Nintendo Explains Data Transfer From Original Wii To Wii U

Keep all your WiiWare and Virtual Console games, and save data as well.

When the Wii U got its launch details a few weeks back, Nintendo explained that, as part of the transition from the classic Wii platform to the new game system, users will be able to bring over all their WiiWare and Virtual Console purchases with them – though it wasn’t explained how as of yet.  Now we have those details for you.

Recommended Videos

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata reiterated that the transfer can be done, provided you can log into your account.  You’ll need to turn on both consoles (and have video connections, possibly to the same TV), then insert an SD card into the Wii U.  

From there, you select Wii System Transfer from the Wii Menu app, then follow the on-screen directions and move the card to the Wii when asked.  From there, on the Wii Shop Channel, you’ll see the transfer app you need to download.  Once you do that, the data will transfer over to the card, games and all.  (The bigger the better – a 32 GB SD card should do the trick).  Once everything is downloaded, put the card back into the Wii U, confirm the transfer, and your games will move over with ease, along with all your save data.

We’ll test this out for sure once the Wii U hits stores on November 18th.  Sounds simple enough, right?

About the Author

Prima Games Staff

The staff at Prima Games.