Topic: Wii U - best option right now?

@Steph746 The Switch will most likely never be able to play Wii U games. The Switch uses different media to store games so the only possibility of seeing Wii U games on Switch is if you buy them again (like Mario Kart 8 on Switch).

An 8gb console would probably be fine. Part of the hard drive will be used for the operating system, and part is used to save game progress. The only other use it will get is if you hook the Wii U to the internet. Then it will download software updates (rare occurrence), and you can download games from the eshop. Some games are free, but most need to be purchased.

If you intend to download a lot then I would get the 32gb system.

Personally I have the Super Mario / Nintendoland bundle that I bought for me and my kids. The Mariokart bundle is a good option too.

What do you think of this certified refurbished white 32gb from ebay?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Limited-Edition-White-Wii-U-Deluxe-Se...

@steph746

I'd say if you definitely want white, and are happy with re-furbished, think the price is right, then go for it.

Personally, I don't do pre-owned/re-furbished whatsoever. It's new or nothing with me.

However, I have heard NOTHING but great things about Nintendo's re-furbishing process, and how excellent it is to the point that people think they are getting brand new; so if ever there was a company I would purchase something already used from, it would be Nintendo

Plus you get all the guarantees from them etc, and, if it means anything to you, but like it states, this is a limited edition too. Like I mentioned earlier, the 32GB white model was supposedly made soley for Japan; so if this is an NTSC model then you might have something of a collectors item in your hands.

So, basically seems to be about $100 more for new vs. refurbished? I'll probably go for a new black 32GB console. Can I get that new anywhere reputable? It seems that most are either refurbished or new with the bundle. But I'd prefer not to get Mario Kart 8 at this time and just have the console with the Sochi Olympic game and Wii U Sports Club games.

Go to Nintendo.com and buy a refurbished system directly from them for $200. Otherwise you are going to need to call around to local stores and see if anyone still has any stock. Retailers are not getting any more Wii U deliveries.

Thanks. I understand.i haven't checked Nintendo.com yet, but will. What do you think of the eBay link I sent earlier? It says it is factory refurbished by Nintendo and sealed with a one year Nintendo warranty. Would that be the same as purchasing from Nintendo?

In general would factory refurbished consoles have game pads free from scratches?

If you buy them on Wii U you will have to buy them again on the Switch if they decide to port them. As it stands Mario Kart 8, Splatoon and Zelda BotW have equivalents or ports confirmed for Switch. Wii Sports is an unknown at this point on Switch but given the way the Joycon work it's likely to get something along those lines eventually. Lastly the Mario & Sonic games come out every two years. I'd expect the Switch to get one for Pyeongchang around this time next year.

Conversely the Wii U isn't going to get Arms, Snipperclips, 1-2 Switch or Mario Odyssey. Anything Nintendo announces at E3 this year won't be on the Wii U. Any new indie game hit likely won't be on Wii U. The Wii U library will never be bigger than what it is now. And if you're getting it new? The cost gap between the two isn't huge.

The 32gb from Nintendo is cheaper than the ebay option. I would buy from Nintendo directly. I would assume the gamepad would look brand new, but you might reach out directly and ask.

EDIT: I just saw that the official Nintendo store on Ebay also has the $200 return system.