Wii U backwards compatibility explained (2024)

It took a while for Xbox One backwards compatibility to arrive, and PS4 backwards compatibility is still a bit in limbo, but the Wii U has always loved its heritage, andallows you to play Wii games along with a whole host of other titles.

Plus:it'svery easy to do and for the most part it's free. So hooray for Nintendo.

HOW TO PLAY WII GAMES ON WII U

Nintendo's approach to backwards compatibility is refreshingly different. Nearly all Wii games can be played on Wii U simply by inserting the relevant disc, or by downloading the game from WiiWare or Virtual Console.

You can even buy new Wii titles from the Wii Software channel.

To start playing, all you need to do is fire up the Wii Menu application from your Wii U Menu. Within this menu, you'll see any of your existing Wii data and other games that you can purchase.

The only caveat is you won't be able to use the Wii U GamePad to control them. You'll need to use your old Wii controllers instead, but it does mean you're getting the authentic Wii experience on your new console.

CAN I USE MY WII ACCESSORIES?

You can move all your Wii content to your new Wii U using a System Transfer. It'll migrate all your data including your purchased content, save data, Mii characters and other content over to the new console, making sure you don't lose any of that goodness.

To do the System Transfer, you'll need your Wii and your Wii U, an SD card and an internet connection. You'll also need to remember that you can only move all the data at once, rather than on an individual game basis. You also can't transfer data back to the Wii once you've transferred it.

When you're ready, make sure your Wii U has the latest system update and then connect both it and your Wii to the internet, andfollow these steps:

1. Set up your Wii U and select the Wii Menu.
2. Boot up the Wii System Transfer application, then follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Insert an SD Card or SDHC Card into the SD Card slot of the Wii U console when prompted.
4. When prompted, remove the SD Card and leave the Wii U console in its current state. Do not turn off the power or return to the Wii Menu.
5. Connect the Wii console to the TV.
6. On Wii, start the Wii Shop Channel and download the Wii U Transfer Tool from the Channels section.
7. Start the Wii U Transfer Tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
8. After the process, the application will inform you which data has been moved. Remove the SD Card from the Wii when the application asks you to do so.
9. Insert the SD Card into the Wii U console, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system transfer.
10. Once the process is complete, you can enjoy your content on your new Wii U console.

WHAT OTHER GAMES CAN I PLAY ON WII U?

Thanks to the Wii U Virtual Console system, you can actually enjoybackwards compatibility beyond just Wii games.

Here are all the platforms with titles available through the Virtual Console.

• GameCube (downloads only)
• Nintendo 64
• Super Nintendo
• NES
• Neo Geo
• SEGA Master System

We will note that the Wii U isn't compatiblewith the GameCube controller, which means GameCube game controls areremappedto the Wii U controller.

Some of the Virtual Console title highlights includeSuper Mario64,Mario Kart 64, Wave Race 64, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time andA Link to the Past,Super Mario Worldfor the SNES,Metroid Prime for the GameCube andSuper Mario Sunshine for the GameCube.