When we talk about the “console wars” there’s only really two sides mentioned: the green of Microsoft‘s Xbox One, and the blue of Sony‘s PlayStation 4.
We’ve made mention before of how the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 is better than the other, but what about Nintendo?
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The company’s practically owns the handheld console segment abroad, and has just now announced a brand new smartphone games strategy, suggesting it has a leg up in that segment as well.
But what about its home consoles?
Although the Nintendo Wii U is not my favourite console for a number of reasons, it does definitely do a few things better than both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
It nails backwards compatibility
When Microsoft was pondering the idea, Nintendo already established the Wii U as a retro gaming box. The console can play Nintendo Wii game discs, and even older games in the company’s console history through the Nintendo Virtual Console. This means that gamers can play NES, SNES, DS, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo 64 on the Wii U.
The console can also use legacy Wii controllers, including the Wii Remote, Nunchuks and Pro controllers (although the Wii Sensor bar is also needed for the former).
It uses less power
It’s a less powerful system, but that also has its advantages. For one, those not interested in shooting radioactive monsters or saving brothers from pirates and gangsters can look forward to a much smaller electricity bill each month, and this is a huge point for South Africans.
According to a report back in 2014, the Wii U uses around four times less power than the PlayStation 4, and just over three times less than the Xbox One during gameplay. The NRDC report also suggests that the console uses less power at idle, while streaming video and simply navigating the menus.
It has the best range of exclusives
That’s not to say it has the ultimate exclusive, but I can recall more great Wii U exclusives than not.
Mario Kart 8, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Splatoon, Super Mario Maker and Super Smash Bros. Wii U are just five of the many available.
These games, in South Africa at least, are often cheaper than their PlayStation 4 and Xbox One counterparts too (if you’re not buying special editions, of course). And in terms of value for money, I’ve eked well over 30 hours from Xenoblade Chronicles X, and I’ve barely scratched the surface.
Are there any points that you feel we’ve left out? Don’t agree with us? Be sure to let us know in the comments, or tweet us at @gearburn.
Feature image: Sergey Galyonkin via Flickr
