What's Next For Wii U?

The Wii U has gotten off to a bit of a slow start, with the release of new games slowing down to a trickle in recent months. However, Nintendo has plenty planned for 2013. We break down what new games and services players can expect as the second wave of Wii U software approaches.

Note: This article originally appeared in the February issue of Game Informer magazine (issue 238), but has been updated with new information from Nintendo's Wii U Direct press conference.

Pikmin 3
Spring
Pikmin 3 was one of the most celebrated showings at Nintendo's E3 2012 press conference. As in previous installments, players command groups of the adorable creatures to solve puzzles, traverse the environment, and defeat bosses. Curiously, Nintendo recommends playing Pikmin 3 with a Wii remote and nunchuk, but confirmed it can also be played exclusively with the GamePad.

Rayman Legends
February 26
Announced as a Wii U exclusive, Rayman Legends is the direct sequel to 2011's acclaimed Rayman Origins. Similar to New Super Mario Bros. U, Rayman Legends allows a fifth player to aid friends by triggering interactive objects, nabbing collectibles, and tripping up enemies via the GamePad's touchscreen.

Aliens: Colonial Marines
February 12
Gearbox Software has been vocal in its enthusiasm for Wii U, and Aliens: Colonial Marines makes it easy to see why. The GamePad's touchscreen is perfect for the franchise, functioning as an in-game map and replicating the series' iconic motion tracker.

Wii Fit U
Summer
One of the first games demoed by Nintendo for its new system, Wii Fit U allows players to use the GamePad in conjunction with the Wii Balance Board to perform a variety of exercise-focused minigames. Nintendo announced Wii Fit U as a "launch window" title, which means players should have it by March at the latest.

Lego City Undercover
March 18
The latest Lego game from Traveller's Tales breaks with tradition by giving players an open-world city to explore. As Officer Chase McCain, players bust criminals and Lego blocks alike, while donning a variety of costumes that unlock unique abilities.

The Wonderful 101
Early 2013
Formerly known as Project P-100, Platinum Games' The Wonderful 101 tasks players with repelling alien invaders via a swarm of superheroes. The cartoony brawler allows you to recruit new citizens to strengthen your mob and perform united super attacks by swiping gestures on the GamePad's touchscreen.

Coming Up Next: Nintendo pushes the boundaries of what gamers can do with their fingers, teases a JRPG mash-up, and announces two no-brainers fans will go bonkers over...

Project Cars [PC Version Pictured Above]
Late 2013
The development of Slightly Mad Studios' crowd-funded racing simulator has focused on the requests of the game's backers, which includes some Wii U-specific features. The developer plans to include a tilt-steering option for the GamePad, using the touchscreen to display the buttons and switches of real, pro steering wheels.

Bayonetta 2
2013
Platinum Games surprised everyone when it announced last September that Bayonetta 2 is a Wii U exclusive. So far the developer hasn't revealed many details, but with Nintendo stepping in as publisher for the game, it is a major score for the new system.

Super Smash Bros. Wii U [Working Title]
TBA
A new Super Smash Bros. was announced for the Wii U and 3DS by Nintendo's Satoru Iwata at E3 2012. Nintendo still hasn't given players a look at the game, but we do know it features interconnectivity between the Wii U and 3DS versions and is being developed by Namco Bandai.

Game & Wario
2013
Game & Wario ditches the seconds-long microgames of the WarioWare series for slightly more complex activities. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer minigames, which combine the GamePad's unique abilities with the irreverent quirkiness Mario's nemesis is known for.

Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem [Working Title]
TBA
Nintendo hasn't released any details on this title, other than that the game will mash up the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem universes and that the company is collaborating with Atlus on the game. Nintendo states that rising development costs are responsible for mixing the two franchises – not that JRPG fans are complaining.

Untitled Monolith Project
TBA
Nintendo's Wii U Direct press conference provided a first look at a new Wii U game from Monolith Soft, the developer of Xenoblade Chronicles. The trailer shows off some of the most impressive graphics seen on the Wii U yet, even if the game currently has no title or target release window. View the trailer by clicking the above link.

Wii U Party [Working Title]
TBA
Nintendo's Wii U Direct press conference also introduced viewers to a new Wii Party game. The title once again presents players with a virtual board game format that breaks into a variety of smaller minigames. One highlighted minigame required Twister-like finger contortions from players in order to press the indicated buttons on the GamePad and Wii remotes. Another featured two players sharing opposite ends of a GamePad to play a quick match of foosball.

3D Mario [Working Title]
TBA
Nintendo continued its string of reveals at Wii U Direct by announcing that a new 3D Mario game is being developed for the Wii U. The company didn't show any footage, but stated that the Tokyo studio behind Mario Galaxy is working on the project, and that it will be playable at this year's E3 conference.

Mario Kart [Working Title]
TBA
Also announced at Wii U Direct but not shown was a new Mario Kart game for the Wii U. Nintendo didn't share any other information on the game, but said that like the new 3D Mario game, Mario Kart will be playable at E3.

Coming Up Next: A beloved sidekick returns to the spotlight, plus details on what the next Zelda title may entail, and what new services are coming to the Wii U...

Yarn Yoshi [Working Title]
TBA
Yoshi will be the star of a new game from the team responsible for Kirby's Epic Yarn. Early footage of the game shows a 2D yarn Yoshi powering up into a 3D crochet Yoshi. Yarn Yoshi will be the first time the green lizard has starred in his own game since Yoshi's Story on the Nintendo 64.

Untitled Zelda Game
TBA
Despite not having any gameplay to show, The Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma took a few moments during the Wii U Direct press conference to discuss the direction the company is taking for the upcoming Wii U iteration of the franchise. Aonuma says the team is rethinking fundamental concepts for the series, such as completing dungeons in a certain order and playing alone, which may signal some big changes are in store for players.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD
Fall
In addition to an untitled Zelda game being designed specifically for the Wii U, Nintendo is also bringing an HD version of Wind Waker to the Wii U in the fall. The new version of Wind Waker will be playable on either your television or the Wii U GamePad, and will also feature MiiVerse functionality.

Also Coming to Wii U:

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (March 19)
Injustice: Gods Among Us (April)
Sniper Elite V2 (Early 2013)
The Amazing Spider-Man (March)
The Cave (Early 2013)
The Croods: Prehistoric Party! (March 19)
Formula 1 All Stars (2013)
Biker Bash (2013)
Jeopardy (2013)
Wheel of Fortune (2013)
Medium (TBA)
Need For Speed Most Wanted (March 19)
Project Nov (TBA)
Homefront 2 (TBA)

What's Next for Wii U Services:

Nintendo TVii: One of Nintendo Network's biggest and most unique selling points is Nintendo TVii, a free service that integrates Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, TiVo, and cable network programs under one roof. In addition to letting viewers stream shows to either their television or the GamePad, the service can provide ancillary program details such as reviews, cast information, and real-time sports stats. Nintendo plans to include more video and DVR services to Nintendo TVii in the future.

Google Maps: Adding a map app to a console tethered to a living room may not make sense on the surface, but using the GamePad allows users to explore the world via Google Street images. If you can't hop on a plane and visit the Taj Mahal, you can at least tour the grounds via the map app.

Panorama View: Nintendo showed off this tech demo at E3, and it's headed to the eShop this spring. Panorama View allows users to view a 360-degree video by rotating the GamePad as it plays. Nintendo has shown off examples of a Rio parade, London bus tour, and a hang-glider ride.

Miiverse Mobile App: At its Wii U Direct press conference, Nintendo announced plans to release a smartphone app that allows players to interact with the Miiverse while they're away from their Wii U.

Wii U Virtual Console: Nintendo Virtual Console games will no longer be relegated to the Wii emulator. A spring update will add a Wii U Virtual Console to the eShop, along with NES and Super Nintendo games. Players who already own the Wii versions of Nintendo's classics will have to pay an extra $1 (NES) or $1.50 (SNES) to upgrade their games, but doing so will allow them to be played on the GamePad as well.