I can explain. In fact, I have a little story to go along with this.

So, one day in 2013, I had heard that the PS4 was about to be announced. Being a Playstation fan that grew up with amazing consoles such as the PS1, PS2, PSP and PS3, I was extremely excited about this. Especially since I had just gotten back into the gaming scene in 2012 after a lengthy hiatus. I fell in love with the PS3's catologue of games. I really didn't think I could be disappointed by the PS4's launch.

But I was. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't say it was necessarily bad. I guess I just expected more of a 'wow' factor. I didn't think 'Dude, I need this right now!' like I so badly wanted to. So, I did what any rational person would do: I looked at the competition. Suffice to say, the XBO's reveal was absolutely horrendous. The whole DRM thing? Nah. Not about that life. I was never particularly fond of Microsoft or their place in the gaming industry anyways (though I will say that they have some amazing exclusives now and one day I might pick one up, as I will the PS4). So there was only one option left: The Wii U.

I used to be in the same position as many. I laughed at Nintendo. I thought their consoles and games were kiddy and they didn't have much to offer gamers anymore. But I kid you not, when I actually took the time to research the Wii U, I felt that urge to own it. It's exactly what I wanted to feel from the PS4. This is for a few reasons.

One: The gamepad. Yes, many people mock it. But I saw the novelty in it. I appreciated that Nintendo was stepping outside of the box, something that I wanted the competition to do. I felt as though the PS4 and XBO weren't so different from their predecessors to justify their existence. But the Wii U and its quirky, controversial tablet controller made me excited to be a gamer. Two: The games. I have been playing PS games my whole life. I grew up with the Crash Bandicoots and the Ratchet & Clanks, games like Killzone, Bloody Roar and The Last of Us that same year, but Nintendo offered something different. I had only ever owned a Wii, and I didn't play that much outside of Mario Kart and Smash Bros. When I saw games like Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World and Bayonetta 2, I knew this was a change for the better. Three: No charge for online play. This speaks for itself.

So, I made the plunge and got a Wii U. And I consider it my favorite console of all time. This is just my little experience (sorry if it was a bit long, this is my first thread after all!) but I want to know: Have you ever bought a console for a reason that seems a little unorthodox to everyone else? I'm curious. :)

Congrats on your first thread! And yea, I too love my wiiU gamepad! Is it the reason why I bought a wiiU? Not really but its not exactly useless either as few people claim. Yes, its not perfect but it does have some nice uses like when I want to play Smash Bros at night and I don't have a wiiU compatible headset, I can just plug in my headphones on the gamepad and play on it like that or when someone wants to use the TV and I am in a middle of a battle, they can do so without me having to quit! And there are many more uses like Smash Bros Photo mode/Custom stage builder and the miiverse drawings which wouldn't be possible without it.

So overall I love it and again, Congrats!

Well written and well said. I wish I owned one but I'm too poor to afford it but you made a great choice. I don't particularly understand how the ps4 sells so much but it doesn't matter to me much anymore I'll never buy one.

The world needs more gamers like you that's for sure, y'know, people that actually try something new instead of bashing other people's console of choice.

Thank you! :) And yes, the gamepad has so many functions that are often overlooked by the general consumer, and even engaged gamers. It's a real shame.

I wish people would be more open minded. It's always nice to shake things up a bit. 2014 has been the best year of gaming so far in my life, and that's because I was willing to try something different. Imagine Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft fans intermingling and trying out each other's systems because they're genuinely interested. The industry would be so much more positive. 

Congrats on your first thread and it's good that you are enjoying your console. I personally still don't like the gamepad, but maybe it's because I haven't played a game yet the requires it.

I didn't know you were a new Nintendo fan, I assumed you were a long time Nintendo fan because of your Toon Link avatar and sig.

I take it you have played Wind Waker HD? Great game, I got mine for "free" (if bundled games count as free). I also got Pikmin 3 for free with the Mario Kart 8 deal and I loved it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvKwkv8_V0o

Watch this Pikmin video, it might blow your mind. :p

Also have you bought DKC: TF? Pick it up if you haven't! Probably my favorite Wii U game (and the one that caused me the most frustration at the same time ;))

Thanks! I would personally recommend the likes of ZombiU and Nintendo Land. ZombiU is rough around the edges but it's perhaps the most tense I've ever been while playing a video game. It's a lot like Dark Souls in that sense. Nintendo Land is a blast to play with others. Its multiplayer games like Luigi's Ghost Mansion and Animal Crossing: Sweet Day are very creative.

That's why I'm hoping that Next Level Games is working on Luigi's Mansion Wii U.