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Topic: Upgrading from Wii with kids. Switch or WiiU?

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jeninejessica22

Apologies in advance, I couldn't decide where the best place for this thread would be. Move if it's better somwhere else!

Currently playing on an old Wii system. Two adults, 6 and 3 year old. We mostly are working our way through the entire Lego collection, with things like Disney's Brave thrown in. We are looking into a new system but can't decide where our money is best spent.

Concern with the Switch is that there doesn't seem to be a lot of games out for the younger crowd yet, and no lego ones at all? (edit: I just found a good list and it appears there are lego games) I don't want to spend several hundred dollars and then find we're struggling for games.

So that led us to wonder if we should pick up a refurbished WiiU instead, until the kids are older. Something with a bit better graphics and more games, but cheaper and easier to find a good assortment of pre-loved games.

Convince me? I'm in Canada if it matters.

[Edited by jeninejessica22]

jeninejessica22

SKTTR

There are 4 LEGO games on Switch so far:
LEGO City Undercover
LEGO Worlds
LEGO The Ninjago Movie Videogame
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2
and other "kids" games like Mario, Minecraft, Yoshi&Kirby soon, Cars 3: Driven to Win, Poi Explorer Edition, Ben 10, Cartoon Network Battle Crashers, Party Planet, DOOM, etc.

[Edited by SKTTR]

Switch fc: 6705-1518-0990

JasmineDragon

@jeninejessica22 I would lean towards the Switch, to be honest. It doesn't have as many games as the WiiU yet, but it will pretty soon, and unlike the WiiU it can grow with your kids. There are LEGO games out for it already, as well as Minecraft and Snipperclips, Mario Kart which is very friendly to little drivers with steering assist, and other things that kids can get into. The Switch is also fantastic for keeping kids occupied on the go. We bring ours on road trips, to restaurants and anywhere else where kids need entertainment to keep them out of trouble. I have a nine-year-old who can be quite a handful when she gets bored, and having the Switch for her to play is a huge blessing.

Of course there are other things that you can do to occupy kids on the go, such as tablets and 3DSes, books and even portable tabletop games (we're huge fans of Hive for playing at restaurants). But if you're looking to buy one system to cover all the bases, I would say Switch is the way to go.

I tried the idea of buying the last-gen system when the kids were younger and I didn't want to spend a ton of money. That system was the Wii. It worked okay, the kids were happy with it and I didn't have to break the bank for it, but I never bought that many games for it. I didn't love the Wii, myself. Its controls were weird and gimmicky and it didn't feel like that much of an upgrade from my beloved Gamecube. In retrospect I probably should have gone with the then-current WiiU. But the WiiU didn't appeal to me, and it still doesn't. The Switch is an amazing platform, and my kids and I all love it.

Switch FC: SW-5152-0041-1364
Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer.

KirbyTheVampire

Take a look at the Wii U's library and see if it looks like enough games for you. If so, buying it isn't a bad idea. However, the Wii U is no longer getting any games, and once Nintendo stops producing games for the 3DS, more of their developers will be making games for the Switch, unless they release a new handheld system during the Switch's lifespan, which is doubtful. The Switch also has very strong third party support, which means a lot more non-Nintendo games will be on the system than there were with the Wii U. We're also getting games like Pokemon on the Switch, which has been exclusive to Nintendo handhelds until now, so that just shows that Nintendo will ultimately make more games for the Switch than they did with the Wii U.

Ultimately, you really can't go wrong either way. There will be plenty for your kids to play on both systems. I think you personally would have more fun with the Switch, though, and your kids will probably have more fun with the Switch once they get older as well, due to the Switch having plenty of games that older kids can enjoy, like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, whereas the Wii U didn't have many games like that. (Rest assured that there will be plenty for your kids to play at their current age as well)

KirbyTheVampire

jeninejessica22

@subpopz Oh I didn't mean better graphics than the switch! Just better than the current Wii we're using.

jeninejessica22

jeninejessica22

subpopz wrote:

Your kids are young....how would they treat the Switch in portable mode? (**EDIT** just adding in here that we got our Wii U when the kids were fairly young and I can say that the tablet is pretty sturdy **end EDIT**). Do you want them to be able to have a portable system? Do you want to be able to get new games more adult for yourself when the kiddos aren't around? Or are you fine with the Wii U library and nothing new? Do you care about backward compatibility? Because the Wii U will play all your Wii games. A lot to consider.

Yeah these are kind of all the things in our minds. Honestly, the portable part of it is an afterthought. Other than occasional mom-sanity time where they get an old iphone to play games on for half an hour, they aren't familiar with handheld games at all. I'm not sure either of them honestly know of the existence of things like a leapster, 3ds, etc. We play the Wii as a family (Usually they watch us adults play, but they do play some easy stuff themselves), and I really like that aspect, rather than the individual play ability. It's a bonus, but not a major factor. And yeah, honestly I'm be a bit worried about them ruining it!

Backwards compatability is definitely a consideration. We have the money upfront to buy whichever system we decide is best. But we're also super frugal by nature, and being able to pick up games here and there at used stores is a bonus. We do have a handful of games for the Wii still that we haven't touched, and would be nice to play them. I like the idea of adult games, but I'm less a "shooter" style player and more a puzzle/simulation lover. It's pathetic but my favorite memories of games are old computer style ones like King's Quest. I find it hard to find those type, which is why we've mostly done the Lego ones. Similar-ish without being all war/gun based.

jeninejessica22

skywake

Lets make this simpler, here's a list of some of the best Wii U games. These are the games that in 2014 I would have rattled off to try and convince someone the system was worth getting. I will add some context and highlight in bold the ones I think may sway you towards getting a Wii U over a Switch given you own a Wii.

  • Zelda Breath of the Wild (on Switch)
  • Super Mario 3D World (fantastic game, only on Wii U. Odyssey offers more)
  • Smash Bros (at this stage it's one of the few remaining reasons to have a Wii U)
  • Rayman Legends (on Switch)
  • Bayonetta 1 & 2 (again, a reason to have a Wii U. Not for kids)
  • Skylanders (a version exists on Switch)
  • Mario Kart (on Switch)
  • Super Mario Maker (a fantastic game not on Switch and kid friendly. So that's one game)
  • Pikmin 3 (Not the same but you can get Pikmin 1 & 2 on the Wii)
  • Twilight Princes/Wind Waker HD (you can play these on the Wii just not in HD)
  • New SMB U (honestly? If you have it on Wii you're not missing out on much)
  • DKC:TF (fantastic game, I wouldn't buy the system for it and you can get DKCR on Wii)
  • Splatoon (Splatoon 2 is on Switch)
  • Lego City Undercover (on Switch)
  • Resident Evil Revelations (not kid friendly, also on Switch)
  • Nintendo Land (great party game, not on Switch. But it's still just a party game)
  • Yoshi's Woolly World (fantastic game but the Switch is getting a Yoshi game next year)
  • Pokken Tournament (on Switch)
  • Paper Mario Colour Splash (A decent Wii U game that's going to be forgotten)
  • Hyrule Warriors (Switch has Fire Emblem Warriors)
  • Star Fox Zero (I skipped this on Wii U, I don't think you're missing out on much)

And a list of currently released Switch games that don't have equivalents on Wii U:

  • Super Mario Odyssey (end of the list right here almost)
  • Rocket League (soccer with rocket powered RC cars)
  • Mario & Rabbids
  • Skyrim/Doom/LA Noire (not for kids but even so, nothing like it on Wii U)
  • Snipperclips (fantastic kid friendly party/puzzle game involving paper)

And lastly, because this was your main thing, a list of Lego games on Switch released so far:

  • Lego Ninjago
  • Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2
  • Lego City Undercover
  • Lego Worlds

[Edited by skywake]

Some playlists: Top All Time Songs, Top Last Year
An opinion is only respectable if it can be defended. Respect people, not opinions

iKhan

I wouldn't suggest a Wii U. There isn't too much the system gets you that you can't get on your existing Wii (which has a really strong catalogue of kid-friendly games). This is especially the case if your kids like motion controls (my significantly younger sister is like this), as the lack of pack-in Wii Remote led to less motion control integration on the Wii U.

As for the Switch, you are also right in saying there isn't much of a library there yet. You would really be purchasing it for current future games, and I'll say as the current mainstream Nintendo console, it will have plenty of child-friendly games on it. If you aren't looking for current/future prospects, don't buy that either.

I skipped the Wii U generation and happily gamed on my Wii's back catalogue. My sister was also happy playing on the Wii.

Currently Playing: Steamworld Heist, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Tales of Graces F

Anti-Matter

@jeninejessica22
Who said Nintendo Switch didn't have a lot of Kid Friendly games ?
Nintendo Switch has A LOT of Kid Friendly games and Nintendo STILL Maintain their image brand.
There are 4 LEGO games on Switch so far, will be more LEGO games on next year.
Btw, Try to expand the Game Library by playing other games, not just only stick on One Brand only.

Beside, since Nintendo Switch has Portability, you can play it in BOTH Style. You can play Nintendo Switch WITH or WITHOUT TV. If you are very busy, almost no time for playing video games on TV, Nintendo Switch is your buddy. You can play it Anywhere, Anyplace, Anytime, Without TV.

And for young kids age 3 - 6 years old, They can try these games after LEGO games:
1. Super Mario Odyssey.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
3. Portal Knights
4. Poi: Explorer Edition
5. Overcooked: Special Edition
6. Puyo Puyo Tetris
7. Pokken Tournament DX
8. Just Dance 2018
9. Fifa 18
10. Rocket League
11. Lumo
12. Unbox
13. Snake Pass (e-shop)
14. Ben 10
15. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
16. Kirby : Star Allies (2018)
17. Cars 3
18. Minecraft : Story Mode
19. Dragon Quest Builder 2 (2018)
20. Sonic Forces
And many more.
Try to browse from Google, find out what titles that suitable for them, watch from Youtube first for gameplay trailer.

I heard your kids not familiar with handheld games at all. Introduce Nintendo Switch for them, make them know what it called Nintendo Switch and its existence is MORE Awesome than Cheap smartphone games. Just buy them Nintendo Switch instead Wii U.
Wii U is actually great console, But... it still REGION LOCK (Switch is No More Region Lock. Switch is Region FREE), the Gamepad range is Very Short ( 3 feets), Lack of good games due to no more supports from 3rd party developers anymore. I don't recommend Wii U despite of its Wonderful feautures.

I believe they will start to show their like about Nintendo Switch if they are use to play Nintendo Switch oftenly. Also, encourage them to try other games, not just only stick on LEGO games all the time. Encourage them about how wonderful the diversity of different genre of games. Games can be Wonderful in Racing / 3D Platformer / Rhythm / Adventure / Simulation / RPG / etc. More genre they know more games that they can play.

Be a parent, look at the Age Rating first before buy them video games. For kids with age 3 - 6 years old, you can give them PEGI 3 - PEGI 7 games / ESRB E & E 10+ games. Don't give them rated ESRB Teen / PEGI 12 right now because that for at least Grade 7 kids with at least 11 or 12 years old, and still under Parent's Supervision.

Well, i hope this little guidance can help you for looking Next Nintendo machines. Take care.

Anti-Matter

gcunit

Wii U. All your wiimotes will work on it, plus all your Wii games.

The Wii U gamepad is very sturdy - mines been thrown a few times but no damage done.

You guys had me at blood and semen.

What better way to celebrate than firing something out of the pipe?

Nothing is true. Everything is permitted.

My Nintendo: gcunit

SillyG

At this point, I think the Switch would be a better investment overall. I already have about as many (if not a little more) physical Switch games in these first 9 months alone than the Wii U's entire lifespan combined, so there is a respectable range of games already available (and I dread the quantity of games that are yet to come).

I believe that many of the Wii U's best games have or will be ported to the Switch at some point throughout the life of the Switch (and potentially with added value, rendering the Wii U version totally obsolete). It wouldn't be in Nintendo's (or the consumer's) best interest to port them all at once as it would alienate their more devoted fanbase, but I'm very confident that it will happen as time goes on.

The Wii U was a great product for its time, but sadly it never caught on with the broader public (people still don't know what it is!), and its potential was never fully harnessed. Since owning a Switch, I haven't looked back and you'll have access to both the Wii U's best games as well as the "latest and greatest", so to speak.

[Edited by SillyG]

Porygon did nothing wrong.
Pokémon Sleep Friend Code: 1158-2327-1187

Switch Friend Code: SW-1910-7582-3323

skywake

KirbyTheVampire wrote:

@Anti-Matter The range on the Wii U Gamepad isn't 3 feet. It's more like 20.

I never bothered thinking about the Wii U's range in terms of distance. I always saw it as just being limited to the room the TV is in which was fine by me. Even with the Switch I don't often play it in portable mode that far away from the TV. Range is easy to explain/sell but IMO it wasn't the reason why the Switch is a better "portable home console"

IMO there were two other things where the Wii U failed as a "portable home console". The first point being the games themselves. There were too many games on the Wii U where the game itself dictated how you played it. And even the ones that allowed off-TV play weren't consistent with how you got there.

The second failure was the GamePad itself. Everything on that screen was compressed 480p while the Switch screen gets a clean 720p signal. On the Switch there is definitely some downgrade in visual quality on some games when playing off-TV. On the Wii U it was across the board and even with retro games. Which was fine when there wasn't any "proper" portable system that even came close. Less impressive now the Switch exists.

Some playlists: Top All Time Songs, Top Last Year
An opinion is only respectable if it can be defended. Respect people, not opinions

Octane

@jeninejessica22 There aren't a lot of games for the Switch yet, but there's a good handful of them you should probably look into. And unless you're planning on buying a new game every week, I doubt you can keep up with the upcoming games. That's true for most video game consoles; in hindsight there are always a few games you planned on getting, but you never got around to, so I wouldn't worry about that too much. And I've just read the Switch has already four LEGO games, so I think you should be fine!

Octane

skywake

Octane wrote:

And unless you're planning on buying a new game every week, I doubt you can keep up with the upcoming games. That's true for most video game consoles; in hindsight there are always a few games you planned on getting, but you never got around to, so I wouldn't worry about that too much

The irony here is that if there ever was a console where this wasn't true it was the Wii U. At this stage on the Wii U I had about 7-8 games including Nintendo Land and indie releases. And I wasn't exactly skipping major releases during that period, the only notable Wii U game I skipped was probably Zombi U. During the same length of time post Switch launch I have picked up 10 games in total and that's without getting Fire Emblem Warriors, Splatoon 2, Doom, Skyrim, Mario & Rabbids...

Some playlists: Top All Time Songs, Top Last Year
An opinion is only respectable if it can be defended. Respect people, not opinions

Octane

@skywake I only got Nintendo Land and Pikmin 3 in the first few months (although I went back and bought NSMBU, MH3U, W101 on sale later in the U's lifespan). I currently have Splatoon 2 and Odyssey for the Switch. I predict I'll double dip on BOTW at a later point, and I want to get ARMS and Bomberman too, but I'll wait for a sale. So it's about the same for me. Wind Waker HD, 3D World and Tropical Freeze followed soon on the Wii U, so I'm curious what 2018 will bring in terms of games. We need a Direct soon.

Octane

LzWinky

Given the Switch's position in the market, it is poised to outdo the Wii U within a year. While the Wii U has a full library, the Switch will get future games for everyone. From an investment standpoint, you really cannot lose with the Switch.

Current games: Everything on Switch

Switch Friend Code: SW-5075-7879-0008 | My Nintendo: LzWinky

jeninejessica22

Thanks guys. Lots to think about, and I feel like at least I have a better grasp on it! I think current plan is to go for the switch either now then, or wait and grab one in a couple months after we've finished through the remainder of our Wii games.

jeninejessica22

Heavyarms55

The Wii U is done. So look at the library of games it has and if you aren't fully happy, don't even consider it.

I would say overwhelmingly, Switch. If already has a great library of games and many more on the way. It will keep you and your kids happy for several years to come.

Nintendo Switch FC: 4867-2891-2493
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