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The Wii U has become a classic console, and its library of sports games is one of the best. Whether you’re looking for a realistic and immersive sports experience or an arcade-style game that you can just pick up and play, the Wii U has something for everyone.
From the classic Mario Tennis to the exciting Wii Sports Club, these titles offer an incredible range of experiences. So join us as we explore the best Wii U sports games of all time. If you’re a sports games enthusiast, there’s a high chance you’ll like this list.
10. Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games is a mini-game collection aimed at casual gamers looking to play as a group. You can enjoy the games alone, but some events are meant to be multiplayer. Sochi 2014 features up to 18 different events with some of them like skating, snowboarding, and hockey inspired by real-life Olympic events.
There are also plenty of characters with different skills to choose from. For starters, you’ll need the correct tools to play the game. You require a GamePad, a Wii Remote Plus, and a Nunchuk controller for a single-player.
Although switching between the controllers can be frustrating, each game has dialogs that tell you which controller to use. There is also an achievement system where you can unlock music, clothes, and equipment for your playable Mii character.
Other notable features include a network functionality that lets you share photos with friends and the greater Miiverse that allows you to display gameplay, detailed stats on your performance, and much more.
Even though it seems limited on the surface, you can get plenty of gameplay out of it. With more online events, balance board support, and other courses, we can safely say that Mario & Sonic is a must-have Wii U title.
9. Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
- In the Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash game, tennis meets the outrageous action of the Super Mario series. Smash the ball down the court with the new Jumpshot and gain a HUGE advantage over opponents in a...
Whether you want to compete in multiplayer or surprise your opponents with new moves, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash is the right game to pick. Developed by Camelot Software Planning and released in 2015, this game has continually evolved from its main Nintendo 64 debut.
At the start of the match, you need to choose from 16 playable characters and determine the type of match to join. From there, you can pick a court option and the mode you want to play. Featuring a total of 4 modes, this game allows you to create a custom rule set, compete against opponents, and increase the difficulty after each win.
You simply need to set between 2 to 4 characters to play with. The game also supports amiibo functionality, where you can train your character via artificial intelligence and let him compete as an additional player in matches. The fact that Mario Tennis managed to include more characters, interesting modes, and varied courses makes it one of the best sports games out there.
Like the previous games in this series, Ultra Smash has some strategy at work. For instance, you can return hits as direct counters and predict your opponent’s moves to succeed. Besides the iconic characters frolicking around the court, the effects that pop up throughout make it more interesting.
Overall, Ultra Smash delivers slick, solid gameplay that lets you play tennis like the original N64 title. So, if you are looking for solid tennis experience, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash is a great choice.
8. Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
- Compete with Mario, Sonic and all your favorite characters in Rio de Janeiro, host of the Olympic Games in 2016.
- Gear up for the competition, and see if you've got what it takes to compete with the best
- Featuring events like Soccer, Rugby Sevens, Beach Volleyball, and more!
- “E10+”; Everyone 10+ w/ Mild Cartoon Violence
For the 5th time now, Mario and Sonic have brought their teams to participate in the Olympic Games taking place in Rio. Given that the previous installments didn’t make any major impact, the appearance of this game may surprise you. While this game was already released for Nintendo 3DS, the Wii U version is totally different.
In the Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the gameplay involves participating in various sporting competitions, with each one appearing as a standalone game. Although the 3DS version offered up to 44 events, the Wii U version only includes fourteen events.
The objective of the game is to master the fourteen events in multiple game modes. There’s soccer, archery, rugby, equestrian, gymnastics, boxing, 100-meter dash, beach volleyball, table tennis, javelin, BMX, 4×100-meter relay, and 100-meter freestyle swimming. While the gameplay doesn’t really resemble an Olympic-style game, it offers a lot more variety than other titles.
Instead of the Dream Events, the game now features separate Dual Events for the three biggest sports, including Football, Rugby Sevens, and Beach Volleyball. In these events, you are supposed to attack your opponents and score points.
Another nice addition is the controls in the game. Unlike the other games that focus on motion controls, Mario & Sonic 2016 only allows you to play with buttons. If you’re looking for a game to replace London 2012 or Beijing 2008, then this is not the right one. But if you intend to enjoy a few hours of fun with family and friends, this is a must-have. With the right expectations, it’s hard to get disappointed with this game.
7. Wii Sports Club
Whether you are a tennis, bowling, or golf fan, Wii Sports Club offers everything you need to enjoy the game. In the game, you can join a club and compete against other clubs or play online with your friends. Featuring MotionPlus-enhanced and online-enabled enhanced versions of the original Wii Sports, Wii Sports Club does better than its predecessor.
The package contains bowling, boxing, tennis, baseball, and golf. While some sports utilize the original control options, games such as baseball cleverly use Wii U GamePad pitch and field. Unfortunately, even with the inclusion of an additional Wii Remote, boxing is not the best.
Most gamers prefer multiplayer, but if you play online you are likely to enjoy a good game from a skilled opponent. If you are an avid fan of basketball, baseball, tennis, or bowling, Nintendo has provided almost everything you need to enjoy the game.
Besides Boxing, each of the games is enjoyable to play locally. But since there is no voice chat, you’re resigned to using generic phrases such as “that’s nice” as you watch complete strangers compete. To get started, you need to set up an internet connection and download Wii Sports Club.
You can first try it out for 24 hours before purchasing different types of passes to give you access to the sports. Although Wii Sports Club lacks detailed and engaging content, it’s still a great multiplayer that you can play online or with friends.
The addition of online play may lead to slower-moving sports, but it’s still a great addition to tennis and basketball. Whether you want to enjoy the game online or play competitively, Wii Sports Club proves that it has almost everything you need to game.
6. FIFA Soccer 13
- Award-winning Gameplay: Enjoy the award-winning FIFA franchise gameplay, optimized for Wii-U.
- Lift and Look: See the game from the player's on-field perspective and enjoy creative new ways to take free kicks and penalties.
- Shake and Shoot: Enjoy complete control of shooting - the most rewarding part of the game.
- Tap and Tackle: Take control of a specific defender by tapping on the player using the touch screen, taking all the guess work out of auto switching.
- Complete Control: Full Team Management Control on the GamePad lets you change formations, make subs, switch player positions, change every facet of a team's tactics, and even set man markers all...
Initially released in 2012, FIFA 13 is a football video game created by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts. In this game, you can select your favorite team, take control of the players and compete for supremacy in the field. FIFA Soccer 13 not only offers multiple solo and multiplayer modes but also lets you play on many platforms.
Compared to others, FIFA Soccer 13 includes more than 500 licensed clubs and up to 15,000 players. Among the players are Hulk, David Beckham, Robin van Persie, David Silva, and Carlos Tevez. Aspects such as blemishes and facial discolorations were also not overlooked. You can particularly see this in Manchester’s City player David Silva.
Unfortunately, the skin complexion brought about criticism. While all the players appear real, some are a bit pale or just resemble zombies. Overall, lighting effects are good, weather conditions are depicted accurately and there’s a huge difference between day and night games.
These simple details not only add to the atmosphere of the game but also make it feel different from other games. To play the game, you need to aim the ball on set pieces before putting the perfect curve on your shot. You can also shake the GamePad to activate Touch Screen Shooting and allow for more accurate shooting.
Overall, FIFA 13 looks great. Apart from the need to include a little bit of color in some of the player’s faces, there is a lot of criticism about it. If you are shopping for a great soccer game, FIFA 13 definitely hits the mark. With online multiplayer, tons of teams, and new skill moves, this is the perfect sports game to keep you busy during those slow days.
5. Wii Fit U
If you are looking for a great way to fit your daily exercise routine, Wii Fit U has you covered. As a new installment in the Wii Fit series, Wii Fit U combines fitness and fun with new activities and exercises that incorporate the GamePad in unique ways.
Unlike the previous iterations, things have really improved with more workouts, personal trainer mode, a dance mode, improved games, and the Fit Meter added. But since most of the exercises are from the previous games, there are very few changes in that department.
While the game may occasionally take you back through the workout explanation, if you like, you can skip all these. Apart from a slight redesign of the trainers and highlighting of targeted body parts, almost all the actions are exactly the same.
This game also features a Fit Meter that clips onto your waistband and acts as a pedometer and altimeter. You can then import the data that it collects to Wii Fit U, track your calories, and view your activity graph.
With this game, you can create your own gym or join one of the big national gyms. Featuring several exciting sporting activities, Wii Fit U is perhaps the best title in the franchise to date. While the workouts aren’t intensive enough, it provides you with an entertaining way to be more active and keep fit.
The most impressive thing about this game is that you can effectively use the Wii U GamePad to create unique experiences. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you moving, Wii Fit U is definitely the best choice. The best part is that you can first try it out to see whether or not it works for you.
4. Madden NFL 13
- Exclusive Touch Screen Controls: Call plays, create Hot Routes, adjust defensive assignments, and call audibles using the fully functional Touch Screen Play Call. Navigate the entire playbook, make...
- Connected Careers: Live the NFL dream - whenever you want, wherever you want in a fully interactive, social, and connected online experience. Create your personal legacy or relive an all-time legend's...
- Next Gen Gameplay: With features new to the franchise like a completely redesigned passing game and the most intelligent pass defense to date, "Madden NFL 13" on Wii U brings next gen gameplay and...
- Exciting Commentary: Every game has the feel of a nationally televised broadcast with CBS Sports commentators Jim Nantz and Phil Simms calling the action from the virtual 3D booth.
- HD Graphics: With a living front end, dynamic in-game transitions, a live ticker, and drastically improved usability, "Madden NFL 13" is game-changing from boot-up to credits.
Madden NFL 13 is a football video game by EA Tiburon and based on the NFL. The 24th installment of the series, the game was officially launched in 2012. For the most part, Madden NFL 13 easily offers the best gameplay with rock-solid speed and good physics.
One notable addition is the Total Control Passing. With this feature, you can see the effects regardless of who you are playing with. From the onset, you’ll notice that Madden NFL 13 is a different game. Instead of using disconnected menus, you are directed to a hub screen that shows you how many players are online at that moment, and allows you to access communities.
Madden NFL 13 also has 25 new pass trajectories that let you put the ball out in front or above the receiver. Essentially, EA changed a whole bunch of gameplay mechanics and included new TV graphics such as the lush shade of a good Sunday afternoon game thus making it one of the best.
As for broadcasts, Madden NFL 13 packs primetime intros, a graphics package, and great replays. That said, this game offers challenging gameplay, various on-field actions, and a TV presentation that makes your gaming experience memorable. At first, it might look like just another Madden, but if you try it out, you’ll find it different and polished.
3. Sportsball
The best way to describe TooDX’s debut Wii title, Sportsball, is that it’s the classic game joust that combines basketball and soccer. With each match featuring between two to four players, the objective of the game is to guide your bird to tackle enemies and hit balls to score points. Since each bird is unique, they all have their styles, with smaller ones being fast and weak and bigger ones being slower and more powerful.
Sportsball has a spectacular soundtrack and an overwhelmingly bright color scheme that brings out the whole concept well. There are also several pre-made game variants, including score thresholds, timed matches, and one that depends on tackling each other. In addition, you can customize your own game with a high level of precision.
Besides its high level of strategy, Sportsball has a certain charm that makes it more interesting and fun to play. For example, the balls don’t always bounce the way you expect, so even if you are in a position to defend the goal, you are not guaranteed that you’ll prevent the other team from scoring.
Although this game is played mainly with A and B buttons, you have to develop a bit of skill. You can get by with the basics, but there are several maneuvers that you have to discover. If you are a fan of sports and party games, Sportsball is a must-have. The visuals may not be perfect but the game has cool features that will have you play with your friends for hours on end.
2. OlliOlli
OlliOlli is a skateboarding video game set in a magical skate park. The game features basic controls, two-dimensional levels, shoulder buttons, and a left analog stick. The game aims to combine tricks performed with attempting to land perfectly to earn points.
With each level having 5 achievements to perform, once you complete one level it unlocks another harder one. If you fail at any level, you are forced to reattempt it.
Even as you play the levels, there are a lot of skills you have to learn before you’re finally perfect. To train yourself and become the best skater, you must explore the remotest corners of Radlandia to search for secrets.
Alongside a small group of fellow skaters who follow you around to support you, each part of the world has some locals who will give you directions and encourage you to skate in different locales. OlliOlli boasts tight and challenging gameplay, dozens of hours of content, a high-skill ceiling, and a stylish sense of presentation that makes it a release you absolutely don’t want to miss.
1. NBA 2K13
Coming on top of this list is the NBA 2K13. Released in, NBA 2K13 is a 2012 basketball video game developed by Visual Concepts. Featuring new gameplay features and enhanced MyCAREER mode, this game lets you pit the best players in NBA history against several new talents.
Due to its stellar AL, even if you are gaming alone, it feels as if you are part of a real team. A major upgrade to NBA 2K13 is perhaps the revamped control setup. While that doesn’t seem much different, you can now dribble more intricately and shoot with the stick handles.
This way, you can crossover, stutter, spin, and even drop back easily by rotating the right stick. Several subtle animations boost the personality of individual players. It may not seem like a big deal, but it really adds to the overall visual appeal.
With MyCAREER mode, you can play as a custom character with other professional players, live the NBA lifestyle, plaster your face on billboards, and sign shoe deals. You can also speak with your team’s GM and conduct pre-game and post-game interviews. Plus, you can create an in-game Twitter account to see what other fans, celebrities, and players are commenting about you.
So, if you are a basketball enthusiast, this game is enough to keep you entertained for quite some time. With all the intricacies of real basketball included, the developers have created a fantastic package that fans won’t want to bypass. Even if you’re not a big basketball fan, you need to check this one out.
Wrap Up
Whether you’re looking for a game to challenge yourself or just have some fun, this list of the best Wii U sports games of all time has something for everyone. The best part is that no matter what your skill level, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
Up Next
- The Absolute Best Wii U Survival Games of All Time
- The Absolute Best Wii U Party Games of All Time
- The 7 Absolute Best Wii U Action Games of All Time
