30. Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (Wii U)

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition may not be the definitive version of the game but, aside from some frame rate issues, the incorporation of GamePad controls felt totally natural, and the opportunity to don the Dark Knight's cowl and cape in one of the best Batman games ever was a considerable boon for Wii U owners.

With a relatively lengthy campaign, loads of extra content, and the opportunity to give Batman's gallery of rogues a sound thrashing, this was the Batman game to play on Wii U — a console which boasts no fewer than five flavours of the Caped Crusader (counting the LEGO ones, Arkham Origins, and Blackgate - Deluxe Edition).

29. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (3DS)

Originally released on PS2, this 3DS remake is yet another brilliant instalment in the legendary series. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King showcases its trademark style with great music, a memorable roster of characters and all the quality-of-life improvements you’d expect with a more modern remake of an RPG classic. Incredibly, this was the first game in the mainline series to launch in PAL regions, and it was also the first to ditch the 'Warrior' from the North American version.

The 3DS version adds new characters, too, so many consider this the definitive version of an all-time favourite. And, unlike some other games in the franchise, its sprightly pace makes it an excellent choice for new players, too. 200-hour grinds are all well and good, but how are you going to fit in all the other 3DS gems?

28. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (Wii U)

In many ways, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U felt like a direct response to criticisms of the series' party-friendly aspirations. The crossover fighter series had its innocuous start as a goofy game with a playground spirit, allowing players to finally see who would win in a fight between the world’s two most famous Italian plumbers and some of their friends. This theme would continue, only with more figurines in the toy box to choose from and more playgrounds in which to do battle.

All that fantastic fan service was still present here, and more polished than ever, but the series finally embraced its hyper-competitive side, all the while still managing to deliver one of the most enjoyable eight-player party games in years.

With the inclusion of exclusive modes (Smash Tour, Special Orders, and Event Mode), support for a wealth of controllers, and the inclusion of Special Smash, this was a smarter, more focused blast of fighting mayhem, confident in its ability to appeal to any audience willing to give it a chance.

27. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Wii U)

Some will say, not unreasonably, that as the Wii U iteration of Breath of the Wild can't fully match the Switch version in visuals and performance it should be considered inferior. We understand and appreciate that perspective, but this is nevertheless a fully functional and still entrancing iteration of one of Nintendo's greatest-ever games.

Across dozens of hours it blends innovative ideas with established tropes, and unfolds in a manner different for everyone. The 'best' version of the game is on Nintendo Switch, but the freedom, the spontaneity, and the outstanding charm and craft of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild isn't lost on Wii U.

26. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch)

After beginning life on Wii U in 2014, we were treated to a 'Deluxe' port on Switch just four years later. Not the longest hiatus, but we couldn't wait to replay one of the best platformers we've ever encountered and the Switch version plays like an absolute dream.

Looking better than Donkey Kong ever has, veteran DKC composer David Wise returned with this sequel and caused us to have several 'moments' during our first playthrough. It was a glistening cherry on a cake so deliciously sweet we worried we'd lose a foot.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze isn't just a great platformer, it's one of the great platformers. Even if Donkey Kong isn't normally your thing, you owe it to yourself to give Tropical Freeze a go; it's totally bananas in the very best of ways.

25. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Switch)

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a massive, sprawling JRPG built by Monolith Soft, who developed the Baten Kaitos games on GameCube. The team also helped Nintendo design the world of Breath of the Wild, so there's no doubting the pedigree.

XC2 sees you explore a massive open world made up of Titans – enormous living creatures that house entire civilisations on their bodies. Along the way, you meet a wide variety of characters, solve a bunch of quests, and save the world. It's the developer doing what it does best, albeit without shaking off the series' occasional flaws. This is another Xenoblade gem, though, and a must-have RPG.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 also has a massive standalone DLC, Torna: The Golden Country, that's well worth playing. It serves as a prequel to the events of 2, so you can play it before or after. Larvely.

24. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U)

Twilight Princess was simultaneously Zelda's swansong on the GameCube and its introduction on the Wii. It's an excellent action adventure, but not without flaws.

Perhaps its biggest problem is that it did little to shake up the Zelda formula, which was feeling a little tired at this point; it plays a bit too similarly to Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker.

The HD version on Wii U restored the GameCube's orientation — putting Kakariko Village back on the side of the map it should be — while retaining the Wii version's 16:9 aspect ratio and adding a host of minor improvements along with high-definition visuals; TP HD is inarguably the best version of Twilight Princess.

Midna is an all-time great companion, and the game hits some brilliant highs, though perhaps not as consistently as other entries.

23. Splatoon (Wii U)

In a sea of rock-solid single-player Nintendo experiences, Splatoon stood out as being an utterly sublime multiplayer endeavour. Everything is knitted beautifully and seamlessly together to create what is quite simply some of the most fun you can have online.

The single-player elements and the local multiplayer also presented a way to enjoy the game when you're not geared up for the chaos that comes from fighting others online, and provided a useful reprieve if your internet cut out.

Indeed, the formula was potent enough for Nintendo to repeat it more or less verbatim in its Switch sequel, but Splatoon got away with it by being easily the freshest shooter we'd played in years.

22. Luigi's Mansion 3 (Switch)

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is not only a graphical powerhouse and showcase for Next Level Games’ unrivalled mastery of video game animation but also an immense helping of spooky fun.

The amount of care and consideration poured into every facet of the game is abundantly clear, and it all results in one of the most enjoyable and attractive Switch titles, and the undisputed high point of an underappreciated series.

21. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

Retro Studios demonstrated once again that it can take a treasured Nintendo franchise and keep it relevant, with modern thrills and retro nods expertly combined. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze utilised the Wii U’s graphical capabilities beautifully, with levels both stunning in design and looks, and impressive set-pieces that never skip a frame and can test any gamer’s skills.

Small touches and masterful contributions, such as the music of David Wise, only add to the experience. As a single-player experience, it is near flawless, but the precision of the level design can lead the often fun multiplayer into moments of chaos.

An excellent Wii U title that would inevitably be recruited for another tour of duty on Switch, it was a demonstration of how skilful developers and powerful hardware can be combined for spectacular results.