The Nintendo Wii console revolutionized the way we play video games. With its unique motion-sensing technology, the Wii made gaming more interactive and accessible to everyone, young and old. It’s no surprise that the console became a massive hit, going on to sell over 100 million units worldwide.
But what were the best games for the Wii?
Below, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best-selling games for the Nintendo Wii console. From classic franchises like Mario and Zelda to new titles that took advantage of the Wii’s unique features, these games are sure to bring back fond memories for anyone who owned the console. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Wii gaming!
Why the Nintendo Wii console was so popular
The Wii was a console that appealed to both hardcore and casual gamers. It was easy to use, and its motion-sensing technology made it accessible to everyone. It was also an affordable console compared to its competitors, which made it an attractive option for families. The Wii’s library of games included titles that catered to everyone’s tastes, from sports games to first-person shooters to puzzle games.
(We even hear that editor Christian Cawley’s mum played on a Nintendo Switch once…)
The console’s success can also be attributed to a marketing strategy that cleverly played to the Wii’s unique features.
The Wii’s innovative design, which included wireless controllers that could detect motion, was a game-changer. The Wii was the first console to introduce motion-sensing technology, which allowed players to physically interact with the game in a way that had not been possible before. No one had seen anything like the Wiimote before. This one device made the Wii stand out from the competition.
It was like light guns, but AWESOME!
The graphics might not have been amazing, but in terms of providing a gaming experience for the whole family, the Nintendo was way ahead of the competition with the Wii.
Top 10 best-selling games for the Nintendo Wii console
Figures for each game are via Wikipedia.
1. Wii Sports (2006)
Wii Sports is a fun and interactive video game designed for the Nintendo Wii with five different sports activities: tennis, bowling, boxing, golf, and baseball. The game uses motion controls to allow players to simulate the actions of the chosen sport, such as swinging a tennis racket or throwing a punch in boxing.
The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing individuals to compete against the computer or challenge friends and family members. With its user-friendly interface and immersive gameplay, Wii Sports has become a popular choice for gamers of all ages and skill levels.
Wii Sports sold a jaw-dropping 82.90 million copies, although it was bundled with the Wii.
2. Mario Kart Wii (2008)
Mario Kart Wii was one of the best-selling games for the Nintendo Wii console, and for a good reason. It was a racing game that included all of the beloved characters from the Mario franchise. The game was easy to pick up, but it had a steep learning curve, which made it challenging for players of all skill levels. Mario Kart Wii also introduced new features like the ability to perform tricks while jumping and the ability to race with up to 12 players online. The game was a hit with both casual and hardcore gamers, selling 37.38 million copies worldwide.
3. Wii Sports Resort (2009)
Wii Sports Resort was a sequel to the original Wii Sports game that was bundled with the console. The game included new sports like sword fighting, wakeboarding, and frisbee. It also took advantage of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, which improved the Wii’s motion-sensing technology and made the gameplay more precise. The game was a hit with both casual and hardcore gamers, and it sold 33.14 million copies worldwide.
4. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009)
New Super Mario Bros. Wii was a 2D platformer that included both single-player and multiplayer modes. It was basically an upgrade to the original Super Mario Bros.
The game allowed up to four players to play simultaneously, and it included new power-ups like the Propeller Mushroom and the Penguin Suit. The game was a hit with both casual and hardcore gamers, and it sold over 30.32 million copies worldwide.
5. Wii Play (2006)
Wii Play was a collection of mini-games that included shooting, racing, and target practice. The game came bundled with an additional Wii Remote, which made it an attractive option for families.
The game was a hit with casual gamers, and it sold 28.02 million copies worldwide.
6. Wii Fit (2007)
Designed to promote physical fitness, Wii Fit relies on the revolutionary Wii Balance Board accessory, which senses the player’s movements and weight distribution. The game includes various exercises and activities such as yoga poses, strength training exercises, and aerobics routines. It also features mini-games that focus on balance and coordination. Wii Fit tracks the player’s progress and provides feedback on their performance while offering personalized fitness programs based on their goals.
Wii Fit shipped an amazing 22.67 million copies.
7. Wii Fit Plus (2009)
Wii Fit Plus was a fitness game that included over 60 activities designed to improve balance, coordination, and fitness. The game came bundled with the Wii Balance Board, providing stock for every branch of CeX in the UK years later. Wii Fit Plus also allowed players to track their progress and set fitness goals. The game was a hit with casual gamers, selling 21.13 million copies worldwide.
8. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl was a fighting game that included characters from various Nintendo franchises. The game allowed up to four players to play simultaneously, and it included new characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake. The game was a hit with both casual and hardcore gamers, and it sold 13.32 million copies worldwide.
9. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Super Mario Galaxy was a 3D platformer that included new features like gravity-based puzzles and new power-ups like the Bee Mushroom and the Boo Mushroom. The game was a hit with both casual and hardcore gamers, and it sold 12.80 million copies worldwide.
10. Just Dance 3 (2011)
Just Dance was a rhythm game that included popular songs and dance routines. The game utilized the Wii Remote’s motion-sensing technology to detect the player’s movements. Just Dance was a hit with casual gamers, and it 9.92 million copies worldwide.
Other notable games for the Nintendo Wii console
Apart from the top 10 best-selling games, the Nintendo Wii console had a vast library of games that catered to everyone’s tastes. Some of the other notable games included:
– Donkey Kong Country Returns: A 2010 platformer that followed the story of Donkey Kong as he fought to save his island from invaders. The game was a hit with both casual and hardcore gamers. (6.53 million)
– Kirby’s Epic Yarn: A platformer that featured Kirby as he journeyed through a world made entirely of yarn. The 2010 game was a hit with casual gamers. (1.85 million)
– Resident Evil 4: The 2007 survival horror game that followed the story of Leon S. Kennedy as he fought to save the President’s daughter from a cult. The game was a hit with hardcore gamers. (2 million)
– Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was an action-adventure game released in 2006 that followed the story of Link as he fought to save the land of Hyrule. The game included new features like the ability to transform into a wolf and a new combat system. (7.42 million)
With those games in mind, let’s not forget that the Nintendo Wii itself sold 101.63 million units (as of 2019). Its most expensive edition was probably the gold plated Wii intended for HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The legacy of the Nintendo Wii console
The Nintendo Wii was a console that changed the way we play video games. Its motion-sensing technology made gaming more interactive and accessible to everyone. The Wii’s library of games included titles that catered to everyone’s tastes, from classic franchises like Mario and Zelda to new titles that took advantage of the Wii’s unique features.
Here’s a quick reminder of our list of best games for the Nintendo Wii:
- Wii Sports (2006)
- Mario Kart Wii (2008)
- Wii Sports Resort (2009)
- New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009)
- Wii Play (2006)
- Wii Fit (2007)
- Wii Fit Plus (2009)
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
- Just Dance 3 (2011)
The Wii’s legacy lives on, and its impact can be felt in newer consoles (the Nintendo Switch, for example) and games to this day. Whether you were a casual or hardcore gamer, the Nintendo Wii was a console that you probably played.
Your mum probably did too. Maybe even your granny.
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