The Nintendo Wii wasn't just a console—it was a cultural phenomenon that brought motion-controlled gaming into living rooms worldwide. While the Nintendo Switch 2 is making waves with titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, many fans still look back at the Wii as one of Nintendo's most iconic pieces of hardware. But hardware is nothing without great software, and the Wii delivered some of the most memorable games ever made. Here are the top 10 first-party Nintendo Wii games, ranked by gameplay, design, narrative, originality, popularity, critical acclaim, and how well they used the Wii's unique interface.
10. Metroid Prime Trilogy (2009)
This collection might feel like cheating since it bundles three games, but the Metroid Prime series is among the most critically acclaimed in gaming history. Samus Aran, the space bounty hunter, explores a mysterious planet rich with lore and battles an evil doppelgänger in an alternate dimension. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was native to the Wii, while the first two were ported to create the complete package. The original Metroid Prime pioneered the Metroidvania genre in 3D, with flowing gameplay and clever gimmicks that enhance worldbuilding, lore, and combat.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011)
The Legend of Zelda franchise may be Nintendo's best, and Skyward Sword is one of its most divisive entries. As the first chronological story, Link must rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Demise, traveling from the sky to the lands below and crafting the legendary sword. The HD version later became a standout on the Switch by fixing the motion controls, which were the game's most polarizing feature. While the original's motion controls could be glitchy and frustrating, Skyward Sword earns its spot thanks to its charming art style, hub world, side quests, and a magnificent story that many consider the franchise's best.
8. Xenoblade Chronicles (2010)
Some franchises don't get the recognition they deserve, and Xenoblade Chronicles is a prime example. Set on the corpses of two gigantic creatures, protagonist Shulk seeks revenge for his colony's destruction, embarking on a profound philosophical journey. Though not fully open-world, it feels like one of the greatest open-world games ever made, pushing the Wii's limits and redefining the JRPG genre. The real-time combat is addictive, and the vast world is a technical marvel that remains one of the best-looking games on the console.
7. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009)
Mario is the most iconic video game character of all time, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a nostalgic gem. When Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach during her birthday celebration, Mario and Luigi must traverse eight kingdoms to save her. The co-op mode, featuring the two brothers, made it an instant must-play. Whether playing solo to master the controls or teaming up with three friends for platforming chaos, this game is pure fun and a staple of the franchise.
6. Mario Kart Wii (2008)
One of the highest-selling Nintendo games ever, Mario Kart Wii added motion controls that made players feel like they were actually driving. With a stellar selection of courses and characters, it's a ride for the ages. The custom steering wheel became a phenomenon, and while online balance and bike mechanics could have been better, the game's courses, characters, and soundtrack deliver pure entertainment. Just be ready to rage when that blue shell appears.
5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
Crossovers are always fun, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl is one of the originals. Players choose from a roster of beloved Nintendo characters and can embark on the Subspace Emissary story mode, fighting a mysterious army threatening their dimension. While Melee pioneered the franchise and Ultimate perfected it, Brawl remains a nostalgic gem. Its combat is flawless, but the Subspace Emissary—with its brilliant narrative, cinematic cutscenes, and epic scale—makes it one of the greats.
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