The Wii U isn't as popular as the Xbox One and Ps4. Yet. 2015 might be the year it all turns around. Why?

Because it's a smart system that does something a bit different to other companies: maybe people's intrigue (and boredom with PS4 and Xbox One) will finally lead them to buying one and discovering it for themselves. Here are a few underappreciated features.

There are some fantastic games on Wii U already: Mario Kart 8 proved a massive success (here's the fascinating history of the franchise), and Super Smash Bros. shows how well Nintendo knows its audience (you might be interested to know the differences between the Wii U version and the 3DS).

Nintendo is ploughing onwards, steadily releasing great games. Here's a brief snapshot of what's coming our way this year...

The Legend of Zelda

This could easily be the biggest Wii U game of 2015.

Its promise is enough to excite both hardcore Zelda fans and complete newbies. Game footage was released last year at E3, and we can safely say that Hyrule has never looked more beautiful. The world is once again shown in glorious precision using cel-shading: it's bright and colourful and – this is the most interesting part – huge.

The Legend of Zelda (working title, obviously) will be an open world. The right word for it is extensive. At E3, footage showed mountains in the distance. The idea is that, if you walk for long enough, you'll find yourself in those mountains.

If you're hankering for a new Zelda game this side of the summer, Majora's Mask for the 3DS will be out this spring.

Mario Maker

This, too, could be the biggest game of 2015 – because it's a genius idea.

That chubby plumber in the red dungarees is a popular fella. Nintendo knows his appeal. And despite claiming that there will be no new Mario game on the market in 2015, the company went and announce this. For many, it might be the ultimate Mario game: it's about as hands-on as you're going to get.

You design and make the levels. It's that simple. And you can switch between classic 2D NES mode and newer 3D visuals. As the tagline says, "the only limit is your imagination!"

It's expected early this year, so expect plenty of videos on YouTube, some displaying ridiculously easy levels, and others focusing on impossible ones. Teasers of Mario Maker helped urge us to claim Nintendo 'won' 2014's E3, as the company once more shows us how well it know its market.

Star Fox

It's been nine years since the last Star Fox game, Star Fox Command on the DS. Fox McCloud's appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series have just fuelled the need for a new one. Fans have been begging for more.

According to Shigeru Miyamoto, the as-yet-untitled game will be playable at this year's E3, so we'll see some amazing footage in June. We'll also find out exactly how it utilizes the Wii U's unique gamepad. Early speculation suggests the TV will show the action in 3^rd person, while the gamepad will drop you right into the cockpit as you whizz through the stars.

Miyamoto, creator of the series as well as other highly-successful franchises like Mario and Donkey Kong, is directly involved, so, basically, it's going to be good. You'll have to wait for the tail-end of 2015 to get your mitts on it, though.

Splatoon

This is probably the most insane game Nintendo has released in quite some time.

Here's a fun, family-friendly solution to the typical, broody shooting games littering the PS4. Your ammo: ink and paint. You claim territory by squirting bright colours all over the place. And you're an Inkling (brilliant name), who can also travel through the paint, rushing through the map in a high-octane menagerie of madness.

Frankly, it looks like great fun.

It's likely to be release mid-2015, so it would be a great addition to any household over the summer, especially as you can play as two teams of four people.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Tired of waiting for new games? Don't worry: they're coming. And there's plenty else you can do on a Wii U. Or, of course, you could buy Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – out right now!

In a very short space of time, Captain Toad has garnered some very positive reviews: Eurogamer called it "the best Nintendo spin-off in years"; Nintendo World Report gave it 9/10; and it's been nominated for various 'Best of 2014' awards. It combines the same tone and style as Mario games, and stars classic baddies like Goombas, Shy Guys, and Boo.

But, as a puzzle-platformer, Captain Toad is something different, and takes advantage of the gamepad without distracting from the main action.

Tip Of The Iceberg

There are many more, obviously. Christmas is over, and you're left with the cash you received from relatives who aren't sure which console you actually have.

Nonetheless, the Wii U has split opinion. Dave Parrack, for instance, came up with four reasons why it would fail. And then, he gave us four reasons it would succeed. He's a mixed-up kind of guy, but you know what? He was absolutely right. It could still go either way.

The majority of those with a Wii U love it, and I think if detractors gave it a chance, they might withdraw some of their harsh words. It's a fun, unique console... and now is the perfect time to jump on board.