•With the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack now offering classic games from previous generations, attention is turning to which hardware deserves similar treatment—and the Wii’s library of beloved titles makes a strong case for inclusion.
The Wii library contains many gems that didn’t all come from Nintendo itself. Looking back at some of the overlooked games players missed at the time, there’s an argument that Nintendo should add Wii access to Switch Online soon, if only so people can revisit classics like these 12 titles.
Excite Truck
Released: Nov. 19, 2006
You’ve heard of Excitebike, but have you heard of Excite Truck? It launched a short-lived offshoot series of arcade-style racers from Monster Игры, a frequent Nintendo collaborator around that time. Players controlled pickup trucks racing through beautiful environments across the world and beyond, using nitrous to launch from small hills and catch air. The island’s topography shifted around them, keeping the action fast for both players. A sequel, Excitebots: Trick Racing, followed in 2009 and leaned more heavily into airborne stunts before the franchise disappeared.
Dawn of Discovery
Released: May 22, 2009
Known as Anno: Create a New World outside North America, Dawn of Discovery for Wii was an accessible city builder published by Ubisoft. On PC elsewhere it released as Anno 1404, still regarded as a classic in the genre. The lesser-known Wii version, ported by Keen Игры, simplified numerous elements—including the interface and visuals—for a console audience. Despite the more manageable approach, the gameplay loop remained compelling enough that once you started playing, you didn’t want to quit. There was also a DS version, but the Wii one handled the necessary scale more effortlessly. Ubisoft didn’t follow it up with sequels, suggesting it didn’t sell well enough to justify the effort—but it would still make a welcome addition.
Little King’s Story
Released: Apr. 22, 2009
Cing, a developer known for its adventure titles, had one of its most acclaimed games with Little King’s Story. Co-developed with Town Factory, the real-time strategy game lets players assume the role of a cartoon king who explores his kingdom in a quest to gain wealth and territory. Along the way he battles monsters and completes tasks for the populace, gaining additional resources as his kingdom grows. A port is available on Steam from publisher Xseed Игры, but the title remains underrepresented on consoles.
The Dog Island
Released: Apr. 26, 2007
The Dog Island is an astonishingly cute game from developer Yuke’s, which has mostly built a reputation as a maker of fine wrestling and fighting games. The canine-focused title was the third in the series but the first published outside Japan. It features big-eyed puppies of various breeds; you choose your breed at the start and follow their adventures through cozy environments populated by minor threats, which they scare away with tiny barks. The art style is soothing, and the challenges might appeal to players of all ages—though younger players are most likely to respond favorably. Anyone looking for a game about pets that isn’t a basic sim would do well to look up this overlooked gem.
Fortune Street
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
The Fortune Street franchise, known as Itadaki Street in Japan, has been around since the Famicom days. Fortune Street on Wii was the first chance many North American players got to experience the series in English. It combined Nintendo and Dragon Quest characters, placing them on boards where they competed to amass a fortune. The game resembles the classic Monopoly board game in some respects—landing on a rival player’s space can really ruin your day—but its lively presentation made it something special. Western consumers apparently didn’t respond with widespread enthusiasm; the author recalls seeing a stack of copies available for years on a local store shelf, suggesting sales fell short of what Nintendo hoped.
The Last Story
Released: Jan. 27, 2011
Before the fan campaign known as Operation Rainfall made so much noise on behalf of players, it looked like three exciting JRPGs might never reach North America. One of the titles at risk was The Last Story, developed by Mistwalker (Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon). An action-RPG, it finally arrived courtesy of Xseed Игры after Nintendo passed on the opportunity. The critical response was positive overall but far from unanimous—even its biggest supporters found minor flaws that prevented it from living up to its full potential. However, innovative combat, stirring music, and a deep story kept players coming back for more.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Released: Apr. 9, 2009
Developed by Vanillaware (Unicorn Overlord), Muramasa: The Demon Blade was exclusive to the Wii at launch, although a remastered version arrived on the Vita a few years later as Muramasa Rebirth. The action RPG is set in a beautifully rendered fantasy world, with simple controls but challenging combat. Some players find it shallow and repetitive after a while, but there’s no denying its artistry. Muramasa: Revenant Blades will retell the familiar story in February 2027—perhaps someone will see the wisdom in making the original version more available for an eager audience of Nintendo fans who might not be ready to buy the deluxe new one.
Punch-Out!!
Released: May 18, 2009
Aside from letting Little Mac exchange blows with other mascots in games like 2018’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo hasn’t paid much attention to its scrappy little hero. The last time he got a proper game of his own was Punch-Out!! in 2009. As usual, it pitted him against an assortment of cartoon opponents—including Glass Joe, King Hippo, and Super Macho Man—among others. The action was fast, furious, and beautiful, a satisfying trip down memory lane for those who grew up playing Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! on the NES.
Dokapon Kingdom
Released: July 31, 2008
The appeal of Dokapon Kingdom comes from its interaction, which unfolds in a lighthearted fantasy world that feels ripped directly from Dragon Quest. Players move around a sprawling board, battling monsters to build levels and capture cities. Sometimes they run into each other and have a duel—the loser might wind up with a new hairstyle, or worse. It’s zany многопользовательская fun with a healthy dose of humor that publisher Atlus warned might ruin a few friendships. Dokapon Kingdom: Connect brought a remastered version back on PC and Switch in 2023, but Switch Online is where it really might thrive.
Elebits
Released: Dec. 2, 2006
Released very early in the Wii’s life cycle, Elebits (known as Eledees in Australia and Europe) was one of the most interesting games of its generation. It had players search a house and other intimate environments for miniature creatures known as elebits, which resemble the mischievous critters in Pikmin. The first-person perspective resembled a shooter, but the game wasn’t particularly violent—most of the fun came from rearranging furniture to find the pesky little critters. The more energy they absorb on their hunt, the more options they have for manipulating the environment and reaching the end of a stage.
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