Since the Nintendo Switch was announced recently we decided to chronicle some of the different game categories for the Wii U. The Wii U does have an ample supply of M rated games, some of these appear as retail products, others as eShop downloads only. In total there are 27 Wii U games that carry a M-rating (mature) from the ESRB (Electronic Software Rating Board). While the Wii U failed to capture the steam that the original Wii did, it did start off with a decent number of mature rated games at launch. When compared to the Wii, the Wii U has fewer mature rated games. This list of mature rated Wii U games is updated frequently, so visit often!

Wii U ESRB ‘M’ Mature Rated Games List

Bayonetta 2

Release Date : February 19th, 2016

February 19th, 2016 MSRP: $29.99

With high concentrations of violence, sexual themes and other mature content, Bayonetta 2 earns its mature rating easily. Bayonetta even makes an appearance as an optional DLC character for Super Smash Bros on Wii U and 3DS, becoming one of the few characters from a mature rated game to make a guest appearance in the series.

Demonic Karma Summoner

Release Date : October 27th, 2016

October 27th, 2016 MSRP: $3.00

Using your virtual blood to summon animal demons might be one sign that this game isn’t for kids. Demonic Karma is an interesting indie game, and is a decent deal at $3. The game earns the mature ‘M’ rating by having content featuring blood, nudity, sexual themes, use of drugs and violence.

Chasing Dead

Release Date : March 3rd, 2016

March 3rd, 2016 MSRP: $9.99

A rare first person shooter / action title for the Wii U. Even though the title is one player its worth a play-through. Chasing Dead earns its M rating by having intense violence, blood and gore followed with strong adult language.

Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition

Release Date : February 4th, 2016

February 4th, 2016 MSRP: $19.99

One of the best Resident Evil games ever made, Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition became available this year on the Wii U eShop, giving Nintendo fans a high quality action / horror game early in the year.

Devil’s Third

Release Date : December 11th, 2015

December 11th, 2015 MSRP: $29.99

One of the most underrated games on the Wii U, Devil’s Third suffered a terrible response from the gaming media and critics alike. Devil’s Third has some of the best clan based fps matchmaking we’ve ever played. The engines slick 3rd person to 1st person shooter mechanic was highly criticized, but we actually enjoyed it! Devil’s Third earns a mature rating from the ESRB for blood and gore, intense violence, strong language and suggestive themes.

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

Release Date : October 22nd, 2015

October 22nd, 2015 MSRP: Free to Start

This creepy horror game was published by Nintendo, and is free to download and play through chapter 2. Fatal Frame Maiden of Black Water even earned a spot on Nintendo’s top 10 Fan Faves 2015 survey. There’s plenty of eerie content in this one to justify the mature rating.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

Release Date : July 23rd, 2015

July 23rd, 2015 MSRP: $14.99

The Binding of Isaac is a RPG shooter with plenty of content more suited for mature audiences. Published by Nicalis, the game features violence, blood, crude humor and use of drugs. The Binding of Isaac originally failed to get approved on the Apple Store because of content relating to promoting child abuse – hence “the binding of Isaac” which its name says enough.

Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures

Release Date : April 2nd, 2015

April 2nd, 2015 MSRP: $9.99

A fun adventure based on all the crude humor of the famous web celebrity – The Angry Video Game Nerd. This eShop download features stunning pixel art reminiscent of the NES era. Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures earns its mature rating for violence, blood, suggestive themes, nudity, strong language and the use of alcohol.

Electronic Super Joy: Groove City



Release Date : January 15th, 2015

January 15th, 2015 MSRP: $4.99

When you have a character called Dr. Swinger and he’s accused of stealing the laser-nipples of the giant robot stripper named JoJo you have yourself a M-rated game. This Wii U eshop game features 15 levels of strong language and strong sexual themes. Don’t be fooled by it’s pixel art style, this game is for mature audiences only.

Watch Dogs



Release Date : November 18th, 2014

November 18th, 2014 MSRP: $29.99

Ubisoft’s ambitious open world title features plenty of replay value. The city of Chicago becomes a sandbox of fun on the Wii U, offering many similarities to Grand Theft Auto, a franchise long missing from the history of Nintendo consoles.

Bayonetta – Digital Version



Release Date : October 24th, 2014

October 24th, 2014 MSRP: $29.99

The digital version of the original Bayonetta. This digital version is the full download version of the bonus disc included with Bayonetta 2, which included a full playable version of Bayonetta from the Xbox 360 / PS3 release.

How to Survive



Release Date : June 19th, 2014

June 19th, 2014 MSRP: $14.99

Being shipwrecked on an isolated island with a monsters, zombies and other dangers gives How to Survive a theme that puts the player’s survival skills to the test. How to Survive earns its M-rating for blood and gore, intense violence and strong language.

Knytt Underground



Release Date : December 19th, 2013

December 19th, 2013 MSRP: $12.99

Knytt Underground is an extraordinary adventure bringing unique zen-like gameplay to the Wii U. Its mature rating comes from sexual themes and strong language.

Call of Duty: Ghosts



Release Date : November 5th, 2013

November 5th, 2013 MSRP: $59.99

The 2nd Call of Duty for the Wii U, and a rare first person shooter (fps). Call of Duty Ghosts brings all of the addictive matchmaking, maps and features to the Wii U. The online community is still active, making this one of the only fist person shooters to still have a user-base large enough to find a match.

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag



Release Date : October 29th, 2013

October 29th, 2013 MSRP: $19.99

Fight pirates and sail on the open seas, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag supplies the Wii U with a rare mature (m-rated) game that’s sure to satisfy action adventure fans. Ubisoft’s last Assassin’s Creed for the Wii U earns its M rating for blood, sexual themes, strong language, use of alcohol and violence.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director’s Cut



Release Date : October 22nd, 2013

October 22nd, 2013 MSRP: $49.99

Playing as an black ops mercenary, you’ll unravel the secrets of the corporate underworld while working from the headquarters of the Sarif Industries – an experimental biotechnology firm. This is a must play for Wii U owners, as Deus Ex Human Revolution keeps players engaged with an amazing story, fun gameplay and interesting presentation. The use of the Wii U gamepad helps separate the Director’s Cut from other versions (Xbox 360, PS3 and PC).

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist



Release Date : August 20th, 2013

August 20th, 2013 MSRP: $19.99

Featuring both online and offline play, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Black List provides plenty of replay value with all the features seen on other versions. Blacklist is rated M for blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence and strong language.

Resident Evil Revelations



Release Date : May 21st, 2013

May 21st, 2013 MSRP: $59.99

A port of the popular Nintendo 3DS version, Resident Evil Revelations provides both the single player experience and the online co-op experience to the Wii U. While the 3DS version is still recommended (the graphics are better on the 3DS version) we do think this is a quality experience for the Wii U.

Sniper Elite V2



Release Date : May 21st, 2013

May 21st, 2013 MSRP: $19.99

Published by 505 games, Sniper Elite V2 for the Wii U provides Nintendo players with their first chance at this long running series. Disappointingly the Sniper Elite V3 didn’t get released on the Wii U. Sniper Elite V2 is rated mature for blood and gore, intense violence and language.

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct



Release Date : March 19th, 2013

March 19th, 2013 MSRP: $49.99

Based on the popular television series, The Walking Dead Survival Instinct provides the Wii U with another m-rated game that may or may not be worth playing depending on your opinion of the show. The game takes the player through a variety of chapters taken from the show. Having watched previous seasons of the Walking Dead would benefit any would-be players. This game is rated M for blood and gore, intense violence and strong language.

Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2



Release Date : February 7th, 2013

February 7th, 2013 MSRP: $49.99

Action packed gameplay awaits Wii U owners with Tecom Koei’s Fist of the North Star Ken’s Rage 2. Rated mature for blood, language, suggestive themes and violence. This Wii U action title is based on two other Tecmo Koei games – the manga Fist of the North Star and the Warriors video game series.

Assassin’s Creed III



Release Date : November 18th, 2012

November 18th, 2012 MSRP: $19.99

A Wii U launch title, Assassin’s Creed III provided Nintendo fans with the most current entry into the popular series when Nintendo launched the system in late 2012. Taking place during the American colonial days, Assassin’s Creed III is rated mature for blood, intense violence, sexual themes and strong language.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II



Release Date : November 18th, 2012

November 18th, 2012 MSRP: $59.99

A Wii U launch title back in 2012, Call of Duty Black Ops II is still the most popular online fps on the Wii U. It’s also the opinion of many Nintendo fans that the Wii U version is the best, offering more options and gamepad centered features.

Darksiders II



Release Date : November 18th, 2012

November 18th, 2012 MSRP: $59.99

Another M-rated game for the Wii U that was also part of the console’s first launch line-up. The late THQ closed down soon after the release of Darksiders II, making this version for the Wii U somewhat difficult to track down. Also look forward to Darksiders II Warmastered Edition being published for the Wii U in December 2016.

Mass Effect 3



Release Date : November 18th, 2012

November 18th, 2012 MSRP: $59.99

The 3rd entry into Electronic Art’s galactic RPG, features Wii U exclusive features. The massive amount of content and other features make this a must have for the Wii U. Mass Effect 3 for the Wii U was also a launch title back in 2012. Mass Effect 3 gets its M-rating for blood, partial nudity, sexual content, strong language and violence.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge



Release Date : November 18th, 2012

November 18th, 2012 MSRP: $29.99

Ninja Gaiden 3 was the first M-rated game published by Nintendo for the Wii U, and was a system launch title back in 2012. The 3rd entry into the bloody series gets its mature rating for blood and gore, intense violence, strong language and suggestive themes.

ZombiU



Release Date : November 18th, 2012

November 18th, 2012 MSRP: $29.99

A Wii U launch title and once a Wii U exclusive, Ubisoft’s ZombiU got derailed by poor reviews, critics and players alike. ZombiU puts you into a random character’s body in a zombie infested London city. Tasked with the objective of escaping, you’ll find more than just terror in this game. One of the most difficult zombie survival games we’ve ever played, ZombiU is a must have game for every Wii U owner. The gamepad features make the original Wii U version better than the updated version released on competing systems a few years later. ZombiU gets an M-rating for blood and gore, intense violence and strong language.

So what do you think of our list of M-Rated games for the Wii U. This list is updated frequently, please come back for additional entries. Let us know using the comments below.