Nintendo Wii U FAQ: Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions

[@remixV4]

Why did the second question get facepalmed when the first one clearly deserved it? Asking if it's backwards compatible is a fair question. Some other consoles don't.

[@SmallHappyOtter]

Right? He is the real idiot

[@StukaUK]

Why was it a facepalm question to ask if it's backwards compatible?

[@Gamebits]

You're right - that was a bad choice. I should've facepalmed for the question of whether the Wii can play Wii U games.

[@StukaUK]

indeed!... thanks for the reply.... I watched this for info as I only want to connect my old Wii to an HDMI TV (which I can't) ... So I was wondering whether I can a) play Wii games ... check! ;) ... and b) just buy a Wii U console from ebay and not have the gamepad..... I don't really want to play Wii U games, and I've got a back catalogue of original Wii games I haven't even played yet !

[@Gamebits]

I'm pretty sure you need a GamePad, if for no other reason than to turn on the console and navigate the menus to get into the Wii emulator.

[@__babyface]

Gamebits if I lost my flash drive filled with downloaded wii u games, can't I buy another flashdrive & redownload all my previous games that I purchased from nintendo eshop?

[@Gamebits]

Yes, I think so, as long as you're downloading them using the same Wii U.

[@VanessaRandall]

would the wii controller work on the wii u

[@Gamebits]

The Wii U supports all Wii peripherals.

[@YuukiSoulless]

Gamebits if i have a old wii controller do i still have to get the wii u controller to use it for games have motion on it or does the wii old controller work on any wii u games

[@Gamebits]

Darrell Randall You'll have to check the packaging of each game to determine what controller(s) it supports.

[@mikuizayoi4477]

Gamebits will old wii pro controller work on the wii u

[@Gamebits]

Miku Izayoi Only with Wii games.

[@Gamebits]

Red, white, and yellow cables are known as composite: the red and white are audio, yellow is video. Red, green, and blue are component video. If your TV doesn't support composite, you may need to buy component or HDMI cables. Since you have an HDTV, can you use the HDMI cable that came with the Wii U?

[@subzerotheiceninga8254]

R.I.P Miiverse Last words: "All I wanted was a world without cursing"

[@Gamebits]

That's the remix "Zelda Gold Cartridge" by Quinn Fox. See the video description for a link to where you can download it!

[@HippoTNT]

Three years later, we still do not have GameCube games in the virtual console. But we got the lovely gift of NES, SNES, N64, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, and DS. Where the fuck is my Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Kirby Airride, Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Animal Crossing, Billy Hatcher and The Giant Egg and Sonic Adventure 2 Battle?

[@obinator9065]

Well #Remakez

[@thunderhawk11]

Ah.. Ebay!?!?

[@Gamebits]

You can use component or composite connections for both audio and video.

[@DouglasQuaid999]

Have you guys seriously never heard of Google?

[@theendofit]

***** all of thes answers were out before the wii u came out. further he even got some wrong. for ecxample the audio one. in the setings you can turn on the abilty to send audio out of a difrent channle then the video. thats the exact same was sony does it.

[@theendofit]

***** you serusly dont thisnk that the fact that the wii u could play wii games was not on every site? or the obvious fact that the wii could not play wii u games. can the orginal xbox play xbox one games?

[@theendofit]

***** great responce you totaly argued your point and gave evdiance for your side and did not resort to insults when you found out you were wrong.

[@m.m3dina]

Dankglas Quaid p

[@Gamebits]

I think that was the case for older televisions only if you left the game paused for a long time, in which case that static image could be "burned" into the monitor. I don't believe that to be a problem for HDTV or Wii U devices.

[@Gamebits]

You're right. But you can't use an external HDD to conduct the data transfer from the original Wii. 220johny was asking specifically about SD slots.

[@Gamebits]

The GamePad has a range of 20-50 feet, depending on what walls are between it and the console. However, not all games support play on just the handheld display, instead requiring view of both.

[@Gamebits]

The connection between the Wii U and the TV does not affect the resolution of the GamePad. To transfer data from the Wii to the Wii U, you need to download a free application from Nintendo's eStore.

[@Jayrod64]

Since a recent update was released,you can now get video from the HDMI on the Wii U and audio through a component cable.However you need to configure this in system settings,and it's really used more for hooking the Wii U up to speaker system.

[@Gamebits]

Neat! Thanks for the heads-up. Looks like this update occurred in October 2013, and instructions for using this feature are here: en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1545/~/how-to-use-the-wii-u-console-with-an-external-speaker-system

[@Gamebits]

The transfer moves Wii data only, not GameCube data. The Wii U does not support GameCube games, saved data, or peripherals. You'll need to keep your Wii (or GameCube) for that purpose. However, you are asking about Virtual Console games, which the Wii U does support. In place of GameCube controllers, you can use the Wii Classic Controller tethered to a Wiimote. (The Wii U Pro Controller won't work.) If you purchased the DKC games previously, you can still redownload them.

[@Gamebits]

Good question! The Wii U does support two GamePads, but no game does yet, and GamePads are not yet sold separately.

[@Gamebits]

Yes, if you boot into the Wii Menu, you can access the original WiiWare shop and download games there.

[@Gamebits]

When I bought the Wii U in November, the only online functionality it featured was the ability to download updates. No game would go online without that first update. If you haven't installed it on yours, that may be an issue.

[@Gamebits]

I use an Elgato Game Capture HD to run the Wii U's A/V into my MacBook Pro. There is a noticeable delay in the video, though.

[@Gamebits]

You buy them separately at your local game store or online.

[@Gamebits]

Yup! Like it? There's a download link in the video description.

[@Gamebits]

Why can't you access it via the GamePad? Can you push the 'X' button to swap screens?

[@Gamebits]

Is is the "Init TV Stand for Most Flat-Panel or Microdisplay Televisions Up to 50" - Black", Model: NT-C1140 / NT-C1140A / NT-C1140C. I got mine at Best Buy.

[@Gamebits]

You'll need the GamePad to turn the console on in the first place. I haven't played a game that didn't use it as the main controller, so I'm unsure. Do you have a particular concern about leaving the GamePad on?

[@Gamebits]

Almost any USB thumb drive or hard drive up to 2 GB will do. Nintendo has a list on their website of what brands and models they've verified as working.

[@Gamebits]

No need for an HDMI converter - the Wii U has an A/V out port that accepts component or composite cables. See 8:59 in this video for more details.

[@t1ffanycampbe11]

at 6:06 what game is that?

[@Gamebits]

Electric AveBase In the background? That's Nintendo Land. If you're referring to the background music I used, see the video description for links.

[@t1ffanycampbe11]

Gamebits I was wondering about Nintendo Land not the sound lol but thanks :)

[@luke02salkeld]

Tiffany Campbell nintendo land

[@Gamebits]

Have you installed all the system updates? If so, make a note of the exact error message you get when you choose the Wii Channel icon on the GamePad, then run a Google search on that text.

[@Gamebits]

In my experience, the TV and GamePad speakers produce the same audio, which is why you can plug your headphones directly into the GamePad and have the same aural experience as using the TV speakers. Since I have 5.1 surround sound, I usually turn off the GamePad audio entirely. I suppose that could be considered a fix for what ails your Wind Waker.

[@angerami94]

u cannot use hdmi cable while using component cable on the same time but either way u get sound, if u purchase this other cable that connects ur hdmi cable into two then it would work or if ur tv comes witth this plug in for external speakers like cinematic it would work

[@Gamebits]

All Wii games and peripherals work on the Wii U. Capiche?

[@Gamebits]

I presume so, as this is how the original Wii worked. What would be the point of external storage if it can't store things?

[@Gamebits]

I'm glad you found my video helpful! Thanks for watching. :-)

[@LowQualities1]

Gamebits So.... This might be a stupid question, but do you just stick the Wii game into the Wii U to play it? Or do you need something for it to work?

[@GyroLaser]

Just pop the disc in and the Wii u will read it, if it's valid. The Wii u is Backwards Compatible with the Nintendo Wii.

[@0DNETNIN]

Since the Wii U is compatible with all of The previous Wii's acceseries, Can you play DJ hero using the gamepad a screen as a display for the buttons that are needed to get points in the song one is playing?

[@angerami94]

it reads any external drive and yes, u r able to save games u downloaded on the drive too

[@SuperCollectorX]

Thanks for the response, let me use an example. If I had the Nintendo new classic controller could I just use that and only use the gamepad when someone wants to watch something?

[@Gamebits]

Note that the 8 GB model is currently not available new, though!

[@SuperCollectorX]

Very important question. Are you able to not use the gamepad for everything, (does it always have to be on?) For CoD, if you're playing with a classic controller and someone has to watch something, would you just turn the gamepad on? Please explain

[@Gamebits]

If you have the Zelda compilation disc for GameCube, you can play that version of Ocarina of Time on the Wii. As for downloading Ocarina of Time or Majora's Mask, those games have not been released to the Nintendo eShop for downloading, but maybe someday!

[@Gamebits]

Some games support the Wiimote, but not all. Check the back of the box. As far as I know, all Wii U games can be played using just the GamePad that comes with the console.

[@jeremiahkelley]

Not really sure about that, really depends on where you are buying it. As the other person said, costco is selling it for a cut price

[@WECKmaster329]

I used a wired controller on my xbox and computer. the wiimote is required for some of the games, but other than those the games you can use the pro controller with them, if applicable

[@OnyxDeity]

This console looks quite complicated for what it offers. What are the details of the strange relationship between the gamepad and the console? Does the console require the gamepad to be on to function?

[@reploidv]

You Can select the icons on the main menu using the d pad on the wii u gamepad.

[@Gamebits]

You are correct, and I was mistaken in my previous comment - my apologies. The Basic set does indeed come with the AC charger. What it does not come with is a dock to rest the GamePad in while it's charging.

[@Validatority]

Do you need to be in front of the console to play off the game pad screen? Or can you chill in the next room and play games while your tv is being dominated? Thanks.

[@jamesblocks7]

Get my wiiu yesterday, it's waay better than I've been hearing. I'm really happy I picked one up.

[@Tony2k28]

i have a really have an important question for you... when i use the gamepad to power on the 3d smart tv, it works but when i want to select hdmi, cable box etc... the enter key doesn't work.... the input button only navigate the settings not enter it. the only time enter key works is when in putting tv channel

[@iiMoTioNz1000]

You have composite cables. Just go to eb games or any near electronic stores and ask for some component cables

[@Gamebits]

That's an excellent question. I think it would use the same save game, but not having tried it myself, I'm unsure.

[@Gamebits]

You can definitely transfer all your games to the Wii U, but you'll still need your Wiimote to play them. Games are being updated one-by-one to use the GamePad and require paying a small update fee. The number of games available that way is currently very small. I hope this helps! Thanks for the sub; LMK if you have any more questions.

[@angerami94]

if u wanna play COD or any previous games with WiiMote u need senor bar, its about the option in how u feel confortable in playing a game, they also have a classic controller similar to ps3 analog sticks

[@Obot1121]

for 0:50 does that still go towards the new SSB4? or maybe not sure yet?

[@Gamebits]

I still have my N64 so haven't felt the need to download any of its games. But I imagine you can use the same controllers on the Wii U's Wii menu that you would on a real Wii.

[@Gamebits]

If you search for coupons, discounts, and the like, sure. I'm referring to the MSRP, which is what you'd pay at retail stores like GameStop.

[@Gamebits]

Good, thanks! I finished BIT.TRIP Runner2 this weekend and am continuing to plug away at NSMBU. Gotta take some time off to attend PAX East this weekend, though! Are you thinking of getting a Wii U?

[@Gamebits]

Possibly. According to Wikipedia, "Despite the fact the Wii U is backwards-compatible with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing Wii games to remain online, the Wii U hardware itself does not support WiiConnect24. The basic reason for the lack of News and Forecast Channels in Wii Mode is that they both require WiiConnect24."

[@AndyG85]

I've wanted to buy a Wii U for quite a while, but the lack of Gamecube compatibility held me back. Now I hear of Nintendon't, I think I'm finally ready. One thing that confuses me though: you say it only comes with one gamepad and you can't buy them individually? But the console you unboxed didn't come with any regular (non-touchscreen) gamepads for multiplayer games. If I buy the Mario Kart bundle, will it have more than one pad included? Also: have they fixed the process for transferring data from the Wii or is it still as big a pain in the ass as people say? Thanks :)

[@Gamebits]

+Geoff Pastie I don't know what comes in other bundles, but I know that GamePads are not sold separately. Transferring data from the Wii to the Wii U is pretty easy, once you get the right apps installed. Network congestion prevented me from doing so on Day One, but I got it done without issue the next day.

[@AndyG85]

+Gamebits Thanks a lot :)

[@selenaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

When playing multiplayer on the Wii U, Can we play with two gamepads? Cause my friend and I both have the console but we don't have wii motes.

[@Gamebits]

Although the Wii U supports two gamepads, there are presently no games that do. Sorry.

[@A88mph]

it looks like theirs some kind of video wire on the bottom of the gamepad (in between the charging parts) what is that used for, or will be used for?

[@Gamebits]

The Wii U supports component, but you can use composite or HDMI.

[@PCXPlayer7]

hey gamebits, is it ok if you charge your gamepad while updating for a couple of hours? does it affect your battery or shorten the battery life?

[@fireheartis1]

I have a question about playing Wii games online. I've been picking up Wii game that I never got a chance to buy before. I picked up Conduit 2 and tried playing it online. It said I need an update before playing online, but it took forever to get it to work. I know Conduit 2's servers are still up, so does that mean I can't play Wii games online on the Wii U, or was I just impatient with the update on the game?

[@jsbc82]

Quick question, can I just play the wii u with no tv at all? Like I'm at the park and there's an outlet. Can I just connect and play with the display conroller?

[@Tony2k28]

we all know (well some of us that is) some games play 3d on the game pad, my question is, would streaming 3d videos on it from youtube videos that are in 3d, would it work on it too?

[@Gamebits]

Yes, you can use an SD card or an external USB drive up to 2 terabytes in size.

[@jasongoncalves6479]

quick question are you sure you can plug in audio video cables into the wii u because a guy at game stop told me its only hdmi

[@jessicapalmer7937]

Hi my question is- On the wiiu game pad it has a "Wii menu" option, I can;t seem to access it via game pad so do I need a wii remote to do so?

[@BonesFmj]

Hey question it may have been answered but can you link two or more wii u gamepads to the system?

[@Gamebits]

Kinda like how you can't put Xbox 360 games in the original Xbox, or PS3 games in the PS2, or DVDs in your VCR?

[@aos-archive]

Is the Wii U still usable without a Gamepad? I have Wii Remotes and I was hoping I can still navigate through the Wii Menu and settings with it alone. Is there anything I would miss out on?

[@Gamebits]

I don't remember seeing an in-game tutorial in NSMBU, but it'll vary game to game.

[@SNDVeteran]

hey gamebits where did you get that tv stand? it looks really nice with the glass bottom.

[@psFACKfanboi]

can the wiiu be played with out a tv? if i was just to have the console pluged into a wall socket with no tv attached to it, can i play on the gamepad alone for games that dont need both to fucntion?

[@zakpedley924]

do you have to download the wii mode or can you just put wii games straight in to it?

[@michaelwolfe9496]

Does the Wii U require the sensor bar for the game pad and pro controller or is it included just for Wii compatibility?

[@Gamebits]

+Michael Wolfe I think it's just for Wiimotes (which many Wii U games use).

[@michaelwolfe9496]

Gamebits Ok thanks for the clarification.

[@TheTerrestrial]

Is the video output swap button, the square hieroglyph thing on the bottom left hand side of the gamepad? It won't work on windwaker, but I didn't know if I was just doing something wrong. .

[@Gamebits]

It depends on the game. But why don't you have a Wii U gamepad?

[@EdwarioERS]

If you break your Wii U gamepad, that one with the low res screen, how do you get a new one?

[@Gamebits]

Good question, since they're not available separately. eBay?

[@EdwarioERS]

Gamebits I ended up reading that Nintendo replaces them for $80.

[@TheNhatnam]

On the Nintendo website it says it comes with a ac adapter for the wii u gamepad is that the charger?

[@cripplepickle87]

hey bro i got a question, if i were to buy a digital copy of a wii u game, and played it on there then bought a physical copy of the same game and played it on the same wii u, would this make 2 different saves for the digital and physical copy? So it would be like having 2 copys of a game on a nes or something?

[@Gamebits]

Some folks are concerned about leaving their GamePad in the docking station even after it's fully charged. I haven't tested it exhaustively myself.

[@Adriwa]

I wanna buy a wii u after christmas, thank you for all information Ken :)

[@TeddyRodriguez818]

My main question is when a game like SuperSmashBrosWiiU comes out do you have 4 gamepads to play 4 players or does one wiiU support that and you can play with wiimote and gc controllers do you play WiiU games on both tv and gamepad?

[@Gamebits]

No Wii U game supports multiple GamePads, and GamePads are not sold separately. So most of the players will be using Wiimotes.

[@Tony2k28]

Gamebits or game pro controller, for me too hard to use wiimotes to play super smash bros games.

[@angerami94]

its pretty crisp they made it 480p (it looks hd bcause the pixels in a small screen are crush together) because if u play cod for hours u start getting eye problems and the screen starts playing with ur eyes i have a laptopthat is 1080p hd(its resolution can go higher but lower it) and after playing some games or staring at the screen for a long time the deep colors on the back ground start playing with my eyes the bigger the screen the more pixels ir required bcause they would be noticeable

[@Gamebits]

The Wii and Wii U each have only one SD card slot, so you can't back up directly from one to the other. But you can back up your SD card onto your computer.

[@Link01289]

When playing a Wii U game, or just being on the Wii U in general, do you have to use the new Wii U controller with the screen, or can you use other types of controllers?

[@Gamebits]

I think you can point with a Wiimote, but you still need the GamePad for many system functions.

[@Gamebits]

It's a 46-inch 1080p Samsung LED HDTV, model UN46D6000SF.

[@SuperOklahomafan]

U can play with a GameCube Controller if u buy the cord that is USB on one side, and GameCube controller port on the other...

[@SomecallmeLuis]

Hey! In order to play Wii games on the Wii U does the system require the Wii sensor bar or do the Wii remotes work just fine on Wii games with the Wii U sensor bar?

[@Gamebits]

When playing Wii games on the Wii U, the Wii U acts just like a Wii. That means you'll need a sensor bar (the Wii U comes with a compatible one) and Wiimotes.

[@cantpleasonist]

if there is no game cube port how can I play my n 64 games on the wii virtual consul?

[@Gamebits]

You'll want to buy the Wii Classic Controller and use that.

[@CensoredLipstick]

Does wii u reads ntsf hard drive ? Downloadable games can be stored/saved on the hard drive???

[@tamarahorne5712]

And finally does the wii u come in any different colors like blue or red?

[@moviereviews4life]

How long is a good charge when i first bring my Wii U home, i heard 4 hours before you turn it on for the first time to get a good charge

[@tomsoyyer8186]

Ok I have a question and I apologize if it is dumb or the answer should be obvious but can the wii u pro controller be used to play the regular wii games? I'm only asking because I am thinking about getting the wii u but I recently discovered that a remake of one of my favorite games is on the wii. If it doesn't work does that mean that I would have to buy wiimote just for the wii games?

[@nanny7054]

Why when i try to view movies online it keeps saying error 122-2403 (could not load video try reloading the page) so i reload n reload keep getting the same message when b4 i was able to watch movies..?

[@hiry45]

if you could find some one with a basic model but wanted a black wii u then you could in theory swap out the shells of the systems, however that would void your warranty

[@tamarahorne5712]

If you don't get the deluxe set does it still come with a game?

[@RezicGming]

Hey, I need to know how much loss of quality I get from using component cable instead of HDMI cable. My projector only has 720p, so I won't get full HD anyway. However, I need to do a major workaround to get the sound working if I choose to use HDMI (I also have to use a smaller screen) because the Wii U doesn't let me use component for sound and HDMI for video.