North America, Here Are Your 23 Wii U Launch Titles

Warriors Orochi...

Far out - 23 launch titles seems pretty good. I'm sure there's a few in there that won't turn out that well, but it's still a decent bit of variety.

one of the best launch line ups ever i think

Pretty good. Upset about no Pikmin 3 at launch, though.

Wait a second, I though Rayman was supposed to be a launch game? WTF?

That is a fairly impressive lineup.

For anyone who hasn't played it yet, Warriors Orochi's the way to go. That game is all kinds of awesome.

You forgot to add Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate into Launch window releases.

Darn it, I thought they were going to be confirming Pikmin 3 for launch. Rayman Legends moved back to Lanch Window I guess? :/

I don't follow these things all that closely but I would think 23 games on launch day would have to be some kind of record, no? And it's got games for everyone too:
AC3, COD, ZombieU, Darksiders, Batman for the hardcore; Sing Party and Just Dance 4 for the casuals; Skylanders and NSMB for kids; plus a bunch of others across the board. The one lacking spot would be NFL, NHL and MLB games. Maybe they can offer an NFL game with replacement refs
I'm really impressed with all the 3rd parties willing to put their games out on launch day against NSMBU and Nintendo Land. I hope they get some sales.
I can't think of anything that's even been announced outside of the launch window besides Bayonneta 2. Nintendo has a wide open field for next E3, should be some awesomeness in the wings.

I'm not seeing any games I'm really interested in... I might wait awhile on the Wii U...

All that interests me is Mario... no Rayman or Pikmin...

This is a damn good list. I can't wait to see Europe's launch schedule.

@redclow Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate wasn't on Nintendo's list, for some reason, hence why it isn't included above - but it's definitely coming in March.

Good line up. I sadfaced a bit at no Rayman but I think it comes out early December. Now I know what I can buy so I can start selling blood and my first born to afford them all.

Pretty good launches for both the US,and the UK.
At leasts we Brits are getting Rayman Legends on day 1.

Best Nintendo launch,innit.

Despite a good chunk of the release titles being ports, this is probably the best launch line-up I've ever seen. While missing any sort of strategy game, it definitely makes up in every action game category represented.

Decent list, but so far nothing is a must-have for me. Pikmin 3 or The Wonderful 101 interest me the most.

The only Wii U games I want so far are NSMBU and The Wonderful 101, and the former only as a rental really, so I'll just wait a while before jumping on. Being an early adopter of Nintendo systems is always a mistake, I've learned my lesson (several times over).

Wheel of Fortune (obviously)

I won't be getting a wii u for a long time (just because I don't have the money) but thats a very good launch and has a nice few games I would like to have!, but im getting black ops 2 for the ps3.

Damn people are going to be broke! Great launch line up imo. Aside from Nintendo Land via the Deluxe bundle I'm deciding between ZombiU or NSMB U. I was really hoping that we'll get Monster Hunter Ultimate at launch though (T _ T)

Looks good, LCU and Pikmin 3 aren't on launch day, which I'm not too upset about. I probably won't get a Wii U until the end of the year anyway.

Nice to know Batman will be launching day one XD. Rayman Legends comes out December 4th for those in NA btw.

Nintendo Land
New Super Mario Bros. U
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
ZombiU
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U Edition
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition

solid launch line-up, aand the upcoming 6 month has also a great selection, especially pikmin 3 and wonderful 101.

but, i cant afford it yet

i have a year or so to amass a budget for the PS4. no way in hell i will skip the ps4. sorry nintendo. im so sorry...it looks like a great console, really.
Sony's exclusives are so great. i mean...god of war? uncharted ? infamous? little big planet? ratchet and clank? i cant possibly sacrifice all of these for a plumber or a green elf guy.

Will only be getting Mario out of those. Eventually. It is not worth buying a Wii U for on launch day. I'll be waiting several months before getting one I would imagine.

Sony's exclusives are so great. i mean...god of war? uncharted ? infamous? little big planet? ratchet and clank?

None of these interest me either.

Figures...none of the games I'm waiting for are launch titles. :c

I like the numbers of games and variety. There's 8 launch titles I definitely want.

-_- I was hoping for Pikmin 3... But the rest are pretty good.

So in other words I'll be spending $570 + tax on launch day...damn that's a lot

I still wish Pikmin 3 was included in launch day, but I'll be happy with NSMBU I guess.

I've played pikmen3 and I liked it definitely getting it whenever it comes out same goes for the wonderful 101 very nice game.

Seems like the dates keep changing on a number of these games. Since I'm not going for Mario or some of the other "obvious" choices, I'm actually going to have a very small Wii U game collection at launch.

It seems the options will be spread out a bit better - I think this lineup is on of the strongest launches money can buy.

Zombi U, Aliens, Black Ops 2, Batman, ME 3 and will dabble in some Mario and waiting on Zelda Wii U!

Can't wait for Giants, even though I'm getting the Wii version. I need a double fix of it. I hope it is also a launch title for Euraustralia- NEED HD SPROCKET... NAO!

Is there a confirmed list for the UK/Europe? I've pre-ordered my 32 gig WiiU with Nintendo Land plus Zombi U and NSMB U, but if that Sonic racing game comes out on the launch day, I'll be kicking myself because I can't afford it yet! Too much money on one day!!!

I'm going with pack-in Nintendo Land and NSMBU. Tempted by Tekken Tag Tournament 2, but I'm just not sure it'd be right. I got the first TTT and Street Fighter EX3 on PlayStation 2 launch day (then failed to win a drawing for the right to buy a PS2, and didn't play them for 4 months ).

Man, this launch beats the Nintendo 64 launch, which I seem to remember having an especially paltry lineup (though it did consist of Pilotwings 64 and, of course, pack-in Super Mario 64... wait...I looked it up, and those were the ONLY TWO launch titles, jeez Louise...).

Oh, having 23 launch titles, maybe Nintendo's trying to make Wii U MJ-esque.

Really wish I could swap the dates for Rabbids Land and Rayman Legends.

hmm, that doesn't look so exciting. So glad I decided to wait. a big list doesn't mean a good one. take the dance games, sports games, and ports out and theres not much left of interest. Mario maybe? ZombiU? not worth dropping 400 bucks yet. I'll wait to see what the online strategy really is or until I see a hint of zelda or Metroid.

@shinpichu Everything on the list is part of the fabled "launch window" which Nintendohas been stretching every launch. The Wii U's is now a whopping 6 months.

Overall I'm pleased

Still looking for a definite European one...but going by this, I'll probably get Black Ops 2, ZombiU, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Warriors Orochi 3 (which is an amazing game, by the way) within the first month

Immensely disappointed that Rayman won't be coming home with me on launch day. NSMBU and Sonic Transformed it is. Possibly even Epic Mickey Two even though I barely spent any time with the first.

i already have my Wii U deluxe bundle pre-ordered along with NSMB U and Batman.... the rest will have to wait until christmas. My son is very excited to play NSMB U

@Rect_Pola By next gen, the launch window will just entail the entire period from launch day until the follow-up console releases.

Still a very impressive launch line-up!

I think Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed will be great for Wii U. I pre-ordered a copy at Newegg with $10 of any pre-order, only paid $32 out the door!

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is another great looking game. Not bad for a first fighting game on Wii U.

All I saw on that list was New Super Mario Bros. U. That's all you need folks.

Cool

Darn. I was all set to buy Wonderful 101 and Rayman Legends. They've said in numerous interviews they'd be available at launch! Curse this "launch window" nonsense!

@47drift better be great than on time.

DAMN good in my opinion. I won't be buying all the games I want, but I will tell you which ones I am planning to be "playing" or at least interested in playing:

Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (didn't know this moved to Wii U, actually)
TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 Wii U Edition
New Super Mario Bros. U
NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge
Nintendo Land
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (interested)
Darksiders II (interested)
Assassin’s Creed III (interested)
ZombiU (interested)
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
Trine 2™: Director’s Cut (interested)
Mighty Switch Force HD (I'd still probably just get this for 3DS)
Mass Effect 3 (interested)
Game & Wario (interested)
Pikmin 3 (interested)
Wii Fit U
Aliens: Colonial Marines (interested)

Ugh, I'm so broke... I still gotta GET the Wii U first

Getting NSMBU with my system and getting ZombiU shortly after. May get Ninja Gaiden 3, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, COD BO 2 during launch. Also interested in Rayman Legends, Pikmin 3, Game & Wario, and Aliens: Colonial Marines when they come out later.

That isn't a very good launch lineup at all. I see only two games that could be considered system movers (NSMB and ZombiU) and those are even a stretch. The rest is a bunch of old games hardcore gamers have already played, multiplat games, or cheesy casual games. This lineup and the launch of the Wii U shows just how disorganized and inept Nintendo is right now.

ITS LITTLE INFERNO JUST FOR MEEEEEE!

Getting Epic Mickey 2, NSMBU, Bayonetta 2, wonderful 101, pikmin 3, and MH3U

That's a sweet launch lineup. I wish I saved up more cash. I only saved up enough for 2-4 games and the deluxe WiiU (around $600) and that trying to take in account sales tax. Good thing by then christmas will be around the corner.

skylanders giants? I didn't know that was releasing soon

Seems like a "fair" launch lineup, I'm only REALLY excited for New Super Mario Bros. U and Scribblenauts Unlimited!

Provided that each of these games is $60 I could spend $1200 on just the ones I want (exactly 20 games). This is where Nintendo dries up my wallet before I can spend any money on third parties, thereby making third parties leave due to lack of income. Innovative titles come first, then gritty, dark atmosphere mature games come second.

Wipeout 3?!

Oh. Wait, it's just a lame party game and not a futuristic racer =(

That's odd. I had Avengers: Battle for Earth, ME3, and Rayman Legends on my list as launch day. I wonder what changed? I don't remember what all of my sources were...but I didn't put it on there if it wasn't reliable.
Is Europe still getting Rayman Legends on launch day? If so, that seems unusual that we don't as well.

To be fair, I don't remember reading Rayman Legends was a launch title (other than NL posting it but I don't know the source, maybe it was just confirmed in the UK). I'll admit this is disappointing, my original hopes were to purchase Pikmin 3 and Rayman Legends day one. I already had accepted Pikmin 3 wouldn't be a launch title (though fingers are still crossed for a December release.

My final launch roster: New Super Mario Bros U and ZombiU. And, of course, the copy of Nintendo Land that comes with my shiny new Deluxe Wii U.

I will now re-enact my reaction upon seeing this article.

[scrolling through NintendoLife]
Oh look, the Wii U NA Launch titles are here. This will definitely make my decision easier!
[opens page and scrolls down to first launch title]
WHAT? CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS 2 IS A LAUNCH TITLE FOR THE WII U?!!??! REALLY?! I KNOW WHAT I'M GETTING NOVEMBER 18TH!!!

As you can see, I am quite excited that Black Ops 2 is a Wii U launch title and it will be the first game I get when the Wii U launches. Other than that, the lineup of games I'm immediately looking forward to is below
ZombiU
Mass Effect 3
Assassin's Creed III
New Super Mario Bros. U
Lego City Undercover

Sad to see Rayman Legends isn't a launch title, but at least it's still coming out this year ( I hope). Plus, we got Sonic Racing Transformed two days earlier than the other versions.

I'm greatly looking forward to AC3, but sadly I won't be purchasing it for the Wii U. I already have it preordered for the 360 and that's where most of my friends will be playing mp.
That said, I do plan on trying to buy future cross-platform games on the Wii U.

the wonderful 101 YES

I see at least 8 good titles for launch day alone!

Hopefully Transformers Prime will be as good as a game as it is a animated series. Another thing that I'm desperate to play is Metroid Blaster on Nintendo Land. About Transformers, most of the games weren't very good so I have worry over Transformers Prime, but I hope Activision sees what the problems are in their past games (Other than Fall of Cybertron and War for Cybertron) and do something different with Transformers Prime, hopefully even adding some gameplay from fall of Cybertron to it.

Do yourself a favor by grabbing the new Nintendo Power when it hits store shelves and checking out the Little Inferno download section cover story. It will convince you to purchase a Wii U (that is, if you don't have access to a PC that can run games).

Going to get me a job next Summer. I will buy Wii U Basic with New Super Mario Bros. U and Pikmin 3 once I play Pikmin 1 & 2.

Im getting the Deluxe Wii U, with the pre-order of NSMBU, then Ill buy Tekken, Batman Arkham City, and Mario Kart Wii U when it comes out

I'm impressed. Seriously, isn't this a record for the number of games at the launch of a Nintendo console in the US? The variety is very nice. Hopefully Nintendo can keep a decent amount of these on shelves because I can see people deciding, in store, as they see the game lineup. I've been personally excited for the Wii U for a long time, but I'm starting to think it could be a big seller. Still nothing like the hype for Wii of course.

Not too shabby. I'm considering New Super Mario Bros. U, Epic Mickey 2, Zombi U or Rayman Origins. But I'm defenetaly buying Tekken Tag 2.

I agree about the 5%. it was worth it for the Wii, mostly in the form of zelda, metroid, and mario galaxy, but it sure is long to wait between each. I'm also a busy adult and ready for nintendo to treat gaming as something not just for 13 year olds. I was always with them and their approach but people my age grew up with games and theres no reason not to make games for those millions that want that kind of content and have the money in the first place.

Suddenly the other consoles started to make sense to me, because Mario has started to get.... boring. These launch titles are starting to show some awareness of it but still very lukewarm. They'll have to learn the hard way that pricy HD consoles have to appeal to some adults as well if they want them to sell. This doesn't otherwise have the 'casual' appeal of the old Wii so it'll fall hard if they don't embrace truly deeper modern gaming. Some good ports will help for a while, but enticing people from their PS360's will be an uphill battle. All those buttons, a tablet screen, and media center? Very cool, but not a 'party' system new gamers.

@rjejr (shaking in voice) Did you just you just just day NSMBU is for kids? 'Cus if you you said NSMBU is for kids, I'm gonna... Just kidding.

This is the worlds best launch line-up. Nothing else needs to be said. It's final judgement, guilty for too much awesomeness.

Is it troubling that the only games out of that entire list that interest me are NSMB U, ZombiU, Black Ops II and Sonic & All Stars Racing?

Hmm, a Jeapardy game. It doesn't take much thought to figure out how the GamePad is likely to be used in that game. It's about time there was one with a completely private wagering system.

There's like 6 games i want on day one!

weirdly that jeopardy game could be really awesome.

The first games I'm getting are ZombiU, Assassin's Creed 3, and NSMBU , I'll get Wii Fit U around March...

Nothing I want on a Nintendo Console.
I can get those now on my 360, and I did.

I'll be picking up:

New Super Mario Bros. U
Epic Mickey 2
Sonic Racing
Just Dance 4
Scribblenauts Unlimited

Plus I got the Deluxe so I'll also have Nintendo Land. That's 6 games to play on launch PLUS whatever is one the eShop on day 1. Good thing I took that week off of work. I'm gonna need it!

@kobe1724
"All I saw on that list was New Super Mario Bros. U. That's all you need folks."

Come hell and high water, the unwavering enthusiasm of Nintendo gamers will always bring a smile to my face.

Nintendo hasn't had a decent launch lineup since the Gamecube, so I had my expectations set pretty low for this.

But this actually seems like a pretty good lineup.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Ninja Gaiden 3 RE, and NSMBU are the three games that will start me on my most likely huge list of Wii U games I happily own.

That's a good day one lineup that can be considered great if you only game on Nintendo consoles. New Super Mario Bros. U and Epic Mickey 2 top my list. I'm still a little upset not to see RE 6 on there though, I'm getting it for PS3 but the majority of my experience with the series has been on Nintendo systems and would like that to continue. That touchscreen on the gamepad would make item management such a breeze like it is in Revelations...

Waiting for a european one.

No one's mentioned the awesome TANK TANK TANK!? This game was a blast in arcades, I'm so glad they're porting it to the WiiU...anyone who has never played it, I suggest you check it out!

@Steveovig Its funny you say that about the games but at least there is plenty of variety with 23 games. Heck the N64 launched in the US with only 2 games, granted one of them is Super Mario 64 but still.........

@CEOJumpMad STFU

So Rayman legends isn't a Wii u release-title anymore in America (it still is over here in Europe though)! A pity for you Americans, since it's the most interesting Wii u title so far!

I already have ZombiU preordered, just because it's an exclusive 3rd party title and set in London. I'll pick up another game too but will wait for some reviews, most likely it'll be either Scribblenauts, FIFA 13 or Ninja Gaiden 3 though.

Going forward I'll be looking at getting Batman Arkham City (but will wait a while as I already have it on PS3), Black Ops 2, NSMBU, Lego City Undercover, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Rayman Legends, The Wonderful 101, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Bayonetta 2.

@Cipher Interesting... I might send Nintendo an e-mail or two about them forgetting to add the 2nd best series ever (right after The Legend of Zelda...)to their list!