The Wii U had some really good games, and I mean some REALLY good games. From the franchise saving Bayonetta 2, to the new IP of Splatoon, to the new spin on old favorites like Mario Kart 8, Hyrule Warriors, etc. The unfortunate problem with these games is that they were stuck on the Wii U, an underperforming system with a concept that never quite took off.
Flash forward to the Nintendo Switch. A system with a simple yet ingenious concept and Nintendo fans got hooked. I'm talking currently outsold every previous Nintendo Home Console hooked. However, one thing that Nintendo fans noticed since that original trailer back in October of 2016, was the footage of Mario Kart 8 running on Switch. This later turned into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. With that announcement and the success of that port, Nintendo and a few other developers started to take the games that were stuck on Wii U and port them to Switch, sometimes with extra features, updated controls, Quality of Life Improvements, or even new content/DLC.
So today Arza, Shadow, and I are going to look at almost all the major Wii U ports that came to Nintendo Switch and see if they are the new Definitive way to play the games, a Deluxe model of a great game, or just port to help get others to become new fans.
Let's see if these games are Definitive, Deluxe, or Ports.
Now, before we dive in. We should properly explain the difference between all 3 categories.
DEFINITIVE EDITIONS
These games are the absolute best way to play these games. The base game is included along with all or most of every piece of content/DLC from the original version, if the game included any, sometimes even adding new content to the mix. There are many additional updates for Quality of Life and Controls, graphics/visuals can get an update, gameplay tweaks, and the overall experience are meant to outshine the previous versions.
DELUXE EDITIONS
These games can be similar to Definitive Editions, but overall have less features than the previous entry. You of course have the base game and, if the game included any, most of the DLC. You might get extra content included but compared to DF Versions, not as likely. There will be some Quality-of-Life improvements, some gameplay tweaks, and maybe a graphics/visual update but that is a 50/50 chance. A couple of other differences is that DX editions can even still release on the same system the original was and can still get content and DLC updates, whereas DF games tend to have everything already released and be done.
ENHANCED PORTS
While technically every one of these categories fit this description, the term I'm using here describes a straight & simple port. Sometimes minor things are included like adding an additional game mode, maybe some new content, new gameplay options, but they are pretty minor overall. Usually these are to make a game accessible on more systems, and they usually happen with more recent games. At least from my knowledge.
Also, were only talking about major Wii U releases that were mainly First Party or very notable 3rd Party Games. So, no indie games like Shovel Knight or Runbow, and no 3rd Party games that "always" show up on systems like Skylanders or Just Dance. Were also not going to talk about the sequels like Splatoon 2 or Mario Maker 2, and just because there is little to know difference between the two games were not talking about Breath of the Wild either.
With all that said, let's get to the games.
Lego City Undercover (4/7/17)
This game adds a multiplayer feature that is more commonly seen in modern Lego games, which is pretty cool considering the Original Wii U Version was lacking that feature and it is integrated in this game very well. However, after that, there is nothing else about this port is really that stellar. It is still the same game as the Original just now on Nintendo Switch and every other console. However, what really docks points away from this port is that the game loses some content only on Wii U version, mainly the Nintendo references and special levels. Which makes sense for the other consoles, but why the Switch version? Good game, but nothing too exciting or new if you already had the Wii U game.
ENHANCED PORT
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (4/28/17)
This is the best way to play Mario Kart 8. This game kind of set the bar for Nintendo Switch Ports for Wii U Games. Every ounce of DLC from the original is included. The controls have been slightly enhanced and fine tuned to perfection, along with some nice QoL updates. However, the biggest change and what really makes this port feel like a brand-new game is the new content in the form of new racers and the revamped Battle Mode. I don’t think I can say much else other than despite the name of this being “Deluxe” this is definitely the definitive version of Mario Kart 8.
DEFINITIVE
Rayman Legends Definitive Edition (9/12/17)
The definition of “Definitive by Default”, this game on Switch features all of the costumes from the other versions, the touch screen levels only on Wii U and vita, and the improved features of Kung-Foot mode along with an exclusive tourney mode. Great additions to this game, however I don’t think they really make this version of the game definitive. What really makes this game definitive is what we call "The Switch Standard". Basically meaning that the game can be played on Nintendo Switch both at home docked and in handheld mode and on-the-go. Of course, that is a perk of EVERY SINGLE game released on Nintendo Switch so… yeah. Nevertheless, this game is still really good on Switch, and while not quite definitive, it is still one of the best ways to play it.
DELUXE
Pokkén Tournament DX (9/22/17)
This game is such a major upgrade compared to the original Wii U game. New Pokémon from the original arcade release and 3 brand new fighters including those 2 DLC packs. There’s a new single player challenge mode, new multiplayer options, along with some QoL improvements, and the overall game experience is much more improved compared to the Wii U Version. It doesn’t quite hit that same high as MK8 did, but it definitely earns the title of being Definitive.
DEFINITIVE
Bayonetta 2 (2/16/18)
This was one of the easiest Wii U ports to Switch in my opinion, especially since the release of this game on Switch was handled almost exactly like the Wii U version. It is the base game along with a few enhancements, such as local co-op in the multiplayer mode along with previous online mode, some framerate fixes with minor visual enhancements, and the addition of amiibo support that helps unlock all the new costumes. After that, there isn’t much else, but honestly that’s okay. This is a perfect example of taking an amazing Wii U game and making it available on a much more viable system. It may not have a ton of new features, but it is still a great port.
ENHANCED PORT
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (5/4/18)
This is very much just an enhanced port. Although calling this port enhanced is a bit too much in my opinion because besides the additional character and the Switch Standard, nothing else significant was added. However, what I really don’t like about this game is its price, which by the way NO we did factor for any of these games, I just wanted to talk about this because this game is, thankfully, the one example of not pricing ports in tandem with how old the game is and how much new content your putting into it. This game is $60 when you could get it on Wii U for $20 currently and even at launch it was only $50. In comparison, Bayonetta was re-released at $60, but that was pretty much a carbon copy of the Wii U release and it was packed with two games. So no, I’m not happy with this price point. Thankfully, other games were much smarter about this topic and Tropical Freeze is still a great game, but if you already had the Wii U version, you have no hurry to buy this game, not even for Funky Mode.
"ENHANCED" PORT
Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition (5/18/18)
Let’s move on to something a bit more positive, Hyrule Warriors on Switch is its own namesake. This game features every piece of content from the Wii U and 3DS versions, with some new costumes based on BoTW because… duh. Not to mention, some aspects of the 3DS version got updated visuals for the Definitive version which is really neat. This is one game that earns its name as Definitive.
DEFINITIVE
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker (7/13/18)
While on the surface this might seem like a simple enhanced port. The base game was included, all the amiibo support, a simple co-op mode and the game received new levels based on Mario Odyssey because… duh. Although admittedly, I didn’t like how the game just replaced the ones from 3D World, but that’s another topic. However, what makes the game feel more deluxe to me are the free updates and new DLC content. The game got a fully fleshed out co-op mode, and new levels that really helped give the game a deluxe feel. I wouldn’t call it definitive if only because you still can play the game on Wii U and 3DS with each version giving benefits of their respective systems. However, the Switch version of this game is definitely the deluxe version of this game.
DELUXE
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (1/11/19)
Remember how we called Rayman “Definitive by Default”, well this game is an example of “Deluxe by default”, and unlike Rayman this game had to change some things. To be fair, there is a lot in this package. The entire base game, the DLC add-on of NSLU, the ability to play as Nabbit in both games along with new character options for Single Player, and of course the biggest change from the original, the Super Crown & Peachette.
Can we go on a quick tangent and say this is the dumbest Mario Power-up and honestly the most ridiculous character inclusion.
It's not even implemented very well in the overall game. It makes the entire game feel off balance for anyone playing as Toadette.
Not to mention that character wise, its ridiculous to have a character transform into Peach. Honestly it just felt like a lazy way to include her.
Anyway… What makes this a bit of harder take is how much this version differs from the original Wii U release. Say what you will about the Wii U Gamepad, but when a game made use of it, it made sure to never play the same if you took it out. A lot of the Gamepad specific modes were taken out of the Deluxe Switch Version which, while it makes sense considering the Switch doesn’t have a second screen like the Wii U, it is disappointing that they couldn’t work it in somehow, especially since other similar games were able to. There are also some changes to the gameplay, most especially noticeable in the new characters and how they really make the game easy. Also, technically this deluxe bundle already came out on Wii U, although not necessarily to this extent. It just featured the base game and the DLC, however it does offer the original experience it was meant to be on. I will say the $60 price is a bit more justified compared to DKC, not by a great amount but still. Ultimately, I feel this game gets an “Enhanced Port” title. The additions are there and they do make for a new, legitimately fun experience compared to the original, and I do still think the game is great and it was a smart decision to port it on Switch. However, this port took a little too much out for it to be truly a deluxe experience in my mind.
ENHANCED PORT
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore (1/17/20)
This is definitely just a simple enhanced port. However like Bayonetta, that’s all it really needs to be and it knows that. The Game includes all of the original content from the first game, includes new playable character options, new costumes including one from Persona 5, and a new song to listen and play to, which is great if you like J-POP or vocaloid music. Which we do! But again, Similar to Bayonetta, this game doesn’t really differ too much from the Original Wii U Release, this is just meant to help take an underrated game and put it on a more successful system. Also, for clarification, NO, the fact that the game is still the English Localization with different and “censored” models in the game is not a reason why this version isn’t deluxe. Nor would putting the uncensored models in the game make this a Deluxe package. (Sorry if you feel like one less Bikini Clad anime girl is going to ruin your gameplay experience.) Nevertheless, while not a deluxe port, this is certainly another great example of an Enhanced port.
ENHANCED PORT
The Wonderful 101 Remastered (5/19/20)
Wonderful 101 on Switch is a bit harder to peg. This is because what would make this game “Deluxe”, at least in terms for us, isn’t available at the time of this video, and unfortunately, we can’t tell if the addition will make it truly deluxe or not. Let’s start with what we know so far. The base game from Wii U is included, the controls are improved to work better for using a standard controller, but the touch screen controls are still there for those who used/prefer them. The game is now available on PS4 & PC, this doesn’t take away from the score it’s just something to note considering the control updates. There are also some visual updates from when it was on Wii U as well, along with a new time attack mode, and the "Prince Vorkken DLC" which adds new a new gameplay mode. When this game was on Kickstarter, which is an entirely different topic altogether, it reached the tier goal of having a new epilogue mission starring the new character Luca, although that isn't out yet at the time of this writing, and its been over two years since then and we still haven't heard anything. When I first wrote this back in 2020 I didn't have such a definitive answer when I said that this was an Enhanced Port. Now, I'm more positive in saying that it is indeed...
...well, an Enhanced Port. Even with the DLC, its not really enough in my to get it to that Deluxe level.
ENHANCED PORT
Pikmin 3 Deluxe (10/30/20)
Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a really good port of the Wii U game, and I mean really good. This Switch port has so many new features that help the game stand out from the Wii U release. The game features all of the original content from the base game, every DLC pack released after it (including the Christmas Pack😁🎄), and now the game has new prequel missions featuring Olimar and Louie, new difficulty modes to play through, and full co-op multiplayer in the main game. Not to mention a lot of really nice QoL improvements to the overall game. The controls work nicely, I think they work really well for the Switch and there is a lot of variety and options, although part of me says that the Wii Remote is still a bit better for the pointer controls. The only aspect I don't think got really upgraded were the visuals. Admittedly, the visuals did get a minor upgrade and they are still amazing visuals, but in comparison to rest of the updates that one is the only one that seems really small compared to the grand scheme of things. I don't think I have much else to say. This port of Pikmin 3 pretty much blows the Wii U version out of the water. That's not to say the original is bad or even worse in comparison because this was one Wii U game that really did use the gamepad to its fullest, but the Switch version is so much better in comparison with all of the updated features and modes. This game might be called deluxe, but it's definitely a Definitive Edition.
DEFINITIVE
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2/12/21)
Last on this list, and most certainly never least, is Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. The Switch version of this game has well-implemented QoL improvements, improved gameplay features that carry-over from Odyssey, a brighter look to it, and the overall game is improved in so many great ways. Features that were originally from the Wii U release were translated over very well to the Switch version. All of these features are amazing, and I haven't mentioned the newest addition that takes this game to a new level, Bowser's Fury. Taking the Mario 3D World Engine and making a new Open-World, Odyssey-esque adventure, was genius and the gameplay here is outstanding. The only issue I have with this expansion is how oddly disconnected the game is to the base game of 3D World. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if Nintendo split the two games up and sold them separately on the eShop. Nonetheless, the amount of fun that comes from the updates, tweaks, and new features is abundant and it exceeds at making this the definitive version of Mario 3D World.
DEFINITIVE
And that was every major Wii U Title ported to Nintendo Switch. Some of these ports are really simple and are just there so the games aren't stuck on Wii U, and some of these go all out to not only outshine the originals, but feel like brand new games entirely.
Obviously, this is just one viewpoint. You all might have your own rankings and ideas of what make a truly great definitive edition, or you might just treat all of these games as simple enhanced ports with great features.
What do you think about our rankings? How would rank these games? Also, what are some other games you rank in these categories? Let us know down in the comments
For more fun Nintendo Switch and Wii U content like this. Always come back to Nintendo GamePoint+.
Written by Brian Mazique
Top Illustration by Brian Mazique
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