Mario on Wii U, one reason

We don't always say why we write certain features, or what prompts them, but in this case we'll make an exception. As anyone based in the UK is likely to already know, tabloid newspaper The Sun published a list of five reasons not to buy a Wii U. Of course it's perfectly reasonable to go that way when weighing up the pros and cons of the system, though the actual reasons and justifications are occasionally sketchy and, we think, taking liberty with reality.

Our recreation of one of The Sun's 3DS 'user experiment' images

The Sun doesn't exactly have a loving history with Nintendo either, greeting the 3DS launch with coverage suggesting that the handheld's stereoscopic effect was causing thousands to experience headaches and dizziness, and that the systems were being returned to retailers in significant numbers. Nintendo refuted the claims with facts, of course, and retailers also debunked the claims. The paper also ran user experiments, of sorts, with a reporter at one point playing the 3DS while walking down the street and then showing symptoms of heightened blood pressure; an accurate way to test the effect, we're sure. It's safe to say that Nintendo HQ and The Sun didn't exchange Christmas cards, and that negative coverage may continue with Wii U.

Still, that's The Sun's prerogative, and you can judge its article for yourself at this link. While we'll continue to give a balanced view on the positives and negatives of Wii U in the coming weeks and months, we're going to show our sunny disposition and provide a counter to The Sun's article. With that in mind, here are five reasons why you should buy a Wii U.

The GamePad — "It's all about the experience"

The most obvious new feature of Wii U, whether you're a savvy gaming enthusiast or a less experienced gamer, is the GamePad controller. Comparisons to potential cross-play between Sony's Vita and PS3 may have elements of justification, but the fact that the GamePad to console interaction comes in one box, as well as the games being designed specifically to make use of the extra screen, make the Wii U concept attractive. It fits nicely into Reggie Fils-Aime's favourite slogan, "it's all about the experience", and innovative asymmetrical multiplayer and control possibilities must have developer's minds whirring. With motion sensors, a camera, microphone and NFC, it's got plenty of tricks to make games something new and innovative.

Exciting exclusives

Currently a steady start rather than an avalanche, Wii U looks set to have some exciting exclusives on the way. On launch day two stand-out third-party examples come from Ubisoft, with ZombiU and Rayman Legends both showing promise. There are also plenty of exciting titles being either developed by or published by Nintendo, of course. Many are due in the launch period up to the end of March 2013, including games as diverse as LEGO City Undercover and the deliciously chaotic new IP from Platinum Games, The Wonderful 101. You can check out a full list in our Wii U launch games round up, which shows the breadth of titles on the way and doesn't even include the exclusive release of Bayonetta 2 that was announced last week. Oh, and Mario makes his HD debut in New Super Mario Bros. U on launch day.

Third-party catch-up

This reason could quite easily be used as a stick with which to beat Nintendo, as describing the arrival of some ports and a select group of multi-platform titles arguably shows the under-powered struggles of Wii. That's true, but Nintendo gamers who've missed out are unlikely to give a hoot about that perspective, as an early batch of blockbuster titles get prepared for the launch window. Whether your preference is for ports such as Darksiders II or Mass Effect 3, or indeed new titles such as Assassin's Creed III and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, there'll be more games on Wii U that can stand alongside PS3 and Xbox 360 contemporaries. We're yet to see how the Wii U editions will stack up, but with GamePad controls thrown in there's every chance that, for a time at least, Wii U may have some of the best versions of major multi-platform hits.

Miiverse

Miiverse is one of the headline features of Wii U, though we still have much to learn about it; you can expect a Nintendo Direct broadcast to fix that before the system launches. We've already shared thoughts on how it could fulfil a role as a Nintendo gamer's social network, and the big N has been making encouraging noises about how it'll combine with Nintendo Network to provide a substantial online experience. It's all long overdue, of course, but early indications about this and the system's eShop suggest potentially good things for taking Wii U online. Still, tell us more about it, Nintendo.

It's a new Nintendo system

A number of Nintendo gamers, like enthusiasts of any other technology company, will be excited simply because it's a new home console from the big N. HD visuals, a new controller and a strong looking launch window all help, of course, but it's a new Nintendo system. Nintendo fans wouldn't go as far as to buy a cardboard box, as Michael Pachter quipped, but like the legions that buy a new iThingy from Apple or a new console from Sony or Microsoft, the fact it's bigger and better than Wii will seal the deal for plenty.

So there you have it, five reasons that show why you should consider a Wii U purchase, if you haven't already thrown in a pre-order. Let us know what you think in the comments and poll below, and also what you think of that other list from The Sun.

Which reason makes you want a Wii U the most? (485 votes)

  1. The GamePad18%
  2. Exciting exclusives19%
  3. Third-party catch-up4%
  4. Miiverse4%
  5. It's a new Nintendo system48%
  6. None of the above, I don't want one7%

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