The Wii version of Arctic Tale offers similar gameplay to the handheld versions, but in full 3D. The player controls a cub who can freely explore the Arctic environment. While moving around, different challenges can be played, marked by Bear Markers. Performing well has the bear advance to a new stage of life and lets him discover new lands. Each challenge can be played three times in more difficult stages (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
On the main screen, the HUD consists of hearts (life), silver paws (pick-ups) and golden paws (pick-ups). Collecting silver paws makes new playable animals available, such as the Arctic fox, adult bear, orca, and walrus. The different challenges (mini-games) include: Ice slide, Scavenge, Shuffle, Food fight, Ice flow rodeo, Catch-a-seal, Orca race, Ice sheet, Clam scavenge, Walrus chase, Walrus hunt, and Making sweet music.
The game features four games that can be played in multiplayer mode: Catch-a-seal, Making sweet music, Food fight, and Balance fight.