5 Reasons Parents Should Pick Wii U Instead Of PS4 Or XBox One

Forbes: "Parents: Wii U is the best gaming choice for family gaming!"

[malokevi]

Because they hate their kids and want them to suffer!!

hahahaha!

Nah, just kidding, I'll probably grab one when the price drops.

[Kingthrash360]

price dropped 2 months ago...will prolly drop again next year tho...
parents will just buy them a 3ds and move on..

[malokevi]

ah, lol. Well... it will definitely get cheaper. With 2 new consoles under my belt, I can't justify spending another 350 bucks.

However, the wii is 99 dollars right now... and I love me sum classics.

[Reeze]

@Malo

In my opinion, I think this Christmas is a great time to get the Wii U.

New Super Mario Bros. U + Super Luigi U + Deluxe Bundle + free online + backwards compatibility= $299.99.

That's great value.

"However, the wii is 99 dollars right now... and I love me sum classics."

You could buy the Wii now for $99 dollars and buy a Wii U in the future for $250-300... The total cost would be $350-400. Or, you could buy a Wii U right now with the benefits above for just $300.

That's just what I think. Do whatever you want!

[Yep]

See you in a couple years.

[Anon1974]

I just can't do it. Part of being a parent is to anticipate problems before they happen. I can't believe this guy things that one, uber controller is going to help reduce sibling rivalry. He's living in a fantasy world of magical rainbows and unicorns where all children are peaceful little angels who would never fight over something like this.

As much as I like Nintendo and thought the Wii-U was a step in the right direction from a gamer standpoint, I simply won't buy one for my family due to that Wii-Tablet or whatever that thing is called. As a parent with multiple kids and who grew up with multiple siblings, having one uber controller while everyone else settles is a parent's never ending nightmare.

[Yep]

See, the difference between that opinion is that you have to experience it to know what he's talking about. The GamePad isn't superior to the Wii remote depending on the game. In NSMBU the person with the GamePad doesn't even get a character to play. The person's job is to protect the players and create platforms to aid them. It can be pretty boring for a child, yet extremely strategic for a hardcore gamer.

[Anon1974]

I think you may have missed my point. Just having one controller so different compared to the others is inviting chaos. We're talking children here in this article.

I simply can't imagine a positive outcome to placing a bunch of children into a room and saying "Ok, you get the giant, flashy controller and everyone else gets a Wii-Mote" unless your goal is to film the ensuing orgy of childhood trauma to place up on YouTube.

[Yep]

A kid isn't going to want to use the the GamePad if they aren't having fun with it. That's the point.

Kids also aren't that naive (I'm an 18 year old living in a neighborhood where the majority of kids are still in elementary/middle).

I could totally see a toddler acting that way though. Guess it all depends on the kid.

[Anon1974]

So why as a parent would you even set yourself up for that? Maybe some kids will be fine, maybe it'll be a never ending fight. I don't know, but I do know I have a choice that could avoid that whole mess in the first place. I'm certainly not the only parent I've spoken with that feels this exact same way.

[kneon]

I said the same thing as soon as they revealed it would only support one tablet controller.

Only one "special" control + multiple kids = fighting. It's inevitable.

Luckily my kids are teens now and have no interest in the Wii U so it's someone else's problem ;)

[N4g_null]

You have a bad parenting trait. You have to fix sibling rivalry. You have to play with them, you have to wieght in on their fighting. Running from it or not addressing it is just asking for it to get worst. Not trying to attack you but I know managing a large household is like running a huge corp some times yet you set the culture. You set the rules. Also play time can be managed via user accounts on the wiiu. Let your kids actions settle the time disputes, then you wont look like a dictator lol. Yet they will still argue even when you are fair you just can not give in to them.

With that being said the controller is used as a split screen alternative. There is also such a thing as taking turns. How do you manage computer time? Or other consoles? Many games are only single player online multiplayer,?

[Anon1974]

That's ridiculous. Anticipating problems before they become problems is just common sense. I'm surprised you'd argue otherwise.

I don't care what you say, if I have the choice between gaming with my kids or breaking up fights, I'm going to pick gaming with my kids every damn time.

You'd be dead stupid not to.

[N4g_null]

Its your problem darkrider... good luck on that first car, and helping out on college. Your kids obviously run your house so that isnt my problem.... I understand stand where you are coming from, yet if you seek help they would want you to promote sharing rather than avoiding the concept.

I guess the xboxone will be prefect since their motion control doesnt even use controllers.

[truechainz]

Well it is interesting you feel that way. My mom deliberately put us in situations like that where we had to share so we could learn from those situations. My mom was definitely the type to make us learn how to share and the Wii U gamepad would be great for that. Not saying you are wrong, but simply a different style of parenting.

[N4g_null]

This is exactly what im talking about... that is just good parenting.
people wonder why their kids are bad yet they avoid every thing even when it comes down to the cause.

[kwandar]

He is talking about sibling rivalry as in:

Sibling1: "I want to watch my favourite tv show"
Sibling2: I want to play Wii U"

The gamepad allows them to do BOTH. Works well in my household. I get to play Deus Ex Directors Cut on gamepad.

[IRNMUNKEY]

Hmmm because WiiU is more appropriate for younger kids apart from Knack on PS4 neither of the new consoles have much aimed at younger children

[R00bot]

The Wonderful 101 is similar to knack (got better reviews too hehe).

[Masterchief_KOK]

mommy told me buy wii u, x1, and ps4

[MasterCornholio]

You should have told mommy to buy it for you.

Nexus 7 2013

[Masterchief_KOK]

mommy know i get money like that lol

[MasterCornholio]

Needs to drop more before I even consider it because the only game that I'm interested in (at the moment) is Bayonetta 2.

Nexus 7 2013

[GenericNameHere]

I'd rather have a 3DS than a Wii U. Main Pokémon > any Mario all day everyday.

X/Y so good!

[FlyingFoxy]

What's so good about it? Custom Robo Arena is a much better game in that style, cos you actually get to control your fights live. Pokemon fights suck and are boring.

[DarthZoolu]

I think Nintendo and Wii U are both stupid, but don't you dare bash pokemon its a monster RPG, Nintendo could destroy the market if they were smart enough to make it for concole and adults also, online, etc....

[Nevers0ft]

As much as I like to see positive Wii U articles (it's a great console), I can't help but be suspicious about a press that has spent the last 12 months bad-mouthing the Wii U. Yet the moment the other consoles come out, suddenly the Wii U is being pushed front-and-centre in many articles... It's almost like they're just making crap up to get hits ;/

[R00bot]

The thing is, people always think things they can't have will be better than what they can have.

While the PS4 wasn't out people were convinced it'd be soooo much better than the Wii U, but now that it is out they realise that the Wii U was never that bad.

It's like that saying "the grass is always greener on the other side", people couldn't have the PS4, it must have been great, now they can have the PS4 and they decide the Wii U is great.

People are weird haha.

[baraka007]

windwaker and the new mario is enough reason for me to own a wii u.

[bamillington]

Great console having hrs of fun with my 5 year old

[Bowzabub]

I'll get one when it's $99. Might take about 5 years but I'm ok with that. By then maybe there will be a couple Zelda games out for it. Hopefully...

[hellvaguy]

$99 that all you can afford? Thats actually kinda depressing.

[Bowzabub]

$99 is all it's worth. And I do ok fiscally.

[hellvaguy]

I have my doubts that you do ok fiscally from knowing even understanding the value of a products worth. I mean the tablet alone is about $150. You dont have to like the product at all, but to say it's only worth $99, is pretty naive.

[Bowzabub]

To me.. It's worth $99. If that offends you perhaps it is you that are naive. Even more importantly, why do you care what I value an overpriced piece of plastic? I'm sensing a bit of buyer's remorse. Just to ease your mind I might drop $150. But it has to have 2 Zelda games available for it. ;)

[hellvaguy]

Once again, your senses have failed you because Im liking the purchase even more with the new Mario game out on the 22nd and the zelda windwalker hd release.

Btw there are like half a dozen zelda games "available" since you can download previous versions. Im sensing that your wrong....alot. Yes?

[DarthZoolu]

@Bowzabub just look around online and craigslist etc... I got mine for $100 a few month's back. I have only played about 15 hours on it total but I figure if I play it at least 50hours every two years it was a good buy. Absolutely not worth spending $250+ on tho. Just from a buisness and value stand point its a bad idea. You can get better features, hardware, and more software options for just $50 more with PS4 and $100 with Xbox1. I say buy a wii u if you find it for cheap or wait. It is def worth $100 tho you gotta jump on that!

[Bowzabub]

Finally..a rational gamer emerges. Obviously the butthurt fanboy above didn't catch the part where I said I was willing to wait 5 or so years to buy the POS. I like the Zelda games (only) just a preference. Obviously Hellvaguy thinks I want to play the same games over and over again, but I prefer to have some new Zelda games. Obviously he missed that possibility since he figured he'd overlook the fact that I was willing to wait for about 5 years for the games I'm talking about. Very ironic though that you bought it for the same price I said I was willing to pay. Obviously some person felt the same as I do since you paid that "unspeakable" price. Funny huh?

[DEAD-DEVIL-DISCO]

i wanted to get one for my 7 year old but he refused. wants a x1 instead. i tried man :/

[JackVagina]

Wii U? whats this? some kind of tablet accessory for the Wii?

kidding....lol

[MatrixxGT]

Was in walmart the other day and overheard a woman ask (iguess a friend) those same exact words.

"What's a wiiU? Oh its a big controller for wii."

Facepalm...ninty should have let that ship sail and start a new name instead of thinking they will bank on the wiis anomaly of a success.

[Hakoom]

pick a galaxy tab or ipad.. still beter than a wii u

[GordonKnight]

Not for playing video games.

[Hakoom]

i have seen many maaaany kids playing with an ipad.. even 3 year old kids..
every house i go to i see the kids with an ipad.. playing games

[GordonKnight]

That's because they don't have the Wii U. If they had the choice between iPad and the Wii U gamepad. the Gamepad would win every time. The controls are not user friendly when all you have is a touch screen for controls. I just don't understand why people think tablet games will take over hand held market. Especially with all the poorly made games on them.

[WitWolfy]

A year later and they still dont sell these tablet controllers separately... WTF!!!

[GordonKnight]

Did you break your gamepad?

[WitWolfy]

Nah its just they said it will be sold seperatly eventually.. AND IT STILL ISNT!

[abradley]

I enjoyed this article and it has a lot of truth to it. I don't own a Wii U or plan on getting one any time soon as the selection of games from an adults prospective is limited. However, from a child's point of view, I can see why it is the logical choice out of the three. It's the cheapest, simplest and has a wide back catalogue of child friendly games with little graphic violence or nudity/swearing. Just as the Wii was a big hit, the trouble is, if your kids got bored of the Wii, the same thing is bound to happen with the Wii U.

Nintendo don't release as many games for there console as getting third parties on board is always difficult for them. Whether you kids will be yearning for something more in a couple years is unknown, but I think they'll want something more than Mario.

[kwandar]

I'll disagree about games from an adult perspective being limited.

Zombi U, Monster Hunter 3, Deus Ex DC, AC3/4, COD, and coming...Bayonetta 2, X, Watchdogs

The Wii U received the "Wii/Child" label, but I have a PS3 with a big back catalogue, and the Wii U gets all the play.

[abradley]

I mean Wii U exclusive adult games. The only game I want to play on a Wii U, and still to this day is the only thing that interests me of there line up, is Zombie U. Dues Ex, AC3/4, COD & Watch Dogs are all going to be or are available on other platforms, often first and with many more features. Bayonetta 2 and Monster Hunter 3 is all that's left.

Neither interests me so I have a decision to make. Would I buy a console for just one game, or do I save my money and get a console, Xbox One/PS4, that I know for a fact will have a great line up of games. That is my mind relagates the Wii U to more non-violent gamers and mostly rules me out.

[kwandar]

Dues Ex Directors Cut in IMHO is far better on the Wii U.

However,to your point. You're looking for "exclusive" games. None of the games you listed are exclusive on any platform. All the games you listed are available on the Wii U.

[assdan]

6. You love the joy rushing out of a child's eyes when they see that it's the crappy console that no one wants.
Yet more spot on gaming journalism from forbes.

[NarcolepZZZZZZ]

I don't buy these for my children. I let them play on MY console(s).

[DarthZoolu]

I think its best to let kids see what's up in the world. I only believe in blocking them from porn, their little bodies all hopped up on hormones. That was the rule from my parents. I was playing Fallout2 on Pc in 98, I was 11. Fact is kids see death and murder all over the world everyday and they are ok. We shield kids because of our weakness not because they can't handle the truths of this world.

[NarcolepZZZZZZ]

I was just saying I but it so I can play it...I can't get my daughter a ps4 chez I'd be in her bedroom playing it all day.

[pkb79]

Forget my kids. I bought a PS4 for me. They can play playroom on on the PS3 or on their wii.

[kwandar]

You'll play on their PS3 for a while I suspect, given the lack of titles you'll see on the PS4 for a year.

[GoPanthers999]

Right on. X1 for dad!