The Best Wii Game

The Nintendo Wii is, both literally and figuratively, a game-changing console. The system brought an unprecedented level of physicality to mass-market video games, and it modernized smash-hit Nintendo franchises like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda.” The only hard part about owning a Wii is choosing which game you’ll play over the weekend. 

Every video game is shaped by its platform, and Nintendo’s best Wii games all capitalize on the console’s motion technology and groundbreaking controllers. Each player uses a wireless Wii Remote (or “Wiimote”), which communicates with your screen using gesture recognition. Translation: You control the onscreen action with a flip of your wrist.  

The best Wii games take advantage of the system’s controls in ways that feel natural. “Mario Kart for Wii” is a great example: Instead of hitting a button to make a sharp turn, you can attach a steering wheel for a more on-the-track experience.  

“Mario Kart for Wii” is one of the console’s most popular titles. It has a massive character roster to choose from, and the 32 unique tracks (with 16 tracks just for the Wii) keeps players guessing at every turn. The Grand Prix, Versus and Time Trial modes are perfect for single players or groups. Battle mode pits drivers against each other in a virtual demolition derby.

The “New Super Mario Bros.” is loaded with fresh power-ups. You can slide over long stretches of icy terrain with the Penguin Suit, reach new heights with the Propellor Mushroom and freeze Koopas with the Ice Flower. 

For the first time in Mario history, up to four characters can play on the screen at once. You’ll blaze through all eight worlds much faster with Luigi and Toad helping you out, then go up against Bowser to save the Princess with time to spare. 

“Mario Party” also still ranks as one of the best multiplayer games in Nintendo’s history. Players choose a character, then take turns rolling digital dice to move around the board. When they land on a space, they might have to play a minigame or challenge other players. The winner earns stars, and whoever has the most stars at the end of the game wins.   

The Wii’s “Mario Party 9” was a fun addition to the series, but it was met with some raised eyebrows. The unforgettable main Party Mode screen got a huge facelift: Instead of players moving around the board like analog game pieces, “Mario Party 9” had them all ride together in one cartoon car. 

Some players like the change of pace, while others feel that the switch up took away from the game’s competitive feel. Regardless, “Mario Party 9” has the minigames and multiplayer madness of its predecessors. 

The first “Super Mario Galaxy” game was a smash hit for the Wii, so Nintendo expanded the game’s story for a sequel. Mario floats from planet to planet in this 360-degree universe, knocking down Koopa Troopas and kicking Goombas into the stratosphere. The standard “Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach” storyline is intact, but this time Bowser is the size of a planet — and it’s up to you to knock him down a peg. Fans love its stunning graphics, nostalgic N64 levels and the return of Yoshi. 

Now that you’ve read our rundown of the Nintendo Wii’s smash hit titles, check out our Tips & Tricks to get the most out of your games. 

• Before you buy your game, check and see if your it requires any extra Wii accessories. You don’t have to buy the steering wheel accessory for “Mario Kart,” but it makes the game a lot more fun. 
• Make sure you have enough Wiimotes for friends to come over and join the multiplayer fun. “Mario Party 9” and “Mario Kart” can liven up any get together. You also might want to buy a silicone cover for each Wiimote to protect it from drops. 
• Find out how old your players will be before you select a game. Our top four picks have content that’s appropriate for all ages, but very young children might get frustrated by fast-paced games like “Mario Kart for Wii”. A slower-paced game, like “Mario Party 9,” will cause less frustration.
• The Wii comes bundled with a second controller called the Nunchuk. It connects to the Wiimote via a small cable, and its joystick and trigger buttons will help your characters move more precisely. If you buy extra Wiimotes for multiplayer blowouts, you might need to buy Nunchuks.
• Always loop the strap at the bottom of the Wiimote around your wrist before playing. Make sure it’s securely fastened with a close fit by shortening the strap with its plastic slider. The Wiimote can fly out of your hand if you forget to tighten the strap, putting you at risk for broken windows and damaged controllers.
• The Wii’s motion-sensor controls make it downright addictive, but make sure you stop and take breaks during long gaming sessions. The repetitive motions can irritate tendons in your wrist, and learning to play with your opposite hand is more trouble than it’s worth.
• Storing your Wii games in their cases instead of placing them on the TV or a table will prevent scratches that damage your game. You can also wipe down your Wii games with a clean, damp cotton cloth. Make sure you use straight strokes and wipe from the inner rim to the outer rim.