Wii U: A Family Review for a Family Console

Taxes returned this year in February for my family. I knew what I wanted to buy with a portion of that money. Nintendo's newest console: The Wii U. So. We went on our big shopping extravaganza, stopped by Target, and spent some money. A lot of money. After having the console for about 10 months I feel like I have gotten a pretty good handle on how things run on it and whether or not it was worth my money...our family's money that is. I'll give it to you straight: I love it. I am glad we purchased it.
I am a Nintendo and Playstation fan. I enjoy software that runs on both brands. The Wii U is the perfect place to play all the current Nintendo games. I will eventually pick up a PS4...but right now there is nothing I am interested in.
So let's talk about the games.
It has been a pretty slow start for the Wii U. I purchased New Super Mario Bros. U when I bought the console. I also received Nintendo Land with the Wii U. Both games are excellent and very fun for families. Nintendo Land is excellent for parties and Mario...well...it's Mario. Not a bad thing, for the most part.

After purchasing these first couple games I didn't buy anything for quite a while. I had transferred my original Wii information over to the Wii U, so I had a lot of games to play on the system, but it was a slow year. Thankfully there was a decent amount of Virtual Console titles from the eShop (An online store to download new and old games!) to choose from. I also had quite a collection on my old Wii which transferred just fine, though the transfer process is a bit time consuming. I felt like it was worth it.
Flash forward to December 2013 and things have picked up considerably. I now have played several more games. At the top of my list are The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD and Super Mario 3D World. Both games are crafted with love and are perfectly suitable for families. The graphics are amazing on both titles and the game play is silky smooth.

Looking into next year is also promising. Super Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, among other titles are looking like a lot of fun. Also out now is a version of Wii Sports designed for Wii U, with Wii Fit U also just released. Both games, as far as I can tell, build on the Wii versions and look great. I think it depends on what type of games your family likes to play.
What about the graphics? There has been a lot of negative comments about the Wii U. First of all, I can say, having experienced the Wii U first hand, I am not disappointed. At all. The graphics on the Mario games and Zelda are amazing. Nintendo Land isn't a slouch either. Other games like Pikmin and Batman Arkham City look amazing also. I have enjoyed Batman to an extent, although I am not a fan of the "mild language" as they call it on the box. I believe it is a little more than "mild" in some cases. Despite that, it has been an interesting experience. Not for little kids though. Perhaps I'll finish it someday...Sorry...off topic.

The user interface on the Wii U is also excellent, in my opinion. It is simple to navigate and the gamepad offers an extra dimension to interaction. I love it. The best part about the gamepad is that it allows for off screen play on many games. This is a real bonus when someone else wants to use the television.
Overall, I would say the the Wii U was an excellent purchase. We can watch Netflix and other services through it. It has been really, really fun for the kids, and I have loved the Virtual Console service as well as the newer games. If you are torn on upgrading to a new system, don't count out Nintendo. They offer extremely high quality and family friendly experiences. The price is also much less than the competitors and the system performs admirably.
I'd give it a 9/10. I would like to see some improvements, but it is a great package overall, and with the bundles now available, you almost can't go wrong.

Why am I doing this?

I have thought for a while that I would enjoy writing what I think of the video games I have played. I definitely enjoy playing games and I want a place to be able to tell you what I think.
Games are not created equal, some approach a level like unto art, while others are clearly trash.
If you are looking for reviews on anything rated above T, you will most likely be disappointed. I usually don't play above a T rating and I own zero games above that rating. It's a personal choice. I have a family. There are enough things I feel uncomfortable with in many T games that I can't justify, in my own good conscience, anything above that level. Basically, I will be reviewing games that are rated E, E-10, and T.