Are Wii U Games Tied to Account?
Wii U games are technically tied to the Nintendo Network ID (NNID), but in practice, they are tied to the console itself, as the NNID is linked to a specific Wii U console and cannot be easily transferred to another console without a system transfer or contacting Nintendo. This means that if you want to play your Wii U games on a different console, you will need to go through the process of transferring your NNID and associated games to the new console, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Understanding Wii U Game Ownership
Introduction to Wii U Game Ownership
To clarify, the Nintendo Network ID (NNID) is the account system used by the Wii U, and it is this ID that is used to purchase and download games from the Nintendo eShop. However, the NNID is tied to the console, which means that if you want to play your games on a different Wii U, you will need to transfer your NNID to that console.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Transfer Games from One Wii U to Another?
Yes, the Wii U to Wii U system transfer feature allows you to transfer content, including games, from one Wii U to another. This process will replace the content on the target console with the content from the source console.
2. Are Games Tied to Your Nintendo Account?
No, on the Wii U, games are tied to the Nintendo Network ID (NNID), not the Nintendo Account. However, on the Nintendo Switch, games are tied to the Nintendo Account.
3. Do I Have to Rebuy Wii U Games on Switch?
Yes, Wii U games do not carry over to the Nintendo Switch, and you will need to rebuy them if you want to play them on the Switch.
4. Are Wii U Games Tied to Console?
Yes, while Wii U games are technically tied to the NNID, they are in practice tied to the console itself, as the NNID is linked to a specific Wii U console.
5. Is Wii U Online Shutting Down?
Yes, online services for the Wii U are being discontinued, with some exceptions. You should contact the publishers of your games for more information about the online services for their software.
6. Can I Redownload My Wii U Games?
Yes, you can redownload your Wii U games from the Nintendo eShop as long as you have a record of the purchase associated with your NNID.
7. Can You Still Download Wii U Games After eShop Closes?
Yes, even after the eShop closes, you will still be able to redownload games that you have previously purchased, but you will not be able to purchase new games or redeem download codes.
8. Do Wii Games Save on Wii U?
Yes, you can transfer data from a Wii console to a Wii U using a system transfer, which will move across data including Mii characters, purchased content, and save data.
9. Can Two Nintendo Accounts Play the Same Game?
On a primary Nintendo Switch console, all user accounts can play games purchased with the associated Nintendo Account. However, on non-primary consoles, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can access it.
10. What is Linked to My Nintendo Account?
Your Nintendo Account is linked to your email address, Nintendo Switch console, and any digital content you have purchased.
11. What Happens to My Games if My Switch Dies?
If your Nintendo Switch console dies, you can simply sign in to your Nintendo Account on a new console and redownload your games.
12. How Do I Merge Wii U and Switch Accounts?
You can merge funds from your Wii U or Nintendo 3DS account with your Nintendo Switch account by accessing the Nintendo eShop and following the prompts.
13. How Many Wii U Accounts Can You Have?
You can have up to 12 Nintendo Network IDs associated with a Wii U console at a time.
14. How Do I Transfer Wii Data to Wii U?
You can transfer data from a Wii console to a Wii U using the Wii U Transfer Tool, which can be downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel.
15. Can I Still Redeem Wii U Game Codes?
No, as of April 3, 2023, it is no longer possible to redeem download codes in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U or Nintendo 3DS. However, you can still redownload games that you have previously purchased.