How to Play Wii Games on the Wii U

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Last Updated: February 15, 2022

The Wii U has backwards compatibility with Wii games, so you can play your Wii games on the Wii U. There's a method you have to follow to play them.

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Synchronize a Wii Remote to the Wii U. You synchronize a Wii Remote to the Wii U the same way that you synchronize one to the Wii. The Sync button on the console is located to the right of the power button.
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You have to use a Wii Remote from here.
From there, load the game.

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What other controllers can I use with the Wii U?

Milos Tosic

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You can use a Wii remote, Nunchuk, Wii Balance Board, Wii Zapper, Wii Wheel, and other Wii accessories.

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Do I need a Wii to play Wii games on my Wii U?

Milos Tosic

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No. You can play the Wii games on Wii U without Wii, but if you want to continue where you left off, you must do the Wii system transfer (this requires a Wii).

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Can I use HDMI cable or RCA? When I use an HDMI cable, it loses signal.

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Wii U doesn't have an RCA jack. In fact, no 8th-generation consoles do. You'll have to use HDMI.

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Tips

You can also go to the eShop and click Wii and choose a game to download. It'll boot into Wii mode from there.

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You can also access Wii Mode by holding the B button on the Wii U GamePad or the Wii Remote (once the Wii remote turns on) (while turning on the Wii U).

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