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Wii U FAQ, translated from Japanese

Here's my translation of NCL's Wii U FAQ. If there are any questions not covered here, I'll try and add them over the next few days/weeks. We obviously don't have all the answers to everything yet, so your patience is requested. Any inaccuracies in questions I answer will be corrected, provided information.

Pending questions

Is it possible to utilize a User from one Wii U system on another Wii U system?
Can download purchases be retrieved on a new system in the event of system failure or migrating to a new model?
Can individual titles or save data be transferred from Wii to Wii U?
Will Wii Virtual Console purchases transfer over to Wii U Virtual Console versions and become associated with a chosen Nintendo Network ID? If so, will upgrades be free?
Can save data be copied onto SD card?
Will any titles' save data be locked to a single system?
Can save data be copied from one User to another?
Is there real-time text chat in Miiverse?
Is it possible to use headphones while playing a game that requires the GamePad and TV?
Is it possible to control a receiver with the universal remote functionality?
Is it possible to use the HDMI for video and a component or RCA cable for audio?


Answered questions

Is the Wii U just a new controller for the Wii?

No, the Wii U is a new platform and a successor to the Wii. All hardware bundles include the Wii U system and the Wii U GamePad.

Can I use more than one Wii U GamePad at a time?

Future software titles may support a second Wii U GamePad as early as next year, at which point it will be made available for purchase separately. No launch window software supports a second controller.

Does the Wii U play DVDs or Blu-ray Discs?

No.

Do developers have to do any extra work for their titles to support Miiverse?

No, game software is supported by basic Miiverse functionality with no additional work required. Some titles like NSMBU may have additional features like context-specific message prompts and displays.

Is there system-wide, cross-game voice chat?

No. At this point, voice chat may be implemented on a per-title basis.

Is there a system-wide accomplishments system?

No. Developers may choose to include game-specific accomplishments for in-game display, and/or integration with Miiverse as in NSMBU.

How can I add friends in Miiverse?

You can send friend requests directly from another player's profile by pressing the Friend Request button. Alternatively, you can exchange Nintendo Network IDs in the same way as Friend Codes with others in real life or other online forums.

Are Nintendo Network IDs long, arbitrary numbers like Friend Codes?

No, you will be able to choose your own alphanumeric, unchangeable handle. The character limit is not currently known. In a statement to Eurogamer, Nintendo of Europe said: "Friend Codes will indeed not be used on Wii U. Players can use alphanumeric characters to create their Nintendo Network ID, this is not an automatically generated number." See this post for an outline of the profile interface, and note that the ID field reads "willwill".

Are download purchases tied to a specific piece of hardware as was the case with Wii, DSi, and 3DS?

Download purchases are managed by Nintendo Network ID. Whether or not Nintendo Network IDs can be used on or transferred to another system remains to be seen.

Does the Wii U will have a media player? Can it play AVI, MP4, or other multimedia files?

There has been no mention of any such media playback functionality.

Will Wii Virtual Console software also be made available through the Wii U Nintendo eShop?

Wii Virtual Console titles will remain available only through the Wii Shopping Channel in the Wii Menu. Wii U Virtual Console has been announced, but no details in terms of titles, release timing, pricing, or upgradability were provided.

Can WiiWare and Wii Virtual Console titles on a system of one region be imported to a Wii U of a different region?

No.

Translated official FAQ from NCL follows...

Wii U Hardware

Does the Wii U support HD (High Definition)?


Yes, HD is supported. Wii software is only in SD (Standard Definition). When the Wii S-terminal cable or Wii AV cable are connected, Wii U software can also be displayed in SD.

Is anything needed other than what's included in the hardware sets?

Depending upon the game software, the Wii Remote Plus (Wii Remote), Nunchuk, Sensor Bar, or other accessories may be required. Please see the home page for each title for details. Wii owners may continue to use their Wii Remote Plus (Wii Remote), Nunchuk, Sensor Bar, and other accessories on the Wii U. Those without a Wii can purchase the "Wii Remote Plus Add-on Pack" sold separately.

Can the Sensor Bar built into the Wii U GamePad be used instead of a standard Sensor Bar?

It cannot. The Sensor Bar in the GamePad is for use only in software specifically built to make use of it, of which there are none as of December 8th, 2012 (launch date in Japan).

What are the differences between the Premium and Basic Sets?

The amount of internal storage memory for downloadable games and the system color are different.

Premium Set: 32 GB internal storage memory, system color in black only
Basic Set: 8 GB internal storage memory, system color in white only
Some software/offers/accessories are also included only in the Premium Set. See the home page for details (JP, NA, EU).

How many titles can the Premium and Basic Sets store in their internal storage memory?

The size of software titles will vary, so it's difficult to give a concrete answer. Please refer to the software size in the Nintendo eShop before purchasing. If there is insufficient internal storage memory, an external USB storage device can be connected to expand upon the internal storage memory. SD cards cannot be used to expand upon the internal storage memory. Details on USB devices confirmed to work will be posted in the following days.

Is it possible to copy or move software between the internal storage memory and an external USB storage device?

It is possible to move, but not to copy. For details, please select Data Management from the System Settings in the Wii U menu.

About Backwards Compatability

Can the Wii U play Wii or GameCube software?


Wii software, Wii Virtual Console software, and WiiWare can be played from the Wii Menu on the Wii U. GameCube software is not supported.

Can Wii U software be played on the Wii?

No.

Can WiiWare or Wii Virtual Console software be purchased and downloaded on the Wii U?

Yes. They can be purchased by accessing the Wii Shopping Channel in the Wii Menu on the Wii U.

Can the Wii U GamePad be used to play Wii software?

No. The Wii U GamePad functionality is not available when using the Wii Menu.

Can I use all the functionality of the Wii when using the Wii Menu to play Wii software?

Most Wii software can be played, but WiiConnect24, among a few other functions, cannot be used.

Misc.

Can children play the Wii U? (Are there any usage advisories?)


Children can play the Wii U, but several settings must be set when first powering on the device after purchase. Among these are parental controls that must be set by a parent or guardian when children are to use the Wii U.

What are the Parental Settings?

Depending upon the child, ratings system-based age limits and other usage restrictions can be put in place. See below for details.

Can a Wii U purchased in Japan play software from abroad, and vice-versa?

No. A Wii U system purchased in one region can only play games for that market.

Wii Data Transfer

Can WiiWare, Wii Virtual Console software, other downloads, save data, registered Wii Points, and so on be transferred to the Wii U?


Yes. By doing a Software and Data Transfer, WiiWare, Wii Virtual console software, and other downloads will be made available through the Wii Menu on the Wii U. See the home page for details (JP).

Can Mii characters from the Wii or 3DS be transferred to the Wii U?

Yes. Mii characters on the 3DS can be imported directly into the Mii Studio on the Wii U via QR Code or wireless transmission. Mii characters on the Wii can be imported into the Mii Channel in the Wii Menu. After that, Mii characters can be copied from the Mii Channel using a feature in the Wii U's Mii Studio.

What is required to transfer from the Wii to the Wii U?

The following is required: 1 TV (having 2 is convenient), the Wii U to transfer to, the Wii to transfer from, an SD Card (512 MB and larger), and an Internet connection. Even with only 1 TV, TV input can be switched back and forth to facilitate the transfer.

Built-in Software

About Miiverse

Does Miiverse support all software titles?


Miiverse supports all software titles, with a few exceptions among the built-in software.

Is using Miiverse required to just play the games?

No, there is no requirement to use Miiverse.

What kind of things can be posted?

Game screenshots, keyboard text entry up to 100 characters, and hand-drawn messages can be posted.

Can foreign communities be viewed?

Foreign communities can be viewed and posted to.

About the Nintendo eShop

What does the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U offer?


The eShop offers game preview trailers, free demo downloads, Wii U game software download purchases, and so on. See the home page for details (JP, NA).

Where are downloadable software purchases stored?

Downloads can be stored either to the internal storage memory or to an external USB storage device. Saving to an SD Card is not supported.

What should be done when there is insufficient remaining space in the Wii U internal storage memory to download a new game?

Please increase the amount of available space by deleting unneeded data from the system's Data Management menu. Otherwise, use an external USB storage device to increase the amount of available space.

Can downloadable software stored on an external USB storage device be played on another Wii U system?

No. A given external USB storage device can be used with one Wii U system.

Can children be prevented from making download purchases?

Yes, by choosing the appropriate option in Parental Settings. See below for details.

Can presents be sent to other people like in the Wii Shopping Channel?

There is no present-sending feature like in the Wii Shopping Channel.

Can Wii Points on the Wii Shopping Channel or the remaining balance on the 3DS Nintendo eShop be used to make purchases?

No. Wii Points are only for the Wii Shopping Channel, and the remaining balance on the 3DS can be used only on the 3DS Nintendo eShop.

How long does it take to download purchased software?

The amount of time varies based on the size of the software and the customer's Internet connection. The progress of downloads can be checked through Download Management in the Home Button Menu.

Can Wii software be purchased and downloaded?

WiiWare and Wii Virtual Console software can be purchased through the Wii Shopping Channel in the Wii Menu.

About Nintendo x Joysound Wii Karaoke U (Japan-only)

Can Nintendo x Joysound Wii Karaoke U be played without an Internet connection?

Nintendo x Joysound Wii Karaoke U connects to the Internet to provide service. (The song selection functionality can be tried out even offline.) A trial disc playable for 1 month offline; players can choose 50 songs to sing from a selection of 10,000. Please see the Nintendo x Joysound Wii Karaoke U page for details (JP-only).

What is required to play Nintendo x Joysound Wii Karaoke U?

An Internet connection and a ticket valid for a certain time period are required. A microphone makes the experience more fun.

What kinds of microphones are supported?

USB microphones are supported. The following microphones have been confirmed to work: the Wii U Microphone [WUP-021], the USB Microphone and Microphone DX for Karaoke Joysound Wii. Up to 2 microphones can be connected. See microphone instruction manuals for how to use them.

Can the Wii U GamePad microphone be used to sing?

Yes, but USB microphones (sold separately) provide better audio quality.

About Wii U Chat

Who can Wii U Chat be used to talk to?


Only mutually-registered friends can use it to talk.

Are headsets supported?

Yes.

Are there any fees to do teleconferencing?

The service is free, but associated Internet service fees may apply.

Can 3 or more people teleconference with each other?

Up to 2 Wii U systems can connect with one another.

About Mii Studio

Can Mii Parts in the Mii Studio be used on the Wii?


More parts are available than on the Wii. Parts are shared with the Mii Studio on the 3DS.

Can Mii characters from the Wii or 3DS be imported?

Yes. See above.

Users

What are Users?


Personal save data management on the Wii U system is on a per-User basis. Before playing the Wii U, it's necessary to register a User. Up to 12 Users can be registered.

What is a Nintendo Network ID?

It's an ID that's required in order for a User to connect to the Internet. When creating a User that will connect to the Internet, it's necessary to set a password. By connecting to the Internet, User information is stored on a server external to the Wii U system, and all network functionality is enabled.

What information is required to obtain a Nintendo Network ID?

The following information is required: e-mail address, location information ("none" can be chosen), birthdate, and gender. Name, address, and credit card information are not required.

Can changes be made to registered User information?

Changes can be made through the User Settings menu. The Nintendo Network ID and birthdate cannot be changed.

Can a cell phone e-mail address be used to register for a Nintendo Network ID?

Yes. However, some cell phone e-mail services may have limitations such as character limits, so please be advised.

Why is an e-mail address required?

It's requiested so that account holders (or their parent or guardian) can retrieve a forgotten Nintendo Network ID password via e-mail.

What information is managed on a per-User basis?

The following: play history, the User's Mii, Parental Settings (excluding the Wii Menu), and game save data (some games may have save data shared by all Users). The following can be managed for network-enabled Users: friend information, Wii U Nintendo eShop balance, credit card information, purchase history, e-mail address, Nintendo Network ID, location information, birthdate, gender, and other registration information.

Can software downloaded by one User be played by other Users?

Yes. Purchased downloadable software is shared by all Users on the same Wii U system.

Can the remaining balance for individual Users be merged, divided, or transferred?

No.

Can Users for children be created?

Yes. To register a Nintendo Network ID for children under 13, please use a parent or guardian's e-mail address. If there are several children, the same e-mail address can be used to register each of their Nintendo Network IDs.

About Parental Settings

The Wii U system has functionality to restrict the usage of features in Wii U software. Restrictions can be set on a per-User basis. Following are the main things that can be restricted.

Age restriction: age-inappropriate software based upon rating system information can be restricted from running. Purchases of age-inappropriate software from the Nintendo eShop are automatically blocked. To restrict Wii software, use the Wii Menu Settings.

Game software transmissions: game software communication features (chat and networked play, etc.) can be restricted.

Internet Browser usage: usage of the Internet Browser can be restricted in order to prevent the viewing of pages that may be inappropriate for children.

Purchases on the Nintendo eShop or other services: credit card usage and software purchases on the eShop and other services can be restricted.

Miiverse usage: viewing of and posting to Miiverse can be restricted in order to prevent the exchange of inappropriate content with other users.

Friend registration: friend registration can be restricted.

Video streaming: usage of video streaming services can be restricted.

Data management: the erasure and moving of Wii U software save data can be restricted. This cannot be restricted for Wii software on the Wii Menu.

Internet settings: the addition, changing, or deletion of Internet connections can be restricted.

Also, the addition of new users and the factory-resetting of the system are automatically restricted. The restriction of some features is done by connecting to the Internet. Some restrictions may change in system updates.

USB Media

USB devices confirmed to work with Wii U.

Wii U has internal memory used for saving download software and save data, but the amount of memory can be increased through connecting a USB device to Wii U.

The following USB HDDs are confirmed to work on Wii U.

Buffalo HD-LBU3-C Series

HD-LB2.0TU3-BKC/HD-LB2.0TU3-WHC
HD-LB1.0TU3-BKC/HD-LB1.0TU3-WHC

Buffalo HD-LBU3 Series
HD-LB2.0TU3J
HD-LB1.0TU3J

Toshiba CANVIO DESK Series
HD-EA20TK/HD-EA20TW
HD-EA10TK/HD-EA10TW

We will continue to publish what USB devices are confirmed to work on Wii U in the future.

- The above devices are confirmed to work on Wii U, but we can't guarantee that they will work, so please understand in advance.
- Please be sure to read the USB hard disk's instruction manual when planning to use a USB hard disk.
- The above devices' specifications may change at each maker's will. Depending on the changes made, there is a possibility that they may not correctly operate on Wii U.

USB hard disk usage warning

- Wii U supports self-powered*1 USB hard disks.

- Bus-powered*2 USB hard disks will be introduced at a later date once we finish verifying which work.

- Depending on the game played, we do not recommend using USB flash memory with games as there are strict limitations on the amount of times data can be overwritten.

- Only one USB hard disk may be connected to Wii U at a given time.

- The amount of a USB hard disk's data that may be used on Wii U is limited to 2 TB.

- USB hard disks must be formated to be used on Wii U. At that time, all data and software saved on the hard drive will be erased. Please backup what you can beforehand.

- USB hard disks used on one Wii U may not be used on another Wii U or other device. To use an already used USB hard disk on another device or Wii U, a second reformat must be performed. In such an instance, all data saved to the USB hard disk will be erased.

- USB 3.0 compliant hard disks can be used, but they will only operate at USB 2.0.

- Please contact the maker of your USB hard disk when it is clear that there is a defect or malfunction with the USB hard disk.

- If data is lost, or data is unable to be written due to some malfunction with the USB hard disk, Nintendo will be unable to recompensate.

- Nintendo is not responsible for any direct or indirect damage that may occur when the USB hard disk is connected to the Wii U.

1. Self-powered hard drives are types of hard drives that receive power from a house's outlet.
2. Bus-powered hard drive are types of hard drives that receive power from the device it is connected to through USB cable.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/support/usbmedia/index.html
 

Drago

Member
Can Wii Points on the Wii Shopping Channel or the remaining balance on the 3DS Nintendo eShop be used to make purchases?

No. Wii Points are only for the Wii Shopping Channel, and the remaining balance on the 3DS can be used only on the 3DS Nintendo eShop.

Still reading, but this stuck out to me.

Dammit. Two different currencies on one system :(
 

Kokonoe

Banned
First off, thank you for doing this as it's pretty nice.

Anyways, I was hoping to find out if it's possible to use a Nintendo Wii U account on another Wii U, but I guess time will tell.
 

Currygan

at last, for christ's sake
thanks Cheese, brilliant work as usual


Übermatik;44221071 said:
What? Come on Nintendo, this is 2012. Pre-order cancelled.

you should read the Layton 5 reviews on amazon.uk. A lot of people hating on Nintendo because a 3DS cart doesn't work on
their DS
 
Oh also, Cheesemeister:

Zc5Tu.gif
 
It cannot. The Sensor Bar in the GamePad is for use only in software specifically built to make use of it, of which there are none as of December 8th, 2012 (launch date in Japan).

I can't be the only one who found this funny.
 
Can downloadable software stored on an external USB storage device be played on another Wii U system?

No. A given external USB storage device can be used with one Wii U system.

So thats pretty clear then.
 
Still reading, but this stuck out to me.

Dammit. Two different currencies on one system :(

Wii points aren't even sold anymore, would be ridiculous if you can't at least use the new eshop currency for Virtual Console, just like DSiWare on 3DS. No old points on the new shop makes sense, but the other way round would be quite fucked up.
 
there is a few things i see there that I don't like and hurt my head..I know they don't want the competition to eat them alive but come on now -.- oh well I guess we will see how they evolve with the miiverse/controls in the future.
 

Drago

Member
Wii points aren't even sold anymore, would be ridiculous if you can't at least use the new eshop currency for Virtual Console, just like DSiWare on 3DS. No old points on the new shop makes sense, but the other way round would be quite fucked up.

I don't know, the way the question and answer was worded made it sound like Wii Points will still be a thing for the separate Wii Shop. You can still buy points with a credit card, and I still see Wii point cards all over the place.
 

Kai Dracon

Writing a dinosaur space opera symphony
I still don't get the VC thing. Will the eShop has a separate Virtual Console apart from the Wii Mode one?

They've not said if Wii U will have a virtual console software category at launch.

They could leave the VC to the Wii side of things / on 3DS.

There could be VC systems and formats in the eshop that are new, and don't exist for Wii VC.

Or they could be planning to eventually integrate the Wii VC into Wii U's shop, and continue releases there / allow purchases there.
 

The Boat

Member
So implementing Miiverse is mandatory for all games? I didn't realize this.

It says they support Miiverse, not that it's mandatory. If it were mandatory, there wouldn't be exceptions. We already know of games, like Scribblenauts that don't use it.
 
Miiverse support requires no additional work on the part of developers.

This. Miiverse is an OS level feature (that 1GB of ram had to be used for something after all ;))

That said, games can integrate extra features (see NSMBU and it's messages that appear upon death or at certain levels). But the base level (the message board like functions, chats, etc) are OS level so the developers don't have to do anything special.
 

Keyouta

Junior Member
What's up with the trickle of information from NoA, the console releases here in a week. Nintendo Japan has supplied a lot of information even though the console still has a few weeks left before release in Japan.
 

DrWong

Member
It sounds like they are tethering your HDD to the console somehow.
Not the HDD, the games installed on that HDD.

What annoys me a bit is to not yet have a confirmation about the hability to DL again your game on another Wii U using your account.
 

Nugg

Member
you should read the Layton 5 reviews on amazon.uk. A lot of people hating on Nintendo because a 3DS cart doesn't work on their DS

I overheard at my local gamestore some woman asking for that PS3 to Xbox360 adapter that she heard so much about, so her son could play uncharted on his 360.
 
They've not said if Wii U will have a virtual console software category at launch.

They could leave the VC to the Wii side of things / on 3DS.

There could be VC systems and formats in the eshop that are new, and don't exist for Wii VC.

Or they could be planning to eventually integrate the Wii VC into Wii U's shop, and continue releases there / allow purchases there.

Maybe you can use up all your remaining Wii Points in the Wii mode channel, while VC/WiiWare are still continued with new currency on the eshop.
Having all of VC/Wiiware locked up separately and only available through discontinued currencies would be terrible and literally worse than on 3DS. I don't want to believe this, lol.
VC rebooted for the second time would be equally miserable.
 

Instro

Member
Not the HDD, the games installed on that HDD.

What annoys me a bit is to not yet have a confirmation about the hability to DL again your game on another Wii U using your account.

Well, the answer to the question only talks about the usb device not the software.
 
I am just remember back in the day with xbox 360 how much changes it went through so I know patience will hopefully bring good things to nintendo as they learn more with this throughout the months coming and hopefully before the two others show whats up their skirt.
 

Bumhead

Banned
WOW! People are f---ing morons!

This is why it makes me laugh when people act surprised whenever people talk about marketing confusion between the DS/3DS and Wii/Wii U.

Its a very real thing. Many people are that hopelessley stupid I don't know how they operate day to day in the outside world.
 

sublimit

Banned
Details on USB devices confirmed to work will be posted in the following days.

I really hope they allow any external HD to be recognized by the system.I would hate to buy a new HD just for the WiiU.
 

MichaelVash7886

Neo Member
Hmm, I see. I think I'll stop trying to figure out what Miiverse is based off what Nintendo releases and just wait until I get my hands on the console to see for myself.

So far it seems to be a facebook/Google+ like experience where each game has a community and you can post screens/comments to them. There is a friends/following list on top of this. Could be pretty cool if they implemented it effectively.
 

Eusis

Member
And no mention whatsoever of using the account on another system and claiming your downloads there. That's kind of really damn important to know Nintendo!
 

EloquentM

aka Mannny
I doubt they'll let you redownload on another system. That allows for too much people game sharing and Nintendo likes their money.
 

MichaelVash7886

Neo Member
I doubt they'll let you redownload on another system. That allows for too much people game sharing and Nintendo likes their money.

All they have to do is set it up similar to the PS3 and allow only two consoles to be activated on the account. And have to call Nintendo to get the console activation wiped. Hope they don't make it overly difficult to transfer stuff.
 

Roo

Member
I doubt they'll let you redownload on another system. That allows for too much people game sharing and Nintendo likes their money.

But what about a situation where they claim their first Wii U collapsed and they are just trying to re-download their own games on a new one?

edit: nevermind, MichaelVash7886 has a point.
 
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