Best Wii U Games That Never Came To Switch

The Wii U is one of the great tragedies of video game history. It was such an ambitious idea with a fantastic game library, but sadly, it became Nintendo’s worst-selling home console. Thankfully, the Switch was sort of a second chance for the Wii U, porting over many of its titles for newcomers to play.

Related

The Best Nintendo Switch Games Of All Time

The Nintendo Switch has dominated since its launch in 2017, and now we have a vast selection of fantastic games to take on the go.

Almost every major Wii U game is available on Nintendo Switch as an enhanced edition or a straight-up port. However, several notable ones are still missing, some for a good reason and some for seemingly no reason at all. The following titles, in particular, are nowhere to be seen.

8

Star Fox Zero

Back To The Series’ Roots

Star Fox Zero

Rail Shooter

Shoot ’em Up

Systems

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

E For Everyone

Star Fox Zero attempts to recapture the magic of Star Fox 64 while introducing some bold new gameplay mechanics. The biggest addition is the GamePad functionality, which serves as a first-person view for more accurate aiming. While the controls come with a steep learning curve, the game is surprisingly fun once you get the hang of it.

Sadly, the GamePad mechanic is what prevents it from coming to Switch. The gameplay would need to be entirely reworked, which is unlikely given the game’s low sales numbers. Sorry, Star Fox fans. This one isn’t leaving the Wii U any time soon.

7

Yoshi’s Woolly World

The Cutest Platformer Ever

Yoshi’s Woolly World

Systems

Developer(s)

Good-Feel

ESRB

e

Yoshi’s Woolly World is an often overlooked 2D platformer made by the studio behind Kirby’s Epic Yarn. Set in a world made of arts and crafts, the story follows a brave little Yarn Yoshi on an adventure to save his friends from Baby Bowser.

Everything from the adorable art style to the well-hidden secrets perfectly captures what made the series famous in the first place. While it was ported to 3DS in 2017, there’s still no sign of it on Switch. Hopefully, this charming adventure will return sometime in the future.

6

Nintendo Land

An Excellent Party Game

Nintendo Land

Systems

Developer(s)

Nintendo EAD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

e

Nintendo Land was designed to show off what the GamePad could do, and the result is one of the best multiplayer Wii U games. You and up to four friends explore an amusement park filled with fun attractions, including Metroid-themed laser tag and a Luigi’s Mansion haunted house.

Related

The Best Single-Player Games On Nintendo Switch

Every game you need to take with you on your next solo vacation.

Tragically, Nintendo Land’s biggest strength is also what keeps it stuck on the Wii U. The game simply wouldn’t work without the GamePad, so a Switch port is out of the question. It’s a shame, given how fun it is to play with friends.

5

Paper Mario: Color Splash

The Plumber’s Most Colorful RPG

Paper Mario: Color Splash

Systems

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Mild Cartoon Violence

Paper Mario: Color Splash wasn’t the return to the series’ roots fans had hoped for, but it’s still a fun RPG worth playing at least once. This time, the famous plumber must travel across Prism Island to stop Bowser from draining it of color.

While the gameplay is a bit more linear than you’d expect, the hilarious dialogue, gorgeous visuals, and excellent soundtrack should keep you entertained from start to finish. Just be prepared to dust off your old Wii U if you want to play it.

4

Pushmo World

An Underrated Puzzle Game

Pushmo World is one of the most underrated Nintendo games ever. This charming puzzler stars a cat named Mallo, who must climb to the top of various towers by pushing and pulling blocks to create a path to the roof.

Of all the games trapped on the Wii U, this one is arguably the most deserving of a port. It was one of the many digital-exclusive titles that vanished into thin air when the Wii U eShop closed. Sadly, neither it nor its sequels made it to Switch.

3

Kirby And The Rainbow Curse

An Unexpected Sequel

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Systems

Developer(s)

HAL Laboratory

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

e

A sequel to Kirby: Canvas Curse was probably the last thing Wii U owners expected, yet Nintendo surprised long-time fans with Kirby and the Rainbow Curse in 2015. The gameplay involves drawing lines on the GamePad to guide the pink puffball through each level. You can even grab up to three friends for local co-op.

4:40

Related

The Best Free Nintendo Switch Games You Can Play Today

The Nintendo Switch is home to fantastic games like Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild, but there are some great free-to-play titles too.

There’s a lot to love about Rainbow Curse, most notably its gorgeous claymation-inspired art style, which would’ve looked even better on the Switch. Unfortunately, the game’s emphasis on touch controls is likely what keeps it from being ported.

2

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Kart-Racing At Its Finest

Tired of Mario Kart? Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is an excellent alternative. Get behind the wheel as your favorite Sega character and speed through iconic levels from games like Sonic Heroes and Super Monkey Ball. The catch? Your car can turn into a boat or plane, depending on the environment.

Overall, it’s a solid racer with a diverse character roster, a fantastic multiplayer mode, and plenty of innovative ideas. It’s unclear why it never came to Switch, especially since it was ported to many other platforms, including Windows and 3DS.

1

The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker & Twilight Princess HD

Why Aren’t These Here Yet?

These two are the most baffling omissions from the Switch’s library. Zelda fans have been asking for ports of Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD for ages, and it’s easy to see why. Both remasters are considered the definitive way to play each game.

Wind Waker HD’s updated graphics are absolutely stunning, and the Swift Sail makes exploration way more enjoyable. Meanwhile, Twilight Princess HD adds a bunch of much-needed gameplay tweaks, including a streamlined version of the Tears of Light side quests. Sadly, you’ll need to dig out the Wii U to revisit these excellent remasters.

Next

18 Best Action Games On Nintendo Switch

These great action games for the Nintendo Switch will get your blood pumping and the adrenaline flowing.