GameZone’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Gamers – Wii U

The Wii U just celebrated its first birthday as it looks to make a splash with consumers this holiday season. With some great new games that have just released — and even more exciting ones on the horizon — Nintendo's Wii U will hopefully gain some steam. As far as Wii U owners are concerned, here's the best presents you can buy them. And if they don't own a Wii U yet, there's a pretty good bundle available, as well.

Nintendo Wii U 8GB Basic Skylanders SWAP Force Bundle

Maybe the person you're buying a gift for already has a Wii U — not a Wii… a Wii U… there's a difference. If that's the case, scroll past this one on the list and onto the games. But if that person doesn't have a Wii U, then here's a pretty good deal that nets you a game, as well. The Skylanders SWAP Force Wii U bundle includes an 8 GB basic white Wii U console, the Wii U GamePad (that big controller that has a screen in the center of it), a Nintendo Land game disc (a collection of minigames), and a Skylanders SWAP Force starter pack.

Skylanders SWAP Force is the latest game in the Skylanders franchise, and it looks great on the Wii U. GameZone gave it a 9/10 in its review. The starter pack gives the game, a new Portal of Power, and three Skylanders figures to use: an exclusive color Washbuckler, the SWAP Skylander Blast-Zone, and the Core Skylander Ninja Stealth Elf.

All of this for $299.99.

[GameStop]

Super Mario 3D World

Mario is back and is poised to be better than ever. While the game’s initial reveal at E3 was met with tempered enthusiasm, time has done Super Mario 3D World many favors. As we learned more and more about the game, anticipation and excitement grew. With release almost here, the game is an absolute joy to play. This is Mario platforming at its finest, which is a high compliment considering…

[Amazon]

New Super Luigi U

…that New Super Luigi U was one of the better platformers I’ve played in quite some time. The expansion takes the successful, albeit safe, formula from New Super Mario Bros. U and expands. The remixed zones offer a nice sense of nostalgia and discovery; you’ve been here before, but you’re unfamiliar with what lies ahead. It also helps that the game’s challenge packs quite the punch.

[Amazon]

Rayman Legends

If a game were to be rated based on how often it makes a player smile, Rayman Legends may very well be the greatest game of all time. After all of the delays and disappointment, Ubisoft delivers a gem of a game that caters perfectly to the Wii U console and GamePad. The art direction is slick and stylish, the gameplay is challenging and accessible, and the musical stages are memorable and joyous. Not only is it one of the best games for the Wii U, it’s also one of the best games of 2013.

[Amazon]

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

If there was a game that needed to be remade into HD, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker would not be at the top of many people’s lists. The game was aging well in terms of gameplay and visuals, the latter thanks in part to its stylish cel-shading. Yet here are we, once again, with Nintendo showing us why we needed something we didn’t ask for. Wind Waker in 1080p is absolutely gorgeous, with popping colors and a hero that fills us with wonder. In addition, the subtle changes to the game that remove some of the more tedious nuances (sailing through the ocean) help gamers feel better about owning a second copy of the game.

[Amazon]

Wii Fit U Fit Meter

After the holidays and all of the eating and festivities, what better present to give than one of fun and fitness? Wii Fit U is a great gift for Wii U owners, and it won't break the bank. Here's how: the Wii Fit U 'Fit Meter.' The Fit Meter is available for $19.99 and turns the demo of the game (now available for free on the Wii U eShop through the end of January 2014) into a full copy of the game.

[Amazon]

Mario and Luigi Wii-Motes

These two babies are a collector’s dream. While some may prefer the symmetry of owning the same colored controller, the appeal of collecting different styles can’t be ignored. Nintendo, known for catering to the collectible crowd, has released a Mario and Luigi themed Wii-mote for the Wii U. But these aren’t just a simple red and green colored controller. Nintendo went the extra step to make these babies extra special, featuring respective “M” and “L” insignias and appropriately colored backsides.

[Amazon]

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Be sure to check out all of the other awesome gifts, games and consoles in GameZone's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Gamers (Click on the image below).