Top 5: Wii U Launch Lineup

The Wii U is getting ready to prove that Nintendo still has it. Or, it’s the DreamCast of Nintendo.

Either way, it’s going to be an interesting console, and at its price point, it’s definitely competitive. But all consoles must be judged by their exclusives. After it builds its reputation, who cares that its only exclusive games are Halo, Fable and Gears of War?

But it will take a minute for Nintendo to rest on the third parties to fuel the console. On Nov. 18, Nintendo will release the Wii U into the wild. These are the top 5 launch-day games to make your new console worth showing off!

#5 – Nintendo Land

Many, including myself, have dreamed of the awesome that would be a Nintendo-themed amusement park. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen within the next 15 years.

Fortunately, Nintendo Land will keep you busy with several minigames based on Nintendo properties, including Zelda and Metroid.
If you drop an extra $50 on your console, this game will be bundled in, but if you – um – like to spend money, this will be available at launch!

Seriously, though, this needs to be part of the console bundle. Don’t buy it separately.

#4 – Rabbids Land

I’m not going to lie, I have a soft spot for Ubisoft’s psychotic Rabbids and their twisted minigames. One of the first games I got with my Wii was Raving Rabbids, and I still bust it out when guests are over.

The Wii U offers a new sadistic twist to the franchise using the Wii U’s touchscreen control. Players with the tablet will get one perspective, while players using the Wiimotes will use the television. Sometimes, the TV players will get to mess with the tablet player, and sometimes, the roles will reverse.

Any way you cut it, this promises to be a great family fun throughout the holiday season!

#3 – Ninja Gaiden III: Razor’s Edge

Before you cry shenanigans on this port, what makes this exclusive is the fact that it will actually be a Ninja Gaiden game.

Team Ninja’s original release of Ninja Gaiden III was not great. The incredible difficulty of the franchise was replaced with that foul word: “Approachability.”

The Wii U release promises to add plenty of new content and up the difficulty. So, the good version of this game will be exclusive to the Wii U.

See? It’s still an exclusive!

#2 – ZombiU

Zombies are so hot right now, and for the first time in my memory, Nintendo will get a game about the undead that won’t be an on-rails shooter!

That alone has me stoked!

That, and zombified Brits. I wonder if there will be a cheat that makes all the zombies stop at Tea Time…

#1 – New Super Mario Bros. U

Much like Nintendo of old, Mario leads the way with a new 2D game, adding new play mechanics and power-ups.

Sure, it’s just like all the other New Super Mario Bros. games, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. And with chaotic couch-based multiplayer, this will keep the kids and parents happy with wholesome entertainment.

#0 – The March to March

As the Wii U goes through its launch window, several solid games will hit shelves, and as long as developers put the tablet controller to work, this will be an incredible piece of technology.

Some have stated that the PlayStation Vita and Xbox Glass do what the Nintendo tablet does, and it’s a fair argument. Except for one thing.

Those two do not come boxed with the console!

Will you be grabbing the Wii U at launch? If so, what games are you buying? If not, what’s holding you back from giving your money to Nintendo?