Wii U “system memory” errors do not, by themselves, prove that the console’s internal eMMC chip has failed. Nintendo’s troubleshooting points to several possible causes, including outdated system software, corrupted system memory, external storage, and game or application data. Start with the steps for your specific code before considering hardware repair.
What a Wii U memory error does—and does not—tell you
An error code is a starting point for troubleshooting, not a diagnosis of a particular failed component. Nintendo UK says error 160-0103 can mean the system version may not be up to date or that system memory may be corrupted. Nintendo’s instructions also check whether external storage or a game’s update data is involved. The official guidance does not say that every 160-0103 or 160-1709 error means the internal eMMC has failed.
The Wii U does contain internal eMMC storage. iFixit’s teardown identifies a Samsung KLM8G2FE3B eMMC NAND flash/memory controller and describes consoles with 8 GB or 32 GB internal storage configurations. That hardware fact does not establish the cause of an error on any individual console.
Troubleshoot the error code and when it appears
Errors 160-0103 and 160-1709
- Note when the error occurs. Record the full code and whether it appears during startup, with one game, or while using external storage.
- Disconnect external storage and reboot. Power off the Wii U, disconnect its external storage, and restart it. Nintendo advises this check for 160-0103 and 160-1709. If the error stops, investigate the external device; that result does not establish internal eMMC failure. If it continues without external storage, Nintendo’s Americas support identifies an issue with the console. See Nintendo’s 160-0103/160-1709 guidance.
- For 160-0103, remove the disc and check for a system update. Follow Nintendo UK’s error-specific instructions, and do not interrupt an update that is downloading or installing. The page explains that the code may indicate an outdated system version or corrupted system memory: Nintendo UK: Error code 160-0103.
- If only one game triggers 160-0103, address its update data. Nintendo UK advises deleting that game’s update data—not its save data—then starting the game so the update can be downloaded again. Take care to select update data only; deleting save data risks losing progress.
Error 160-2203
Nintendo Americas recommends deleting and redownloading the affected application or patch data, then checking whether the error remains. If it happens during startup, its guidance also says to power the console off, wait 15 seconds, and restart. Nintendo says that if the problem persists after these checks, there is an issue with the console. Read the full instructions at Nintendo’s 160-2203 support page.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#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.
When to consider repair
If the error remains after the relevant Nintendo checks, document the console’s model or revision, the exact code, and what triggers it. This information can help a qualified console-repair specialist assess the situation. Avoid treating a persistent memory error as proof of a specific chip failure without a hardware diagnosis.
A GBAtemp community thread describes a NAND-AID-style eMMC replacement approach for error 160-0103: Using NAND-AID to repair a broken eMMC. This is community repair documentation, not Nintendo-supported service. It does not establish that the approach suits every console revision, that parts are currently available, or that a repair will succeed. eMMC replacement is an advanced hardware repair, not a routine software fix; assess technician skill, revision compatibility, data preservation, parts, and total cost before proceeding.
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.
Nintendo Americas says it no longer offers service requests for the Wii U console, GamePad, or accessories. That statement applies to its support region; check local Nintendo support for service availability elsewhere. The cited pages do not provide reliable failure rates, eMMC-repair success rates, or current repair prices, so none should be assumed.
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.
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.
