As a lifelong Nintendo fan, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the Wii’s Virtual Console library. This incredible service brought classic games from various retro consoles right to our living rooms, letting us relive gaming history or discover forgotten gems for the first time. When Nintendo launched the Virtual Console for Wii in 2006, it opened up a treasure trove of gaming classics from systems like the NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and even the TurboGrafx-16. I’ll guide you through my top picks that showcase the best of what this digital platform had to offer. Whether you’re dusting off your old Wii or just curious about retro gaming, these titles deserve a spot in any classic gaming collection.
- The Wii Virtual Console offered games from multiple classic systems including NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and TurboGrafx-16, with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per game
- Top NES titles like Super Mario Bros. 3 and The Legend of Zelda were available for 500 Wii Points ($5), offering enhanced features like save states while preserving the original gameplay experience
- SNES masterpieces such as Super Metroid and Super Mario World showcased improved graphics and sophisticated gameplay mechanics for 800 Wii Points ($8)
- N64 games like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time revolutionized 3D gaming and were available for 1000 Wii Points ($10), maintaining their original performance with added save functionality
- The service operated from 2006 to 2019, amassing a library of nearly 400 titles in North America before Nintendo permanently closed the Wii Shop Channel
Best Wii Virtual Console Games
The Wii Virtual Console functions as a digital marketplace on the Nintendo Wii system, offering downloads of classic games from previous gaming systems. Through this service, I’ve accessed games from multiple retro platforms including Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx-16 Master System, Neo Geo AES, Commodore 64.
The pricing structure varies based on the original console:
| Console | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| NES | $5 |
| SNES | $8 |
| N64 | $10 |
| Genesis | $8 |
| TurboGrafx-16 | $6 |
| Neo Geo | $9 |
| Commodore 64 | $5 |
Key features of the Virtual Console include:
- Direct downloads through the Wii Shop Channel using Wii Points
- Save state functionality for preserving game progress
- Controller compatibility with Classic Controller Pro GameCube controllers
- Original aspect ratio display options
- Digital manuals for each game
The service launched alongside the Wii in November 2006 expanded steadily until January 2019, when Nintendo permanently closed the Wii Shop Channel. During its run, the Virtual Console amassed a library of 398 titles in North America 595 games in Japan 431 in Europe.
- 100 Wii Points = $1 USD
- Points purchased in blocks of 1000 2000 3000 5000
- Minimum purchase of 1000 points ($10)
Best NES Games on Virtual Console
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) laid the foundation for modern gaming with its innovative titles. I’ve identified these classic NES games as standout offerings on the Wii Virtual Console, each bringing distinctive gameplay elements that remain engaging today.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 revolutionized the platforming genre with its intricate level design and power-up system. The game introduces the iconic Tanooki Suit, Frog Suit and P-Wing, expanding Mario’s movement abilities through 8 distinct worlds. At 500 Wii Points ($5), this masterpiece features branching paths on the world map, hidden warp whistles and mini-games that add depth to the classic run-and-jump formula.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda established the action-adventure template that influenced countless games. This sprawling adventure packs 8 dungeons, dozens of secrets and an open world structure that encourages exploration. The Virtual Console version preserves the original gold cartridge experience while adding convenient save states for 500 Wii Points ($5). The game’s non-linear design lets players tackle dungeons in various orders with an arsenal of items like the boomerang, bow and magical rod.
| Game Feature | Super Mario Bros. 3 | The Legend of Zelda |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 1988 | 1986 |
| Worlds/Areas | 8 Worlds | 8 Dungeons |
| Save Feature | Save States | Battery + Save States |
| Notable Items | Tanooki Suit, P-Wing, Frog Suit | Boomerang, Bow, Magic Rod |
| Price (Wii Points) | 500 | 500 |
Must-Play SNES Virtual Console Titles
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) features some of the most refined 16-bit games in the Virtual Console library. These titles showcase enhanced graphics, improved sound capabilities, and sophisticated gameplay mechanics compared to their NES predecessors.
Super Metroid
Super Metroid stands as a masterpiece of atmospheric sci-fi action, released in 1994 for 800 Wii Points ($8). The game features interconnected areas to explore, including Crateria, Brinstar, Norfair, Maridia, and Tourian. Players collect power-ups like the Morph Ball, Grapple Beam, and Space Jump to access previously unreachable areas. The game’s environmental storytelling and minimalist narrative approach influenced countless modern titles in the metroidvania genre.
Super Mario World
Super Mario World elevates the Mario formula with the introduction of Yoshi and the expansive world of Dinosaur Land, available for 800 Wii Points ($8). The game contains 96 exits across 74 levels, featuring new power-ups like the Cape Feather. The addition of the spin jump mechanic expands Mario’s movement options, while the ghost houses and secret paths add depth to level exploration. The game’s save system allows players to revisit completed areas, making it ideal for both casual play sessions and completionist runs.
| Game Title | Release Year | Wii Points | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Metroid | 1994 | 800 | 5 main areas, 100+ items |
| Super Mario World | 1990 | 800 | 96 exits, 74 levels |
Top Sega Genesis Games Available
The Sega Genesis library on Wii Virtual Console features 800-point ($8) titles that showcase the console’s distinct 16-bit graphics and gameplay innovations. I’ve selected these games based on their enduring appeal and technical performance on the Virtual Console platform.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog launched in 1991 as Sega’s flagship title, introducing the iconic blue speedster who revolutionized platforming gameplay. The game features 6 unique zones with innovative momentum-based physics that emphasize speed and exploration. Each zone contains 3 acts filled with loop-de-loops, spring pads and secret paths, complemented by a dynamic soundtrack from composer Masato Nakamura. The Virtual Console version maintains the original’s crisp 16-bit visuals at 60 frames per second.
Gunstar Heroes
Gunstar Heroes, released in 1993 by Treasure, redefines run-and-gun action with its weapon combination system and fluid animation. The game offers 4 distinct weapon types that create 14 unique combinations when mixed together. Players can choose between free-moving or fixed-position shooting styles across 7 non-linear stages. The cooperative multiplayer mode runs smoothly on Virtual Console, preserving the original’s fast-paced combat and detailed sprite animations. Each boss encounter features multiple transformation phases with unique attack patterns, demonstrating the technical capabilities of the Genesis hardware.
Essential N64 Virtual Console Games
The Nintendo 64’s groundbreaking 3D titles represent a significant evolution in gaming history, with several masterpieces available on the Wii Virtual Console for 1000 Wii Points ($10) each. These games showcase the foundational elements of modern 3D game design while maintaining their engaging gameplay mechanics.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 launched in 1996 as the N64’s flagship title, introducing precision 3D platforming with 120 Power Stars spread across 15 distinct courses. The game’s analog stick controls enable fluid movement through Princess Peach’s castle, with each world offering 6-7 mission-based objectives. The Virtual Console version maintains the original’s 30fps performance while adding save state functionality that helps manage challenging segments like the Bowser boss battles.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time delivers a masterclass in 3D action-adventure design, featuring 12 intricate dungeons across two time periods. The game’s innovative Z-targeting system transforms combat encounters with 8 unique equipment items enhancing puzzle-solving capabilities. The Virtual Console release preserves the original 1998 version’s content, including iconic musical sequences performed through the 12-note ocarina interface. Notable improvements include reduced input lag compared to the cartridge version while maintaining authentic N64 controller mapping through the Classic Controller.
TurboGrafx-16 Hidden Gems
I’ve uncovered several exceptional TurboGrafx-16 titles on the Virtual Console, each available for 600 Wii Points ($6).
“”Military Madness,”” released in 1989, elevates turn-based strategy with 32 missions across two campaigns. The hex-based battle system features 18 unique unit types combined with terrain effects that impact combat outcomes.
“”Gate of Thunder”” delivers intense side-scrolling shooting action through 7 stages, each with distinct weapon loadouts. The 1992 release showcases the console’s CD capabilities with a dynamic rock soundtrack paired with smooth sprite animations.
“”Air Zonk”” transforms the classic Bonk character into a cyberpunk shooter. This 1992 title features:
- 6 stages of colorful mayhem
- 8 unique power-up combinations
- 5 helper characters for cooperative attacks
- 8 labyrinths filled with puzzles
- 16 distinct equipment upgrades
- 4 elemental medallions that grant special abilities
| Game Title | Release Year | Price (Wii Points) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military Madness | 1989 | 600 | 32 missions, 18 unit types |
| Gate of Thunder | 1992 | 600 | 7 stages, CD-quality audio |
| Air Zonk | 1992 | 600 | 6 stages, 8 power-ups |
| Neutopia | 1989 | 600 | 8 labyrinths, 16 upgrades |
The Wii Virtual Console stands as an incredible gateway to gaming history with its vast library of classic titles. From groundbreaking NES adventures to revolutionary N64 games these timeless experiences continue to captivate players today. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed revisiting these classics and discovering hidden gems across multiple platforms.
I believe the Virtual Console remains one of Nintendo’s most significant achievements in game preservation. While the service is no longer active knowing these games found new life on the Wii platform is a testament to their enduring appeal and influence on modern gaming. Whether you’re dusting off your old Wii or exploring these titles through other means these games are absolutely worth your time.