Yes, but only for games and DLC you already purchased. Nintendo says Wii U owners can redownload previously purchased content and download software updates for the foreseeable future. You can no longer buy Wii U eShop games or DLC, download free content such as demos, or redeem download codes. Nintendo’s support pages cited here cover North America; availability may vary by region.
What can you still download on Wii U?
| Content or action | Available? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| A game or DLC you previously purchased | Yes, for the foreseeable future | Nintendo says prior purchases can still be redownloaded. This is not a promise of permanent availability. Nintendo’s discontinuation Q&A |
| Software updates | Yes, for the foreseeable future | Nintendo says existing software updates remain downloadable. Nintendo’s discontinuation Q&A |
| A game or DLC you never purchased | No | Wii U eShop purchases ended March 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Nintendo’s discontinuation Q&A |
| Free content, including demos | No | Free downloads were also discontinued when eShop purchases ended. Nintendo’s discontinuation Q&A |
| A Wii U download code | No | Code redemption ended April 3, 2023. Nintendo’s discontinuation Q&A |
How to redownload a Wii U game you bought
- On the Wii U, open Nintendo eShop.
- Choose My Menu, or press Y.
- Select Your Downloads, then choose the relevant content type.
- Find the game or DLC and select Download. Nintendo’s Wii U redownload instructions say deleted eShop purchases can be downloaded again at no cost.
If you do not see a Download option, Nintendo says the software is already installed; look for it on the Wii U Menu.
Why an old balance or code won’t let you buy a game
Funding and redemption options closed on separate dates, but none restores access to new purchases. Nintendo says credit-card additions to Wii U eShop balances ended May 23, 2022; eShop Card additions ended August 29, 2022; and combining a Nintendo Network ID eShop balance with a Nintendo Account balance ended March 11, 2024. Download-code redemption ended April 3, 2023. Nintendo’s discontinuation Q&A
Does downloading a game mean its online features still work?
No. Nintendo ended Wii U online play and other functionality that uses online communication on April 8, 2024. Redownloading a game or installing an update does not restore online multiplayer or other discontinued online services. Nintendo’s discontinuation Q&A
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#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.
What the shutdown means for your library
The eShop closure ended new digital sales; it did not immediately remove every previously purchased title from redownload access. Nintendo’s wording is “for the foreseeable future,” so owners should not treat that as an indefinite guarantee. A physical copy may be another way to play a title, but it does not reopen digital sales or code redemption.
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
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.
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.
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