Please select a topic
- General Info
- How To
- How to Connect a USB Device to the Wii U Console
- How To Format a USB Storage Device
- How to Determine Available Storage Space on a Wii U Console
- How to Set Up and Access USB External Storage
- How to Move or Copy Data to and From a Single USB Storage Device
- How to Copy or Move Data Between Two USB Storage Devices
- How to Back Up Save Data
Wii U Internal Storage Space Information
- Both the 8 GB Basic Set and 32 GB Deluxe Set Wii U systems have enough internal storage space to store save data for large numbers of games purchased through retail and to support a limited amount of download activity through the Nintendo eShop for Wii U.
- If you wish to download more content, we recommend an external USB storage device with a dedicated power source so that you can expand your storage capabilities for Wii U software.
- Click here for more information.
General Info
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
How To
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Wii U Internal Storage Space Information
Both the 8 GB Basic Set and 32 GB Deluxe Set Wii U systems have enough internal storage space to store save data for large numbers of games purchased through retail and to support a limited amount of download activity through the Nintendo eShop for Wii U.
If you wish to download more content, we recommend an external USB storage device with a dedicated power source so that you can expand your storage capabilities for Wii U software. For more information, choose a topic from the left.
Scroll down for complete FAQ- How much storage space do I have?
- Some of the storage space is used by the system software. The 8GB Basic Set has approximately 3GB available for data storage and downloads. The 32GB Deluxe Set has approximately 25GB available for data storage and downloads.
- What happened to my storage space?
- Just like other hardware with internal storage, the package indicates the total size of the internal storage capacity. A certain amount of space is used by the operating system, pre-installed software, save data, account-related data and other kinds of data.
- I own the Basic Set, why can't I download Nintendo Land?
- Both the 8 GB Basic and 32 GB Deluxe Wii U systems have enough internal storage to store save data for a large number of games purchased through retail and to support a limited amount of download activity through the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.
- Nintendo Land cannot be downloaded onto the 8 GB Basic Set system but you can purchase the game at retail and there is room for save data.
- If you wish to download more content than what is able to be saved in internal storage, we recommend an external USB hard disc storage device to maximize your storage capabilities for Wii U software.
- Are there any other games that I can't download with the Basic Set?
- Some larger downloadable titles may not be able to be downloaded with the Basic Set by itself. Adding a USB storage device solves this issue. You can also purchase the game in disc form at retail – game save data requires a smaller amount of internal storage.
- If you wish to download an extensive amount of content from the Nintendo eShop, we recommend an external USB storage device to maximize your storage capabilities for Wii U software.
- How do I know if I have enough storage space to download a game?
- If you don't have enough storage space, a message will be displayed on screen with the relevant information. You can also go to Data Management in the System Settings to see details about your available storage space.
- How can I add to my storage space?
- If you wish to download more content we recommend an external USB storage device with a dedicated power source so that you can expand your storage capabilities for Wii U software.
- How large should an external USB storage device be?
- This will depend on how much you plan to download from the Nintendo eShop and the size of the games downloaded. Games sold in the Nintendo eShop can range from requiring rather small amounts of storage space to large titles requiring over 10 GB.
- What external USB storage devices can be used with Wii U?
- What external USB storage devices can be used with Wii U? To ensure maximum performance between your Wii U and an external storage device, we recommend using a hard-disc drive (HDD) with a dedicated power source (i.e., using an A/C adapter). Due to the wide range of external hard drives, usability and performance will vary. For more information on external USB storage devices that can be used with Wii U, click here.
- Is there a maximum size for external storage devices used with Wii U?
- If the Wii U has the most recent system update installed, it will be able to recognize a storage device of any size, but 2TB will be the maximum amount of storage capacity that can be used. Any extra capacity in the storage device beyond the 2TB will not be accessible via the Wii U.
- Can I use a Flash/Thumb drive as an external storage device?
- Because these devices have a limited number of rewrites and are not suited to long-term storage of important game data, we do not recommend the use of Flash/thumb drives as an external storage device solution. For best results, we recommend using a hard drive with its own power supply that connects to the Wii U via the USB port on the console.
- Commercial Flash memory has a limit on the number of times you can write over it and we don't recommend flash memory devices for long-term storage of important save data.
- Is the Wii U compatible with Solid State Drives?
- To ensure maximum performance between your Wii U and an external storage device, we recommend using a hard-disc drive (HDD) with a dedicated power source (i.e., using an A/C adapter).
- Can bus-powered hard disc drives be used with Wii U?
- Some bus-powered hard disc drives draw more current than the USB 2.0 specification and might not run stably, so we cannot guarantee that such devices will run properly on Wii U without the use of a supplemental power cable called a y-cable that draws power from two USB ports. For best results, we recommend using a hard drive with its own power supply that connects to the Wii U system via the USB port on the console.
- Can I use an SD Card to save game data on the Wii U system?
- For Wii U, SD Cards can be used for saving a picture of your Mii and QR Code patterns for your Mii, but not as an external storage device for Wii U software. SD Cards can, however, be used in Wii mode to save data for Wii games. This data is managed through the Data Management feature in Wii mode. SD cards are also used to transfer data from Wii to Wii U.
- What data can be stored on a USB storage device?
- Once a USB storage device has been exclusively configured for use with a Wii U console, it can be used to store games, applications, new downloadable content, application updates and save data. Once a device has been configured for use with a Wii U console, it cannot be used with another Wii U console, PC, etc., unless it is reformatted.
- Why do I have to format my USB storage device?
- To optimize performance and ensure a consistent experience, all USB storage devices must be formatted and configured on the Wii U console for exclusive use with the console. Once a device has been configured for use with a Wii U console, it cannot be used with another Wii U console, PC, etc., unless it is reformatted.
- How many USB storage devices can I use with a single Wii U?
- When downloading software or playing a game saved to an external storage device, you can only use one USB storage device with the Wii U console at a time. Multiple USB storage devices can be used one at a time to store your downloadable Wii U content, but the Wii U needs to be turned off to reconnect a USB storage device. "Hot Swapping" is not supported at this time.
- In the future, we plan to add a function that will make it possible to connect multiple storage media to move or copy content.
- Can I use a USB storage device formatted for Wii U to store any other content?
- No. External USB storage devices exclusively formatted for Wii U cannot be used to store any other content.
- Can a USB storage device formatted for Wii U be reformatted for any other devices, like a PC?
- Yes, a USB storage device that has been formatted for Wii U can be reformatted for other devices. Reformatting the device will erase all of its data, which cannot be recovered afterwards. For instructions on reformatting your device using a PC or other device, please contact the device manufacturer.
- Can I use a USB storage device formatted for a Wii U with another person's Wii U system?
- No. External USB storage devices that are exclusively formatted for Wii U can only be used with the one system for which it is formatted. The only way to use your USB storage device on another Wii U is to reformat it.
- Reformatting the device will erase all of its data and this data cannot be recovered.
- Can I transfer my saved games from one USB drive to another?
- This is possible if the game is transferred first from the USB drive to the Wii U itself, provided that the Wii U system has space to hold the game in question. Then the game is transferred from the Wii U system to the other USB drive.
- Also, at the time of the Wii U launch, only one USB storage media can be connected to the Wii U system at a time. However, with a future update, we plan to add a function that will make it possible to connect multiple storage media to move or copy content to from one to another.
- If I delete a game to make more room will I be able to download it again if I want to?
- On the system where you made the initial purchase, you can re-download a deleted game at any time by going to your Profile in the Nintendo eShop Menu and selecting My Downloads.
For the latest information on Wii U, please visit www.nintendo.com/wiiu
Was this information helpful?
External USB Storage Devices That Have Been Tested To Work with Wii U
The Wii U systems offer internal storage for game save data and downloadable software and you can expand the storage memory by connecting an external USB-linked hard disc drive.
We have found that the following external storage devices work with the Wii U system; these device(s) have been subjected to basic performance tests:
Buffalo
1 TB: HD-LB1.0TU3-US
2 TB: HD-LB2.0TU3-US
http://www.buffalotech.com/products/desktop-hard-drives/drivestation/drivestation-axis-2
Seagate
Backup Plus Desktop Drive
1TB : STCA1000100 (US)
2TB : STCA2000100 (US)
http://www.seagate.com/external-hard-drives/desktop-hard-drives/backup-plus-desk/
Expansion Desktop
1TB : STBV1000100 (US)
2TB : STBV2000100 (US)
http://www.seagate.com/external-hard-drives/desktop-hard-drives/expansion-hard-drive/
Toshiba
1 TB: HDWC110XK3J1
2 TB: HDWC120XK3J1
Western Digital (WD)
My Book™
1TB : WDBACW0010HBK
2TB : WDBACW0020HBK
Many of these devices can be found at these online retailers:
- amazon.com
- bestbuy.com
- frys.com
- sears.com
- walmart.com
We will expand this list as more devices are confirmed to work with Wii U.
- To optimize performance and ensure a consistent experience, all USB storage devices must be formatted and configured for use with the Wii U console. Once a device has been configured for use with a Wii U console, it cannot be used with another Wii U console, PC, or MAC unless it is reformatted. Please be sure to back up any content before formatting the hard drive for Wii U as this content cannot be recovered.
- Please note that we do not guarantee the performance of the devices.
- Specifications of these devices are subject to change, and there is a possibility that these devices may not function properly with the Wii U system due to a specification change.
- Please contact the manufacturer of the USB hard disc drive if there are technical issues or problems with your USB hard disc drive.
Was this information helpful?
What Data Can Be Stored on a USB Storage Device?
Answer:
- Once a USB storage device has been configured for use with the Wii U console, it can be used to store games, applications, and save data.
Did you find what you were looking for?
Why Do I Have to Format My USB Storage Device?
Answer:
- To optimize performance and ensure a consistent experience, all USB storage devices must be formatted and configured for use with the Wii U console. Once a device has been configured for use with a Wii U console, it cannot be used with another Wii U console, PC, or MAC unless it is reformatted.
- Click here for instructions on formatting a USB storage device.
Did you find what you were looking for?
How to Set Up and Access USB External Storage
Description:
- Step by step instructions on accessing USB external storage on the Wii U console
Important Notes!
- Ensure that the Wii U console is powered off when connecting or disconnecting a USB storage device.
- For information on moving or copying data between two storage devices, click here.
What to do:
- Connect the USB storage device to the Wii U console. (How To)
- Upon powering on the Wii U console, a message should appear that prompts you to fomat the USB storage device. Follow the on screen insturctions to format the device.
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to "Data Management" and press the A Button.
- If you did not receive the prompt to format your USB storage device upon startup, you will need to configure it for use by selecting "Delete All Data on USB Storage Device" and following the on-screen instructions.
- This will delete all saved data from the USB storage device. Once deleted, this data cannot be recovered.
- To manage data after the device has been formatted, select "Copy/Move/Delete Data."
- If the latest system update has not been installed, this will show as "Move/Delete Data."
- Select "USB Storage."
- The data displayed is currently stored on the USB storage device.
- To view specific data for a game or application, select its icon.
- For instructions on moving data to a USB storage device, click here.
Did you find what you were looking for?
How to Move or Copy Data to and From a Single USB Storage Device
Description:
- Step by step instructions on transferring data to and from a USB storage device.
Information:
If you copy save data from your system memory to a USB storage device, the USB storage device will become the default location for all new saves for that title.
If you copy save data from a USB storage device to system memory, the USB storage device data will remain the default location and all new saves will continue to be saved to the USB storage device. This cannot be changed unless the USB storage device is removed.
To Summarize:
Copy from System Memory to USB Storage Device: USB storage becomes the default location for new saves.
Copy from USB Storage Device to System Memory: USB storage remains the default location for new saves.
What to do:
The system update that was made available on 4/25/2013 added the ability to copy data. If you have not applied this system update, click here for steps on moving data. If you have applied this update, perform the following:
- Connect the USB storage devices to the Wii U console, and then power on the Wii U. (How To)
- If the device has not been configured with the Wii U console, you will need to configure it. (How to)
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Data Management" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Copy/Move/Delete Data."
- Select the location from which you'd like to copy or move data.
- Press the X Button to move or copy data.
- Tap the items you'd like to copy or move to select them. Once selected, a green box with a white checkmark will show next to the item.
- Once the items have been selected, press the Y Button to copy the item or the X Button to move the item.
- At this point you will be prompted to move or copy the data. Select "Move" or "Copy" to confirm the transfer.
- If the data you are transferring already exists on the location you are copying to, you will be prompted with a message asking you to confirm the overwrite.
- Depending on the amount of data, this process can take more than an hour to complete. If your system is up to date, you may cancel this process at any time; however, if you still have an older menu version, the option to cancel this process will not be available.
- Connect the USB device to the Wii U console. (How To)
- If the device has not been configured with the Wii U console, you will need to configure it. (How To)
- From the Wii U menu, select system "Settings".
- Using the left stick, scroll to "Data Management" and press the A button.
- Select "Move/Delete" data.
- Select the storage location where the data is currently stored.
- Select the data you would like to move and press the X button or tap "Transfer all" in the top right corner.
- The confirmation screen will pop up, tap "Move" to confirm.
- Tap "Ok" once the data has been moved.
Related Articles:
Did you find what you were looking for?
How To Format a USB Storage Device
Description:
- Step by step instructions on using the Wii U console to format a USB storage device.
What to do:
- Ensure the USB storage device is connected to the Wii U console. (How To)
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Data Management" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Delete All Data on USB Storage Device" and follow the on screen instructions.
- This will delete all saved data from the USB storage device. Once deleted, this data cannot be recovered.
- If you’d like to format the USB storage device for use with a PC, please contact the manufacturer for instructions.
Did you find what you were looking for?
How to Connect a USB Device to the Wii U Console
Description:
Step by step instructions on connecting a USB device to the Wii U.
Important Note!
Do not turn the power off on the Wii U console or remove the USB device while data is being read or written. Doing so may cause damage to the Wii U console or USB device or cause the loss of data.
What to do:
- Turn the Wii U console off.
- Ensure the connector on the USB device is oriented correctly.
- Insert the USB connector straight into a USB port on the Wii U console.
- Turn the Wii U console on.
- Access the device (How To)
Did you find what you were looking for?
How to Determine Available Storage Space on a Wii U Console
Description:
- Step by step instructions on finding the available storage space on a Wii U console.
What to Do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Data Management" and press the A Button.
- Select "Move/Delete Data."
- This option will only be available after installing the system update. If you have not installed the system update, this screen will not be displayed.
- Your remaining storage space will be displayed on the screen.
Did you find what you were looking for?
How to Copy or Move Data Between Two USB Storage Devices
Description:
- Step by step instructions on transferring data between two USB storage devices.
Notes:
- Ensure that the Wii U console is powered down before connecting or disconnecting a USB storage device.
- Each drive will need to be formatted to work with the Wii U console before you will be able to copy or move data. If you have already formatted a drive to work with the Wii U console, you should not need to do so again. (How to)
Information About Save Data:
If you copy save data from your system memory to a USB storage device, the USB storage device will become the default location for all new saves for that title.
If you copy save data from a USB storage device to system memory, the USB storage device data will remain the default location and all new saves will continue to be saved to the USB storage device. This cannot be changed unless the USB storage device is removed.
If you copy data between two USB storage devices, whichever device remains connected to the Wii U after the transfer will become the default location for all new saves.
To Summarize:
Copy from System Memory to USB Storage Device: USB storage becomes the default location for new saves.
Copy from USB Storage Device to System Memory: USB storage remains the default location for new saves.
Copy from USB Storage Device to USB Storage Device: The USB storage device that remains connected to the Wii U will become the default location for new saves.
What to do:
This feature was introduced with the system update released April 25th, 2013.
- Connect the USB storage devices to the Wii U console, and then power on the Wii U. (How To)
- After the Wii U Menu loads, you will be prompted to enter Data Management to move or copy data.
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Data Management" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Copy/Move/Delete Data."
- Select the location from which you'd like to copy or move data.
- Press the X Button to move or copy data.
- Tap the items you'd like to copy or move to select them. Once selected, a green box with a white checkmark will show next to the item.
- Once the items have been selected, press the Y Button to copy the item or the X Button to move the item.
- Chose the location where you would like to copy or move the selected items.
- At this point you will be prompted to move or copy the data. Select "Move" or "Copy" to confirm the transfer.
- If the data you are transferring already exists on the location you are copying to, you will be prompted with a message asking you to confirm the overwrite.
- Depending on the amount of data, this process can take more than an hour to complete. If your system is up to date, you may cancel this process at any time; however, if you still have an older menu version, the option to cancel this process will not be available.
Related Articles:
How to Move or Copy Data to and from a Single USB Storage Device
Did you find what you were looking for?
How to Back Up Save Data
Description:
- Step by step instructions on backing up your save data
Information:
In order to back up save data, you must have at least one USB storage device that has been formatted to work with the Wii U. Your system also needs to have the latest system update applied. (How To)
What to do:
- To back up your save data, you will need to copy the save data to a new location. Be sure to read the notes on which location will become your primary location for save data. These will be located in the cooresponding popups.
- With the latest system update, dates were added to all save data. When backing up save data, please note the date of the most recent copy to avoid accidently copying over your latest saves.
- Follow these steps to copy your save data from system memory to a USB storage device. (How To)
- Follow these steps to copy your save data from one USB storage device to another USB storage device. (How To)
Related Articles:
How to Set Up and Access USB External Storage
Did you find what you were looking for?
