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Best short games on Wii U

The 57 best short games on Wii U, ranked from 16,146 critic and player ratings.

The best short game on Wii U right now is Super Mario World, with a critic score of 100/100. Updated October 2026.

How this ranking is built
  • Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
  • A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
  • Only games with a measured main story of 10 hours or less are listed: HowLongToBeat first, IGDB when HowLongToBeat has no figure.
  • Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
  • Release window covered: 1970 to 2026.
  • 50 games are listed on this page, carrying 16,146 ratings between them.
  • Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 11 October 2026.

Top 50

01 Super Mario World Super Mario World 1990 · 2,044 ratings A 2D platformer and first entry on the SNES in the Super Mario franchise, Super Mario World follows Mario as he attempts to defeat Bowser's underlings and rescue Princess Peach from his clutches. The game features a save system, a less linear world map, an expanded movement arsenal and numerous new items for Mario, alongside new approaches to level design and art direction. 100 /100
02 New Super Mario Bros. New Super Mario Bros. 2006 · 413 ratings New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling 2.5D action-adventure platformer game for the Nintendo DS, starring Mario and Luigi. The game features a solo story mode with Mario or Luigi, a two-player wireless game Mario Vs. Luigi, as well as a minigame mode for up to four players. The gameplay of New Super Mario Bros. is very much like that of the classic 2D platformers, mostly Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3, and substantially builds upon them to create gameplay both classic and contemporary. As the game is on DS, the touch screen allows players to store an additional power-up and view the distance still to go in a level. 95 /100
03 Metroid: Zero Mission Metroid: Zero Mission 2004 · 296 ratings The full story of Samus Aran's first mission finally unfolds... The first Metroid game just scratched the surface of the cataclysmic events on planet Zebes, and at long last the rest of the tale has come to light. Experience the first of Samus's legendary adventures through all-new cut-scenes and action sequences as the bounty hunter races through the deeps toward her showdown with the leader of the Space Pirates. But will the end of Mother Brain really mean the end of the story...? Completion of the game unlocks an emulated version of the original Metroid game. Zero Mission also allow players to unlock the Metroid Fusion picture gallery by linking between Zero Mission and Fusion cartridges via the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable. 95 /100
04 Super Mario 3D World A Super Mario 3D World 2013 · 435 ratings · 1 Tier vote Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U, and a follow-up of the Nintendo 3DS installment Super Mario 3D Land. The game builds upon the previous installment, following a similar 3D level-design convention inspired from the 2D platformer titles where players must navigate through a linear-designed level within a time limit to reach a level's Goal Pole. One key aspect introduced in this title is the simultaneous multiplayer: while not the first game in the series to do so, it is the first 3D title in the Mario series to incorporate up to four players cooperating with each other to reach the goal. Players can select their character from a pool of playable characters prior to starting the game, and each of these characters have their own unique playstyle that gives them advantages and disadvantages over other characters. The game makes use of several Wii U exclusive features, such as tapping blocks with the touch screen on the GamePad and blowing into the mic to reveal hidden items and blow away enemies. Various new power-ups are introduced in this title, with the trademark suit being the Cat power-up, which enables characters to perform a melee attack, climb up walls, and leap while midair, as well as the game generally having a cat-based theme. 94 /100
05 Hollow Knight S Hollow Knight 2017 · 2,253 ratings · 6 Tier votes A 2D metroidvania with an emphasis on close combat and exploration in which the player enters the once-prosperous now-bleak insect kingdom of Hallownest, travels through its various districts, meets friendly inhabitants, fights hostile ones and uncovers the kingdom's history while improving their combat abilities and movement arsenal by fighting bosses and accessing out-of-the-way areas. 91 /100
06 Mario Kart 8 Mario Kart 8 2014 · 675 ratings Turn your racing experience upside down! Nintendo’s Mario Kart franchise comes to the Wii U console in full HD, introducing new racing circuit designs and anti-gravity karts that will have players driving upside down. And for the first time, all of Bowser’s seven Koopalings are playable characters-- get a taste of being bad on the race track by playing as Iggy, Larry, Lemmy, Ludwig, Morton, Roy and Wendy. Players will also enjoy a variety of series-favorite features, including the return of 12-player online competitive play, hang-gliders, underwater racing and motorbikes. 91 /100
07 WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! 2003 · 113 ratings Frantic action! Prepare for lightning-quick game play as you blaze through over 200 bizarre microgames designed by a crazy crew of Wario's cronies! There are even two-player contests that can be played on a single Game Boy Advance! Pick up and play! Ultra-simple controls make each game easy to get into...until the games start coming faster... and faster...and FASTER! 90 /100
08 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 1992 · 622 ratings Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) has returned, turning helpless animals into robots and forcing them to build his ultimate weapon, the Death Egg! But this time, Sonic has a friend that can help him: Tails! Find the 7 Chaos Emeralds and stop Dr. Robotnik’s evil scheme! 90 /100
09 Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001) Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001) 2001 · 186 ratings Classic Mario Kart action is back once again, this time in a colorful, lightning-fast game that you can take anywhere. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Wario, Yoshi and Bowser are all tearing up the track, tossing Koopa Shells and laying banana peels along the way. Mario Kart Super Circuit puts your driving skills to the test on 40 tracks, each littered with wild weapons and obstacles. Choose to play as any of your favorite characters as you speed around classic and brand-new tracks. If you're feeling combative, try out the creative weaponry (mushrooms, bananas, thunder bolts, and stars) in Battle mode. Feel like making some friends eat your dust? No problem. Four players can compete in Mario Kart Super Circuit using only one Game Pak! If each player has a copy of the game, bonus features and new modes of play become available. 90 /100
10 Shovel Knight Shovel Knight 2014 · 530 ratings Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. It's a hot mashup of new and old! You play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest. Shovel Knight has come to this land with two goals: to defeat the evil Enchantress and quest for his lost beloved. He wields a Shovel Blade: a multipurpose weapon whose techniques have now been lost to the ages. Always honest and helpful, Shovel Knight is a shining example of the code of Shovelry: Slash Mercilessly and Dig Tirelessly! But, between Shovel Knight and his beloved stands a cadre of villainous knights. These terrible foes, known as The Order of No Quarter, have been dispatched to prevent Shovel Knight from reaching the Enchantress, and will pursue their mission at any cost. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, crazy bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you! 89 /100
11 Hyper Light Drifter Hyper Light Drifter 2016 · 256 ratings 89 /100
12 The Swapper The Swapper 2013 · 184 ratings 88 /100
13 Star Fox 64 Star Fox 64 1997 · 282 ratings 87 /100
14 Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow 2003 · 233 ratings 86 /100
15 Trine Trine 2009 · 311 ratings 85 /100
16 Mega Man 2 Mega Man 2 1989 · 390 ratings 85 /100
17 Metroid Fusion Metroid Fusion 2002 · 313 ratings 85 /100
18 LEGO Marvel Super Heroes LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2013 · 258 ratings 85 /100
19 Axiom Verge Axiom Verge 2015 · 155 ratings 84 /100
20 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 2014 · 125 ratings 82 /100
21 New Super Mario Bros. Wii New Super Mario Bros. Wii 2009 · 347 ratings 81 /100
22 SteamWorld Dig SteamWorld Dig 2013 · 233 ratings 81 /100
23 LEGO Batman 2 DC Super Heroes LEGO Batman 2 DC Super Heroes 2012 · 157 ratings 81 /100
24 The Legend of Zelda The Legend of Zelda 1986 · 737 ratings 81 /100
25 Resident Evil: Revelations Resident Evil: Revelations 2013 · 114 ratings 80 /100
26 Donkey Kong Country Donkey Kong Country 1994 · 609 ratings 80 /100
27 Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed 2012 · 152 ratings 79 /100
28 F-Zero X F-Zero X 1998 · 116 ratings 79 /100
29 Mega Man 3 (1990) Mega Man 3 (1990) 1990 · 203 ratings 79 /100
30 Pac-Man Pac-Man 1980 · 266 ratings 79 /100
31 Metroid: Other M Metroid: Other M 2010 · 80 ratings 78 /100
32 Thomas Was Alone Thomas Was Alone 2012 · 185 ratings 76 /100
33 Mega Man (1987) Mega Man (1987) 1987 · 295 ratings 76 /100
34 LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham 2014 · 97 ratings 76 /100
35 Nintendo Land Nintendo Land 2012 · 86 ratings 75 /100
36 DuckTales: Remastered DuckTales: Remastered 2013 · 115 ratings 75 /100
37 Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse 1990 · 155 ratings 75 /100
38 Crysis 3 Crysis 3 2013 · 410 ratings 74 /100
39 Octodad: Dadliest Catch Octodad: Dadliest Catch 2014 · 97 ratings 74 /100
40 Wave Race 64: Kawasaki Jet Ski Wave Race 64: Kawasaki Jet Ski 1996 · 91 ratings 73 /100
41 Yoshi's Story Yoshi's Story 1997 · 115 ratings 73 /100
42 Donkey Kong Jr. Donkey Kong Jr. 1982 · 80 ratings 72 /100
43 Dr. Mario Dr. Mario 1990 · 208 ratings 72 /100
44 Duck Hunt Duck Hunt 1984 · 244 ratings 72 /100
45 Donkey Kong Donkey Kong 1981 · 216 ratings 72 /100
46 Excitebike Excitebike 1984 · 187 ratings 71 /100
47 Never Alone: Kisima Ingitchuna Never Alone: Kisima Ingitchuna 2014 · 181 ratings 71 /100
48 The Cave The Cave 2013 · 80 ratings 70 /100
49 Galaga Galaga 1981 · 126 ratings 70 /100
50 Dig Dug (1982) Dig Dug (1982) 1982 · 90 ratings 70 /100
Best short games

Other platforms

Best short games on PCBest short games on Xbox OneBest short games on PlayStation 4Best short games on Nintendo SwitchBest short games on PlayStation 3Best short games on Xbox 360Best short games on PlayStation 5Best short games on Xbox Series X|SBest short games on WiiBest short games on Nintendo Switch 2

Same platform, other play styles

Best couch co-op games on Wii UBest long games on Wii U

Nearby rankings

Best Wii U games

Catalog statistics

Most abandoned gamesMost completed games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best short game on Wii U?

Super Mario World currently tops the ranking with a score of 100/100 across 2,044 ratings. Ranking updated October 2026.

How is this ranking built?

Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.