What is Wii U?

Wii U is Nintendo's first high definition home console, a powerful system with a controller that changes the way you can play games and connect together. There are several hardware packs available – take a look at the available hardware options on our Wii U website.

Is a Wii U just like a Wii?

This is an entirely separate device from the Wii. The Wii U is not an add-on for the current Wii. The Wii U's GamePad tablet controller does not work with the original Wii. The Wii U will play original Wii games.

Are Wii and Wii U games the same?

Wii U is backwards compatible with almost all Wii games and accessories, so you'll be able to continue enjoying your favourite Wii experiences on Wii U.

Are Wii U games compatible with switch?

No. Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch is an all-new way to play, and does not include backwards compatibility with digital or physical games designed for other systems.

What happens when you put a Wii game in a Wii U?

Yes, it's possible to play Wii games and use Wii accessories on Wii U. However, please note that it is not possible to use Wii U games or accessories on Wii. Click here to find out more about Wii U backwards compatibility.

Wii U - Overview Video

Does Wii U still get games?

Nintendo had planned to diminish production of the Wii U ahead of the release of the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo formally announced the end of its production on January 31, 2017. The ability to purchase content through the Nintendo eShop will be discontinued on March 27, 2023.

Is the Wii U like the Switch?

The newer Nintendo Switch has better internal storage and a massive leap in processing power. It also resembles much of the Wii U, except it's a standalone device and isn't an auxiliary controller to the console.

Are Wii U worth it?

The Wii U is, by far, Nintendo's best virtual console. You can play games from multiple Nintendo systems on the Wii U, from Game Boy Advance to NES and N64 games. The Nintendo Switch doesn't offer anything similar to this, opting for a paid subscription service to access some older retro titles.

Can you play Wii U on TV?

Connect the HDMI cable to an available HDMI port on your television. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the Wii U console. Turn your television on. Select the correct input channel on your television.

How much did a Wii U cost?

The Wii U launched in the US on November 18, 2012. It initially shipped in a "Basic Set" for $299.99 and a "Deluxe Edition" for $349.99 that came with a copy of NintendoLand (more on that later).

What replaced the Wii U?

It's a true demonstration of how powerful first impressions can be; for the Wii U, its debut trailer brought doubt and confusion, whereas its successor, the Switch, debuted to palpable excitement.

What is special about the Wii U?

Wii U is Nintendo's first high definition home console, a powerful system with a controller that changes the way you can play games and connect together. There are several hardware packs available – take a look at the available hardware options on our Wii U website.

Can you play Mario Kart on the Wii U?

Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return. The Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.!

Is the Wii U retired?

Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS eShops shut down today

Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS digital storefronts are shutting down today, March 27th, 2023 at 8PM ET.

Are Wii U servers still up?

We are not performing maintenance on our servers at this time.

Can Wii U play dvds?

The Wii U system supports both Wii U and Wii Game Discs. GameCube discs, Blu-ray discs, DVD discs, CDs, etc. are not supported.

Is it legal to dump Wii games?

The games themselves place emulators in legal gray areas; downloading or selling game files is illegal, but you can legally dump files from your own personal copies.

What to do with Wii U before selling?

From the Wii U Menu, select System Settings. Using the Left Stick, scroll to Delete All Content & Settings and press the A Button. Please read the information displayed on your TV screen, and then tap Next. Wait for a few seconds, and then tap Delete Everything.

Can the Wii U play Mario Kart Wii?

All games for the Wii can be played on the Wii U system with the Wii remote, but no games for the Wii U can be used on the Wii. For example, Mario Kart Wii can be played on both the Wii and Wii U but Mario Kart 8 can only be played on the Wii U.

What games are on Wii U but not on Switch?

How many Wii U games are there?

There are 791 games on this list, 205 of which were released physically on a disc. The list is sorted by game titles, their developer(s), publisher(s), released for and release date by Japanese, European, and American respectively.

Do Wii U eShop cards work on Switch?

Note: As of August 29, 2022, it is no longer possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Nintendo eShop Cards can be redeemed in the eShop on your Nintendo Switch console, as well as on the Nintendo website.