Summary

• The Nintendo Wii was an incredibly popular console, due in no small part to a number of widely acclaimed games.
• So many Wiis were sold that it's easy to find them still today, and many of the system's games hold up well.
• Many of the Wii's best games are from first party franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario, but there is a good variety in the top 10, including a wonderful indie title.

Until the Switch, the Nintendo Wii was the most successful console that Nintendo ever had, with over 101 million sales. Part of what made the console so good was the number of high-quality games the system had on it from both Nintendo and its third-party developers. Whether rocking out to the iconic gameplay of Rock Band 2 or enjoying Mario's foray into the universe with both Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, the Nintendo Wii's catalog of games is pretty impressive.

Nintendo's online service, Nintendo Switch Online, has many ports of older games from the early eras of Nintendo's history, but the Wii seems to be in an awkward place between retro and modern, meaning that many of the games are not yet available on the Switch. Thankfully, however, the Wii is still a console that is not too difficult to find, and its games can be purchased at a discount in many places now. 2006's familiar white console is still a common sight even today, and these are some of the best games that players should try.

10 Metroid Prime Trilogy (2009)

First-Person Shooter, Metroidvania

One of the biggest franchises in Nintendo's history has been the sci-fi story of Samus told throughout the Metroid games. The Metroid Prime games switched up the formula some by making it a first-person perspective in a 3D world. While the first two games in the Prime series were originally developed for the GameCube, the Metroid Prime Trilogy brought them to the Wii as a compilation of all three Prime games. This trilogy has a Metacritic score of 91, with an equally impressive Score of 9.1.

9 Rock Band 2 (2008)

Rhythm, Music

For a while, there was a large cultural fad for games such as Rock Band that gave players the chance to simulate performances of popular songs in a rhythm game. Rock Band 2 was one of the best examples of the genre, having a good variety of songs to play and fun features such as a challenge mode to play against friends. To get the full experience, Wii instruments including a drum set, guitar, and microphone are needed. Rock Band 2 on the Nintendo Wii received a Metacritic score of 92.

8 Rayman Origins (2011)

Side-Scrolling Platformer

The chaotic side-scrolling platformer Rayman Origins is a humorous adventure through a fun world that is deserving of its 92 Metacritic score. With its vibrant art style and just the right amount of challenge, the story of fighting enemies and rescuing the imprisoned Electoons is told in a way that leaves players wanting to keep going. Rayman Origins also offers a four-player local co-op that lets players come and go whenever they want easily.

7 Xenoblade Chronicles (2010)

Role-Playing, Action-Adventure

Xenoblade Chronicles uses a stunning open-world design with a day-night cycle that can change things such as enemy strength, item availability, and even quests. At the time of its release, these and numerous other features were all new and unique, making the gameplay stand out from other RPGs. Combined with an incredible story featuring Shulk and his friends amid the battle between the Mechois and Bionis, this was the first of many games in the series that have since been released. The immense popularity of Xenoblade Chronicles, and its remastered for the Nintendo Switch in 2020.

6 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011)

Action-Adventure, Puzzle

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was released near the end of the Nintendo Wii's life cycle in 2011 and is considered by some to be a must-play entry in the franchise as its story is the earliest in the Zelda timeline. The game incorporated the motion-sensing controls of the Wii as well as a chance to explore the lore and legends in the series with the Goddess Hylia and the Master Sword. The Nintendo Wii game received a 93 Skyward Sword HD, the remastered version that was later released on the Switch.

5 Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)

Platform Fighter

Although many believe that the latest Nintendo Switch iteration of the Super Smash Bros. series is the best, the Nintendo Wii game Super Smash Bros. Brawl has the same Metacritic rating of 93. This third entry in the series was the first to introduce the story-filled Adventure Mode with cutscenes, bosses, and even some side-scrolling levels. It was also the first time that third-party games such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Metal Gear Solid were represented, with new characters, stages, and more.

4 World Of Goo (2008)

Puzzle

Perhaps a surprising entry to this list is the indie game, World of Goo. The physics-based puzzle game won many awards for its creativity and entertaining take on puzzles based on construction using living, talking, silly globs of goo. It has a Metacritic score on the Nintendo Wii of 94, with the Wii generally being considered to be one of the best platforms to play the game on. A sequel to the game is currently in development and is expected to release later in 2024.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)

Action-Adventure, Puzzle

One of the darkest games in the Zelda franchise, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is also among the highest rated, with a Metacritic score of 95. The 2006 game was originally planned as a GameCube exclusive release, but its timing worked for it to be a Nintendo Wii launch title. The game introduces Midna and the alternate world in the Twilight Realm where Link must, yet again, rescue Princess Zelda from the evil clutches of Ganondorf. The art style for the game was very different from those before it and was inspired by the Lord of the Rings films.

2 Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)

Action-Adventure, 3D Platformer

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a sequel to the incredibly popular Super Mario Galaxy and builds on many of the same features that made its predecessor so good. Taking Mario's adventures into outer space, the game begins with Mario saving a lost Baby Luma who gives Mario a spin power and hides in Mario's hat. With the help of the Baby Luma, Mario then must travel to the stars to rescue Princess Peach from the center of the universe. This sequel has an astronomical Metacritic rating of 97, with a 9.0 score.

1 Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

Action-Adventure, 3D Platformer

Super Mario Galaxy has been hailed as one of the best video games of all time, receiving multiple awards and a Metacritic score of 97 with a Score of 9.1. Like its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy sees Mario traveling through outer space, visiting 42 galaxies while collecting Power Stars. Featuring the introduction of the now-popular Rosalina and her Lumas, the levels are creative and provide a new spin on the series. Super Mario Galaxy utilizes the Nintendo Wii's motion controls well, providing new game mechanics for players to enjoy.

Sources: Metacritic (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)