'Minecraft' Wii U Edition Arrives Just In Time For The Holidays

"Minecraft" will soon be on the Wii U, thus cementing its console and PC domination. "Minecraft: Wii U Edition" will be released Dec. 17 and features additional content packs. The game, retailing for $29.99, was curiously absent for Nintendo's latest console following the release of "Minecraft" for the PS4 and Xbox One in 2014.

"Minecraft: Wii U Edition" will be available for download from the Nintendo eShop along with the numerous content packs. The Wii U edition comes with the "Battle & Beasts Skin Pack," "Battle & Beasts Skin 2 Pack," "Natural Texture Pack," "City Texture Pack," "Fantasy Texture Pack" and the "Festive Mash-up Pack." Gamers can purchase additional content such as "The Simpsons Skin Pack," "Star Wars Classic Skin Pack," "Doctor Who Skins Volume 1" and the "Skyrim Mash-up Pack."

"With so many included add-on content packs, Minecraft: Wii U Edition brings an exciting collection of Minecraft content and experiences to Nintendo fans. Wii U players will have plenty of reasons to keep coming back to this iconic gaming experience," Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s president and COO," said in a statement. Nintendo's announcement included plans for original content for Nintendo in the near future.

While everyone talks about "Fallout 4," "Call of Duty: Black Ops 3" or any other AAA blockbuster, "Minecraft" continues to do big business. On Amazon, it's No. 32 on the Top 100 bestsellers list for all video games and in the top 10 for PS4 games and Xbox One games. Wii U owners are clamoring for interactive world-building experiences as evidenced by the strong sales of "Super Mario Maker." The Wii U's controller, a moderate-sized tablet, is also ideal for crafting, Wired notes.

"Minecraft: Wii U Edition" gives Nintendo a hit game in time for the busy holiday season. The hopes of a "Minecraft" Wii U bundle may be premature, but could provide a boost in sales for Nintendo's console in 2016, according to Wired.