Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The best Wii U multiplayer game depends on the group: Mario Kart 8 is the easiest all-round choice, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U supports the biggest listed local sessions, and Nintendo Land makes the most distinctive use of the GamePad. Mario Party 10 suits board-game and minigame nights, while Splatoon remains a notable local shooter. This is a guide to play you can still enjoy together in the same room: Nintendo discontinued Wii U online play and other software functions using online communication on April 8, 2024.
Best Wii U multiplayer games at a glance
| Game | Best for | Listed simultaneous players | Room setup to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 | Mixed-skill groups and quick races | Four locally in Grand Prix, VS Race, or Battle; up to 12 online drivers historically | Supports several controller types, including Wii Remote and Wii U Pro Controller |
| Super Smash Bros. for Wii U | Large groups and competitive brawling | One to eight; the Nintendo page lists the range | Supports GameCube Controller, Wii U Pro Controller, GamePad, and Wii Remote configurations |
| Nintendo Land | Asymmetric party play and cooperative attractions | One to five | Some attractions assign the GamePad player a different role from Wii Remote players |
| Mario Party 10 | Board-game sessions and minigames | Up to five | GamePad and Wii Remote / Wii Remote Plus are listed; amiibo are optional |
| Splatoon | Local shooter play | Two locally; four-versus-four online matches historically | Its signature online team mode is no longer available through Nintendo’s official Wii U service |
Player counts and compatibility above are Nintendo’s published specifications, not independent testing. Online figures describe historical features, not services available today.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Super Smash Bros. - Nintendo Wii U (Renewed) | $14.35 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Mario Kart 8 - Wii U | $65.12 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Disney Infinity 3.0 Wii U Standalone Game Disc Only | $2.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Smash Brothers - Nintendo Wii U | $35.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
ACTIVISION Skylanders Superchargers Game Replacement Disc (Wii U) (Renewed) | $18.10 | Buy on Amazon |
Which Wii U multiplayer game should you choose?
Mario Kart 8: best all-round pick
Mario Kart 8 is a strong starting point for a group with different ages or skill levels: the basic goal is immediately clear, and races keep turns moving. Nintendo lists four-player local multiplayer in Grand Prix, VS Race, and Battle modes. Its page lists the Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Wheel with Wii Remote, Wii Remote plus Nunchuk, and Classic Controller Pro as compatible options. Nintendo also advertised up to 12 online drivers, but that historical capacity cannot be used on the discontinued official service.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: best for a big group
For a roomful of players who want direct competition, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U has the broadest listed simultaneous range here: one to eight players. Its varied controller options can help accommodate a group, including GameCube Controller, Wii U Pro Controller, GamePad, and Wii Remote configurations. The roster includes Mario, Donkey Kong, PAC-MAN, and more than 30 other familiar characters. Treat the eight-player figure as Nintendo’s listed specification; it is not a claim about every mode or setup.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Nintendo Land: best use of the GamePad
Nintendo Land is the most unusual party choice on this list. Its 12 attractions include solo, competitive, and cooperative play, and some games divide the group into different roles: the person using the GamePad may see or do something different from players holding Wii Remote Plus controllers. Nintendo lists one to five simultaneous players. That asymmetric setup makes it especially suited to groups willing to learn a handful of short, varied activities rather than repeat one conventional mode.
Mario Party 10: best for board-game and minigame nights
Mario Party 10 combines a board-game format with more than 70 minigames, according to Nintendo, and supports up to five players. Nintendo lists GamePad and Wii Remote / Wii Remote Plus compatibility. Compatible amiibo add optional features, but they are not required for the main multiplayer recommendation.
Rank #2
- Race along walls and upside-down on twisting anti-gravity racetracks!
- Share highlight videos of your greatest moments with friends via the Mario Kart TV feature and Miiverse.
- Race and battle with friends locally or connect online to play with random players from around the world.
- Fan favorite features from past Mario Kart games include gliders, underwater racing, motorbikes, mid-air tricks, and more.
- Crisp HD graphics and fluid animation offers players the most visually stunning Mario Kart yet!
Splatoon: best local shooter option
The original Wii U Splatoon offered two-player local multiplayer alongside its better-known four-versus-four online matches. Nintendo’s official online service for Wii U software ended on April 8, 2024, so that signature online team mode is no longer available through Nintendo. Its place on this list is for its remaining local and offline appeal, not active official matchmaking.
What you need for local Wii U multiplayer
Check the controller requirements for the specific game and mode before inviting a group. The GamePad is central to some Nintendo Land attractions, while the other games list combinations of Wii Remote-family controllers, Wii U Pro Controllers, or GameCube Controllers. A title’s maximum player count does not by itself tell you which controllers are needed for a particular session.
Rank #3
- New Factory Sealed Disc
- Confirm you have enough compatible controllers for the mode and player count you plan to use.
- For Nintendo Land, keep the GamePad available; its distinct screen and role are part of the design.
- For Mario Party 10, do not buy amiibo expecting them to be mandatory for ordinary multiplayer.
- Check the game’s regional edition and rating when buying a physical copy, since Nintendo UK/EU listing details may not match every region’s packaging.
Can you still buy Wii U games or play them online?
Nintendo ended Wii U eShop purchases on March 27, 2023. Nintendo says previously purchased content can still be redownloaded and updates received “for the foreseeable future,” but that wording is not a guarantee of continued availability. Nintendo discontinued Wii U online play and other software functions using online communication on April 8, 2024. Local multiplayer is the reliable basis for choosing among these games now; do not assume that a feature once advertised as online remains usable.
Physical copies may be an option, but current stock, seller, condition, region, and price vary. Check those details before buying rather than assuming a particular retailer has a suitable copy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Game Disc and Case Only
- No figures or portal included
Rank #4
- Super Smash Bros. Mario! Link! Samus! Pikachu! All of your favorite Nintendo characters are back along with plenty of new faces in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U the next entry in the beloved Super Smash Bros. series. Up to four players can battle each
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
