Originally released in 2006, theNintendo Wiiis one of the most important game consoles of all time. It brought motion controls to the forefront of the gaming industry, and suddenly, every console in existence needed to attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the trend Nintendo set.

The console offers plenty of great games you wouldn’t normally see from a Nintendo console, but unsurprisingly, the console is home to even more classic Nintendo gems. With some of the best Mario and Zelda games to date, the biggest Nintendo fans have been left behind if they haven’t gotten their hands on some of these incredible Nintendo Wii games.

Mario, Kirby, Zelda, and Peach in Smash Bros. Brawl’s story mode

10Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Just about everySuper Smash Bros.game is going to end up among the best games of any Nintendo console, and that is no different for the Wii. Brawlboasted an impressive roster of characters, and for the first time, brought Solid Snake and Sonic The Hedgehog to the series.

The gameplay did feature some tweaks, slowing things down, but many people appreciated the different pace. A massive draw is the huge cinematic story that fans will likely never see again, making Brawl a must-play entry in the series for any fan of simple brawling action.

Mario and a little yellow star flying through space together in Super Mario Galaxy promotional art

9Super Mario Galaxy

Considering the soundtrack toSuper Mario Galaxyis one of the most beloved aspects of the Wii, it had to be here. Being one of Mario’s 3D adventures on the Wii, it had a lot to live up to, and it nailed the spectacular lunar landing.

This game sees Mario once again trying to save Peach from the always-animalistic Bowser, the twist is that he does so while exploring worlds in outer space. The game is deceptively difficult, making it one of the most fulfilling games for players of any skill level.

Link rides on his horse as fire is in the background, he holds his sword up

8Twilight Princess

While it was additionally launched on thestellar RPG-filled Nintendo Gamecube,The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princessis still regarded as not only one of the best Wii games but one of the best games in the entire Zelda series.

Telling a darker and much more human adventure for Link (and that’s despite him turning into a wolf), Link teams up with Midna to take on the evil of Zant and Ganondorf. With the addition of motion controls and plenty of now iconic items, Twilight Princess is a triumph for the Wii.

Promotional image from Mario Kart Wii with Mario going around a curve followed by Bowser and Peach

7Mario Kart Wii

Much like the Super Smash Bros series, mostMario Kartgames are going to end up ranking highly on the best games of the console they appear on. Mario Kart Wii is yet another game that some still consider to be the best of the best.

Utilizing motion controls that have you steering as if you were actually driving the karts, Mario Kart Wii gives you access to tons of characters and tons of great courses. With online play, you could have as much fun racing strangers online as you could with friends in person.

Metroid Prime 2 Samus side-profile, firing her arm canon as it glows yellow with purple lightning

6Metroid Prime Trilogy

Some might consider this entry a bit of a cheat considering the first twoMetroid Primegames were launched on the Gamecube, but this trilogy collection introduced new elements of gameplay for each game, so it deserves a spot here.

The most obvious change is that all three games were playable through the Wii’s motion controls, something that feels tailor-made for the Metroid Prime series. Rather than just one game, you get three excellent Metroid adventures to play through with some of the best action gameplay on the Wii.

New Super Mario Bros Wii World 6-6 - Mario Rides A Boat In A Dark Cavern Filled With Piranha Plants

5New Super Mario Bros. Wii

While the 3D era of games has firmly been solidified, Nintendo has never been afraid to dare to be different. They made that clear by going back to a2D platformer style, tropes and all, with New Super Mario Bros. Wii, a throwback to the classic era ofMario.

While some weren’t thrilled by the seeming regression at first, those of you who got your hands on the game tended to love it immediately. With great music, excellently designed levels, multiplayer, and a ton of fun, New Super Mario Bros. Wii won everyone over in no time at all.

Donkey Kong Country Returns Screenshot of Treehouse

4Donkey Kong Country Returns

When Nintendo offers upDonkey Konggames, some can feel they’re a mixed bag, but luckily, Donkey Kong Country Returns was a triumph. Going back to the classic 2D gameplay much like New Super Mario Bros. Wii, some people put this game right up there with theclassic SNES games.

The game does give you the classic Donkey Kong set-up of the banana hoard being stolen, but it does introduce the concept of the Tiki Tak Tribe as well. With some of the most imaginative levels on the console, it’s no wonder you might be among the large group that considers the game one of the best on the console.

Wii Sports Golf: A blonde Mii drives from the tee.

3Wii Sports

Considering the game was packaged with most Wii systems, almost everyone who ever owned a Wii console will have played Wii Sports. The iconic sports title allowed you and gamers of any skill level to play motion-controlled sports games.

Despite how simple the idea was, the game has become one of the most fondly remembered motion games of all time. To this day, it’s not rare to hear people who don’t play games at all boast about how good they were at Wii Boxing or Wii Bowling.

Link lifting the master sword from its pedestal.

2Skyward Sword

The second of the mainline Zelda games launched on the Nintendo Wii,Skyward Swordbrought the series back to a lighter art style but kept the massive adventure. Soaring through the clouds to save Zelda and stop the birth of evil, Skyward Sword is regarded as a fantastic story.

Being one of the more cinematic entries in the series, it’s quite clear that a lot of love and care went into the story. Considering many people start the game disliking Fi and then admit to shedding a tear during her goodbye, it’s safe to say the writing for the game is absolutely on-point.

Mario and Yoshi in Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Wii.

1Super Mario Galaxy 2

While the original is loved by everyone, the sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, might just be even better. The sequel did everything that the original did, but added in even more difficulty and imagination.

The fact that many arequick to call various worlds from this game their favoritein the entire Mario series is a testament to how good this game is. Each world is as unforgettable as the last, and you’ll have a blast once again exploring the stars with Mario.