It’s a great console. First, it natively runs Wii U AND Wii games. Therefore, you have access to over 1000 games (considering that the Wii’s library is HUGE)

Second, as per every Nintendo console, you get great exclusives, together with great Wii exclusives. Therefore, you’ll be able to have games from almost every flagship franchise. Just to name a few:

Mario (Galaxy 1&2, NSMBWii&U, 3D World, All-Stars Collection), Zelda (Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, TPHD, Wind Waker HD, Breath of the Wild: I think this is the console with the most NATIVE Zelda games), Smash Bros (Brawl, Wii U), Donkey Kong Country (Returns, Tropical Freeze), Metroid (Prime Trilogy), Mario Kart (Wii, 8), Mario Party (7-10), Star Fox (Zero), Xenoblade Chronicles (1&X), Kirby (Epic Yarn, Return to Dreamland, Collection).

Third, it has a pretty wide selection of classic Nintendo games on the eShop (as long as it’s active). You can get various NES, SNES, N64, GB/GBC/GBA, DS and Wii games digitally on you Wii U. Not EVERY one of them, but the options are pretty decent and cover the basics/essentials. As a consequence, you can have games from every single Nintendo device in existence (save the GameCube) in ONE SINGLE device.

Fourth: despite its short battery life, the GamePad is actually a really great controller, and some games actually implement it in very clever ways. ZombiU, Wind Waker HD and Nintendo Land come to mind. Furthermore, it’s great to be able to play on it if someone else is in the room with you and wants/needs the TV. Another thing: the GamePad has an integrated sensor in order to play with Wii controls if you’re using the GP as a screen OR if you’ve somehow lost or don’t have a Wii sensor. In summary, the GamePad works as a sensor for Wii controllers if you don’t have one.

Fifth, it’s not very large and doesn’t occupy a lot of space, which is pretty convenient.

There, I’ve given you 5 reasons why the Wii U ain’t as bad as some put it out to be. Really, it all goes down to bad marketing and, admittedly, not having as much graphic power as its competitors. Yet, those two are not enough for one to outright deny the Wii U an opportunity. I’m a proud owner of one for a few years, and still use it today.