The Nintendo Wii was a one of Nintendo’s biggest console hits. It was a console that redefined gaming with its innovative motion controls. Although the Wii is now a retro console, its game library lives on. Developers have ported numerous Wii games onto the Switch with remakes, remasters, and compilations. These are some of the best Wii games you can play on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario Galaxy 1
Super Mario Galaxy redefined 3D platforming games by propelling Mario into outer space. In Mario Galaxy, Mario can leap between planets, run upside down, and orbit celestial bodies. This was one of the best Wii games because of its gravity-defying level design, orchestral soundtrack, intuitive controls, and atmospheric story.
This is one of the games you can play as part of the Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 pack for the Switch. Both the Super Mario Galaxy games in that pack have enhanced visuals. Plus, there’s an additional Assist Mode and storybook chapters in Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy 2 was another of the best Wii games for how it cranked up the gravity-defying formula of its predecessor. It trimmed the narrative with a greater emphasis on rapid-fire levels and platforming gauntlets. This game also introduced Yoshi the dinosaur, which added a new gameplay dimension. As you might have guessed, you can play this game on the Switch with the aforementioned Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 package.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was a great Wii game based on the Wii MotionPlus accessory. Its directional combat and mechanics made Skyward Sword one of the best Wii games. Players also loved Skyward Sword’s compelling origin story, intricate dungeon design, and fully orchestrated soundtrack.
To play this game on the Switch, check out The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD. Now you can play Skyward Sword with Joy-Con controllers, which have more responsive motion tracking. Or you can play the game with a button-only controller scheme.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD revitalized the DK franchise on the Wii. This was a tricky 2D platforming romp with a vibrant art style, inventive level design, and memorable presentation. It perfectly recaptured the spirit of its predecessors with modern visual flair and chaotic cooperative multiplayer mixed in.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the port you can play on the Switch. This port boasts high-definition visuals and two alternative game modes. Players can select to play an alternative Modern Mode that gives Donkey and Diddy Kong extra hearts and expanded items.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime was originally a GameCube game, later relaunched on the Wii with a remastered version, which is available for the Switch today. This game turned the more traditional side-scrolling Metroid exploration into an immersive first-person Metroidvania with deep isolation and atmosphere. The remastered iteration gave Metroid Prime an amazing visual overhaul but preserved the original level and art design. It also replaced standard controller layouts with more precise Wii Remote aiming.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Xenoblade Chronicles was a huge open-world Japanese RPG that Wii players quickly fell in love with. The deep combat system, living worlds, iconic score, and awe-inspiring narrative made Xenoblade Chronicles one of the best Wii games. Yet, the Wii was never supposed to support a game as grand as Xenoblade Chronicles, which made it an even bigger technical marvel.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for the Switch takes a great game and makes it all the better. This port updates all the character models from the original, modernizes the UI, and re-records much of the iconic soundtrack. It also incorporates an additional Future Connected epilogue story chapter.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Epic Mickey on the Wii stood out as a 3D action-adventure platformer with unique magical paintbrush gameplay mechanics, dark storytelling, and an ambitious concept. It was a highly rated game because of its Disney-inspired worlds and meta Disney story. However, clunky motion-waggle and camera controls spoilt the game.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a completely remade Switch port of that Wii game that addresses the camera and control issues. The Rebrushed port has vibrant, higher-resolution textures. However, it retains the enchanting atmosphere, retro Disney art style, and innovative gameplay that made the Epic Mickey Wii game great.
The best Wii games above have lasting legacies with polished ports you can play on the Switch consoles today. Their game ports have shattered the low-resolution Wii hardware constraints to make them even better on the Switch with HD visuals and smoother frame rates. You can also play them with more flexible control schemes as portable games on the Switch consoles, which is a good bonus.
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