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Is Wii U’s Launch Lineup That Much Different Than Wii’s?
Nintendo released a list of 23 games expected to ship on day one with Wii U. Initially, this software selection appears to be one of the biggest and best to accompany a system launch. When comparing it to Nintendo’s last launch for Wii, the biggest difference is the presence of core blockbuster franchises like Assassin’s Creed III, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and Batman: Arkham City. We’re not talking about weird, waggle versions of these franchises, either. Nintendo fans are getting the chance to play these games as they are meant to be played.
While the praise is justified, a closer examination of these lineups reveals a number of similarities. Let’s break them down:
Nintendo packs in Mii-focused minigames collection
Wii
Wii Sports
Wii U
Nintendo Land
Where there are white consoles, there are white rabbits
Wii
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Wii U
Rabbids Land
Activision provides a Call of Duty game at launch
Wii
Call of Duty 3
Wii U
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Ubisoft creates a new action game that takes advantage of the unique hardware
Wii
Red Steel
Wii U
ZombiU
One of Nintendo’s stars is in attendance
Wii
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Wii U
New Super Mario Bros. U
EA releases one sports game
Wii
Madden NFL 07
Wii U
FIFA Soccer 13
Games also available on other consoles at launch
Wii
12
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Call of Duty 3
Cars
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
Happy Feet
Madden NFL 07
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Need for Speed: Carbon
Rampage: Total Destruction
Rayman Raving Rabbids
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
Wii U
14*
Assassin's Creed III
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Darksiders II
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
FIFA Soccer 13
Just Dance 4
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge
Skylanders: Giants
Sonic & All-Starts Racing Transformed
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
Transformers Prime
Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper
Wipeout 3
*includes enhanced re-releases
Total Number of Launch Games
Wii
21
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Call of Duty 3
Cars
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
Excite Truck
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
GT Pro Series
Happy Feet
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Madden NFL 07
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Monster 4x4 World Circuit
Need for Speed: Carbon
Rampage: Total Destruction
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Red Steel
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam
Trauma Center: Second Opinion
Wii Sports
Wii U
23
Assassin's Creed III
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Darksiders II
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
ESPN Sports Connection
FIFA Soccer 13
Game Party Champions
Just Dance 4
New Super Mario Bros. U
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge
Nintendo Land
Rabbids Land
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Sing Party
Skylanders: Giants
Sonic & All-Starts Racing Transformed
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
Transformers Prime
Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper
Wipeout 3
Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2013
ZombiU
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