Recommended Free Tools
No—not directly through a standard Wii U’s game interface. WUX is a compressed Wii U disc image. On a console, the documented route is to decompress it to WUD, extract the game content, and install that content. On a computer, the Cemu emulator can load WUX when the required decryption key is configured.
What a WUX file is
WUX is a compressed form of a WUD Wii U disc image. The Cemu Wiki describes WUD as an encrypted disc image, while the ConsoleMods guide explains that WUX can be decompressed back to WUD:
- WUD: a packaged, encrypted Wii U disc image.
- WUX: a compressed WUD image; it is not itself an installable Wii U title.
See the Cemu Wiki setup guide and ConsoleMods Wii U Backups guide for their descriptions of these formats and workflows.
Can a Wii U console open WUX directly?
The documented console workflow does not have the Wii U mount a WUX file as a game. Instead, it decompresses the image to WUD, extracts installable content, then uses a Wii U installer to install that content. The ConsoleMods guide describes homebrew tools and storage for this process. This is an inference from that documented workflow; the cited sources do not include a Nintendo-authored statement specifically saying that the console cannot read WUX.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- The Wii U GamePad breaks down barriers between you and your entertainment with a 6.2" 16:9 LCD touch screen, motion control system, front-facing camera, microphone, stereo speakers, rumble feature
- Console works with most games from the original Wii console, as well as the Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk controllers, Balance Board and many other Wii accessories, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite Wii features
- Play using a Wii Remote controller, the Wii U GamePad controller or a Wii U Pro Controller.
- Four USB 2.0 connector slots are included. The new console is backward compatible with Wii games and Wii accessories.
Console workflow in brief
- Decompress the WUX image back to WUD.
- Extract the installable content using the guide’s described toolchain.
- Install the resulting content on the Wii U with a WUP installer.
The guide also distinguishes transfer media from the console’s game-storage format: a Wii U-formatted game-storage USB drive uses a different format from FAT32 or NTFS transfer media. Storage helps hold or transfer files; it does not decode WUX.
Can Cemu load WUX on a computer?
Yes. Cemu’s official FAQ says WUD and WUX require the proper decryption key in keys.txt, and that Cemu does not distribute those keys. The Libretro Cemu-core documentation also lists .wux as a supported extension and describes placing keys.txt in the Cemu system directory.
Rank #2
- The Wii U Game pad breaks down barriers between you and your entertainment with a 6.2" 16:9 LCD touch screen, motion control system, front-facing camera, microphone, stereo speakers, rumble feature, button controls and analog sticks
- Console works with most games from the original Wii console, as well as the Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk controllers, Balance Board and many other Wii accessories, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite Wii features
- In Super Mario Bros. U, swoop through levels and cling to walls when Mario transforms into Flying Squirrel Mario, or gently float through the air while hanging onto Tiny Balloon Yoshi.
- Super Luigi U lets you experience high replayability and satisfaction from mastering more than 80 intense new courses. Each course contains a reduced time limit and a higher concentration of enemies and obstacles.
- Play using a Wii Remote controller, the Wii U GamePad controller or a Wii U Pro Controller.
Use keys obtained through an appropriate personal-console workflow; no key is provided here. Loading a supported file format does not ensure every game runs without issues: Cemu points to a separate game compatibility list for title-specific problems.
Other ways to use or convert Wii U images
Mounting a WUX image for file access
The fuse-wiiu project documents mounting WUX images on a computer to access their filesystem. It says a disc-key file is required for most discs. This is a computer utility, not a feature of the Wii U console.
Rank #3
![Replacement Official Authentic Nintendo Wii U Console [Black] [Nintendo Wii] (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31duHqvb2xL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes Replacement Wii U Console.
WUA and extracted game folders
WUA is a Cemu archive format, not a format that makes WUX readable by a Wii U. Cemu’s changelog entry for v1.27.0b, dated 2022-04-26, says WUA can contain multiple titles, can be played directly in Cemu, compresses smaller than WUX or extracted folders, and can be converted back losslessly. The ConsoleMods guide also refers to extracted code, content, and meta folders as raw game files, which can be used by Loadiine GX2 or installed in Cemu.
Which route should you use?
| Where you want to use the game | What to do with WUX | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Wii U console | Decompress to WUD, extract installable content, and install it with a Wii U installer. | The standard console workflow is conversion and installation, not direct WUX launching. |
| Cemu on a computer | Load the WUX file after configuring the required key in keys.txt. |
Cemu supports the format, but an individual game may still have compatibility issues. |
| Computer filesystem access | Use a utility such as fuse-wiiu to mount the image, with a disc key for most discs. | This provides filesystem access on a computer, not console support. |
Tool instructions and availability can change, so check the linked project documentation before following a procedure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Replacement Official Authentic Nintendo Wii U Console [Black] [Nintendo Wii]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21YIgyGrIEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Include Replacement Wii U console,instruction booklet
- No gamepad, AC adapter and other accessories
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
