and you shoot ink in your team’s color to cover an area or to splat opposing players or enemies. You can play up to 8 players in a 4 versus 4 online mode or you can play one-on-one in local mode.
These games are lots of fun and are currently our favorites. We plan to increase our Wii U library in the coming months (we are especially excited about the upcoming Super Mario Maker – you can design your own Super Mario Bros. levels!) and I’ll be sure to share any other family friendly games that we discover.
We have been having a blast with the Wii U and recommend it to anyone looking for family fun on rainy days. Gaming together can bring a family closer when the weather prevents you from going outside. We’ve shared many laughs together as well as great memories while making our way to the castle to beat Bowser and through the mini games in Nintendo Land. When you get a Wii U, be prepared for lots of fun ahead!
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Wii U is the only system I really want out of the current 3 at the moment. I’m hoping I’ll have enough extra money for one sometime this year :)
My son would love this. Looks cool!
Been thinking about upgrading the wii but kids are getting older and xbox.
My daughter went away to college this past year and that’s where she first played the Wii U. I think they had some fun late-night Wii U tournaments in her dorm, LOL! Now she is insisting that we get one for home.
looks like a fun system
That looks like a lot of fun!