In March 2023, Nintendo will officially discontinue the eShop for Wii U, making it impossible to purchase digital games for the system. However, players will still be able to access the games that they've already purchased. Still, the shuttering of the eShop means the window to get some of the Wii U's best games digitally is closing.

With the closing of the eShop next year, here are five Wii U games that owners of the console should make sure to purchase before it's too late. As a note, this list is not exhaustive and excludes games that have a significantly enhanced, or more definitive edition, on the Nintendo Switch.

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Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X cover art; a mecha overlooks a large strucure.

Released in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a spiritual successor to Xenoblade Chronicles and takes many of its cues from that cult classic JRPG. The action role-playing game sees players exploring the world of Mira following the destruction of Earth. However, they're opposed by the Ganglion, a coalition of alien races.

Like Xenoblade Chronicles, Xenoblade Chronicles X sold well, but not particularly great, after launch. Still, the game was well-received and holds an impressive 84 percent on Metacritic. As such, Xenoblade Chronicles X has potential to become a cult classic, and there's no indication Nintendo has any plans to port the game to the Switch or any other consoles in the near future. That means physical copies could absolutely end up being in short supply in the future, especially since, with the announcement of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, the popularity of the series seems unlikely to wane anytime soon.

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The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD

Wind Waker image for article on longest continuity

A remaster of the GameCube game of the same name, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD sees players taking on the role of Link as he tries to stop the evil Ganon. Like various other games in the franchise, The Wind Waker sees Link contending with a number of monsters and puzzle-filled temples. However, the series sets itself apart with a focus on sailing and absolutely beautiful cell-shaded art.

Either The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD or The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD could easily be on this list, as both are two of the finest games in the franchise. Still, Wind Waker gets the nod over Twilight Princess, as it's slightly better reviewed at 90 percent on Metacritic. That being said, it's incredibly likely the classic Zelda remasters will eventually make their way to the Switch, though no such release has been announced at the time of writing.

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Affordable Space Adventures

Developed by NapNok Games, Affordable Space Adventures is a puzzle adventure game that released in 2015. In it, players crash land on a hostile environment, which they must explore in hopes of surviving. Affordable Space Adventures also has a co-op multiplayer mode that makes it a really fun title to play with friends.

Affordable Space Adventures received good reviews and earned an 81 percent on Metacritic and won a number of awards following its release, with specific praised focused on the title's use of the Wii U's unique gamepad. However, as a result of that use of the Wii U's gamepad, NapNok Games has confirmed Affordable Space Adventures is unlikely to make its way onto the Switch. There's also no indication the game will ever receive a physical release, meaning that when the eShop closes, gamers probably won't be able to buy this wonderful game again.

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Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta logo

Developed by PlatinumGames, Bayonetta 2's announcement came as a shock to pretty much everyone. The original Bayonetta was a cult classic and seemed unlikely to get a sequel in the first place, but Nintendo was a particularly odd choice for the game, which is campy and sexual in a way not often associated with that publisher. Still, when Bayonetta 2 released in 2014, the action-adventure game proved one of the Wii U's best exclusives.

On the Switch, Bayonetta 2 holds a 92 percent on Metacritic, and some physical editions of the game also include a port of the original Bayonetta. While there is a version of Bayonetta 2 on the Switch, it's not significantly different from the Wii U version. Nintendo is also planning to continue the franchise with Bayonetta 3, which is set for release later this year.

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Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Super Smash Bros for Wii U Boswer glaring at block

Released in 2014, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is that console generation's take on the beloved fighting game franchise. In the game, players select their favorite characters from such franchises as The Legend of Zelda, Mario and Fire Emblem and battle with their friends.

Every generation of Super Smash Bros. brings something new to the franchise, and the version for Wii U is no different. Due to its innovations and improvements, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U earned a fantastic 92 on Metacritic, making it one of the best-reviewed games on the system. As such, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is an essential game to add to one's collection, especially when they're looking for a fighting game everyone can enjoy.

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