The battle of the next gen systems is just starting, and while Sony’s Playstation 4 (PS4) and Microsoft’s Xbox One have dominated headlines, you may want to check out the underdog in the form of the Nintendo Wii U.

Random fact: Nintendo Wii U is currently the 2nd best selling console of this generation, behind the PS4.

We review the top reasons why you should consider the Wii U as your next gen console.

Price

For those of you who are price sensitive, the Wii U offers the most affordable option in the next gen war. With a retail price of $299 (£239.97), the Wii U is priced lower than the PS4 $399 (£329.97) and the unbundled version of the Xbox One without Kinect, which retails for (£349.9). Not to mention, the entry price includes not one but TWO bundled games, New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U or you can choose the bundle with The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Wii U. Neither PS4 nor the Xbox One include any games, adding another $60 (£45) to your upfront cost before you enjoy your new gaming system.

Speaking of saving money, you can even sell your current Wii (if you have one), while it might not fetch you a large sum of cash, it should be enough to put towards a game or Nintendo cash towards Nintendo’s eShop because nearly all of Wii games are compatible with the Wii U.

Backwards Compatibility

The Wii U is the only console this generation which offers backwards compatibility. Yes, you move your old save games, pop in a Wii game disk and pick up where you left off. This also includes virtual purchases.

Did you buy something from WiiWare or Virtual Console? No worries! You can transfer your games (including your game saved) to your brand new Wii U.

Want to play a PS3 game on your PS4 or a Xbox 360 game on your Xbox One? #error #denied Neither the PS4 or Xbox One offer backwards compatibility with physical disks.

This isn’t restricted to games and game saves, you can save heaps on money on controllers and other accessories. The Nintendo Wii Remote and Wii Remote Plus controllers, the Sensor Bar, the Wii Balance Board and many other Wii accessories can be used with Wii U. Purchasing a controller for either the Xbox one or PS4 will set you back $60 (£40).

To get started with your Nintendo Wii U, it will cost you $299 (£239.97). To play your Xbox One or PS4 you will have to spend $399 + $60 (game) + $60 (controller), totaling $518 (£414.97, for the PS4 and £424.97 for the Xbox One). With that savings have enough money to buy a Nintendo 3DS XL!

Games

The Nintendo Wii U has been on the market since November of 2012, with almost two years under its belt, the number of games available for the Wii U outnumber those on the PS4 and Xbox One. Here are my picks for the best of the bunch.

Super Mario 3D World

Nintendo Land

Mario Kart 8

New Super Mario Bros. U

Child of Light

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Rayman Legends

The LEGO Movie Videogame

Bit.Trip Runner 2

The Wonderful 101

Little Inferno

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition

Zombie U

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Pikmin 3

Upcoming Games

In addition to the library of current available games, the Wii U is started to hit it stride with first party games and developers support creating more games for the system. In the upcoming months, here are the most highly anticipated games for the Nintendo Wii U.

Super Smash Bros for Wii U

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Zelda Wii U

Hyrule Warriors

Skylanders: Trap Team

Bayonetta 2

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Forma.8

Project CARS

Sacrilegium

Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem

Tengami

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Yoshi’s Woolly World

Did I mention Super Smash Bros for Wii U?

Considering an upgrade to a next gen system? Don’t underestimate the Nintendo Wii U, it’s great value, library of games, and upcoming exclusives makes this console a must have. You will definitely be having fun and spending countless hours with your new Wii U.

Do you have any questions about video games or mobile technology? Tweet away @hawaiiinsomniac or #askmax at his YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/hawaiiinsomniac.