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Wii U to Wii U System Transfer FAQ and Overview

Wii U

The Wii U to Wii U system transfer feature, implemented with the system update released July 21st, 2014, allows you to transfer content from one Wii U to another Wii U. Content from the source console, including any users, Nintendo Network IDs (NNID), save data, and digital content, will replace that on the target console.

As part of the system transfer process:

  • All content from a Wii U must be transferred. You cannot transfer just a single user or Nintendo Network ID.
  • All content on the target Wii U will be lost when the console is formatted and then replaced by the content from the source Wii U, with the exception of Wii Menu content (which will be merged), Internet connection settings, TV settings, Wii U GamePad TV Remote settings, and Wii Remote and Wii U GamePad pairing.
  • The source Wii U will be formatted once the transfer is complete.
  • Nintendo Network IDs that previously existed on the target Wii U can be relinked after the transfer.
    • If these Nintendo Network IDs are relinked, content purchased by them on the target Wii U will become available for download. The save data for NNIDs that previously existed on the target system will be deleted as part of the system transfer process, and any USB Storage devices that were previously used will need to be formatted to work with the Wii U again.
    • There is a limit of 12 Nintendo Network IDs that can be linked to a single Wii U at one time.
  • Wii Menu digital content is transferred, but it is not deleted from the target Wii U. Wii Menu digital content from both consoles will be combined.

Wii U to Wii U System Transfer FAQ

What do I need to complete the transfer?

In order to complete a system transfer, the following items are needed:

  • Both the source and target Wii U consoles. Each will need to be present, set up, and fully updated, and each will need a working Wii U GamePad paired to the console.
  • An SD Card with enough room to hold all system and save data from the source Wii U. Software data will be redownloaded once the transfer is complete, so the SD Card only needs to be large enough for system and save data.
  • A television for the initial setup of each Wii U; however, it is not needed to complete the transfer process. All prompts for the transfer process are on the Wii U GamePad.
  • A network connection that allows both Wii U consoles to be connected simultaneously.
  • If Wii Menu content exists on either console, a Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus is required.
  • If transferring from a Wii U Deluxe Set (32 GB) to a Wii U Basic Set (8 GB), a USB storage device may be required if you have more data on the Wii U Deluxe Set than the Wii U Basic Set can save to its internal memory.

What if I don't have my old Wii U?

In order to perform a Wii U to Wii U system transfer, both Wii U consoles will need to be present.

What happens to the save data on the target Wii U?

Save data originally created on the target Wii U will no longer be available after the system transfer is completed, even if it is stored on a USB device.

What happens to Nintendo Network IDs on the target Wii U?

Nintendo Network IDs on the target Wii U become unlinked from the system, not deleted. This means they can be relinked to the target Wii U after the transfer has been completed.

What happens to funds on the target Wii U?

Nintendo eShop funds associated with any Nintendo Network IDs on the target system will remain associated with that Nintendo Network ID, which can be relinked after the transfer is complete. Funds in Wii Menu will be combined with any funds from the source console.Funds in Wii Menu will be combined with any funds from the source console.

However, keep in mind that sales of software and DLC for the Wii U via Nintendo eShop ended at 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Monday, March 27, 2023. For more information, read the Wii U & Nintendo 3DS Nintendo eShop Discontinuation Q&A.

Will I need to redownload content on the target Wii U after the transfer has been completed?

During the system transfer process, any content that was downloaded on the source Wii U will be added to Download Manager on the target Wii U. This means it will be queued to download automatically after the transfer has been completed. The maximum number of queued downloads is 64. Any excess downloads will need to be downloaded by adding them from the Nintendo eShop.

Is there more specific information on what is and is not transferred?

You may find our detailed list of what is and what is not transferred helpful.

Is a Nintendo Network ID required to perform the transfer?

A Nintendo Network ID is required on the source Wii U but not on the target Wii U.

If I was using a USB Storage Device on the source Wii U, will I be able to use it on the target Wii U after the transfer has been completed?

Yes. After the Wii U to Wii U system transfer has been completed, simply connect your USB Storage Device to the target Wii U console. All save data, game data, and update data on the USB Storage Device will be available.

What happens to Wii mode content during the transfer?

Wii content, including game licenses and funds, will be combined on the target system. This means that your current Wii mode content on the target system will not be deleted during this process. Your download games and save data will be migrated during the transfer, unless the title is no longer available. You may need to redownload certain titles after the transfer process.

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