Join in us over the next few days as we look at all of the leading games consoles and platforms out right now and try to convince you why you should spend your hard-earned cash. Today we're looking at the Wii U, with Justin Haywald taking the lead on why you need the system in 2015.

The Wii U had an undeniably rocky start. Sales were slow at the start, and there was confusion over what the system was exactly: a standalone controller for the Wii? A self-contained game system and tablet in one? The situation was dire enough that it even prompted one GameSpot editor early in 2014 to . And the figurines do introduce fun extras to a growing list of Wii U games. In Super Smash Bros., you can fight alongside or against your Amiibo, level it up, and save that progress to the figurine. For games like Hyrule Warriors or Mario Kart, different characters unlock cosmetic in-game additions.

But eventually Nintendo is going to release their own Disney Infinity-style Toy Box feature. Or even more potentially compelling: some functionality with a future Pokemon game that allows you to "collect 'em all" in real life. However, even without a killer application to justify them, the figurines are solid, detailed collectibles that any Nintendo fan will want to own at least one of.

In the end, the Wii U is far from a perfect system. But Nintendo is turning its company's outlook around and making what started out as a year-long commercial disaster into a console that you should own. For me personally, and I think for any hardcore gamer, the Wii U has established itself as the perfect "second console." Having access to either a gaming PC, Xbox One, or PS4 will let you play the AAA blockbusters that come out on almost every platform. But I wouldn't give up my Wii U and its slate of timeless exclusives for anything.

With a library of wonderful experiences out now, access to an ever-expanding eShop of upcoming indies and classic games from previous Nintendo consoles, and a very bright future, 2015 is a great year to finally buy a Wii U.