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Wii U system update lets you transfer data between consoles

Wii U

Latest system update makes it much easier to transfer games between Wii U consoles and also adds additional controller support for the eShop

Nintendo has just released a new system update for the Wii U which finally lets users transfer their data between Wii U consoles, as well as improving navigation when using the eShop to download games.

The 5.1.0 U update, which was released yesterday globally through the Nintendo Network, adds a ‘System Transfer’ option to the System Settings menu. Selecting this will move all software, user data, Nintendo Network IDs, save data and digital content to a new console, where the content from the source console will replace that on the target console.

Once the move has taken place, all the content on the target console will be lost and the source Wii U will be formatted once the transfer is complete. Nintendo Network IDs that previously existed on the target Wii U can be re-linked to a new console after the transfer, though, so at least users won’t lose access to any games purchased on the Wii U eShop. However, any save data for IDs that previously existed on the system will be deleted and any USB storage devices will need to be formatted again to work with the console. 

This transfer system will be useful for anyone upgrading from the basic 8GB Wii U to the premium 32GB package, as previously you would have to start afresh when powering on a new console.

The system update also introduced a few changes to the Wii U eShop. Users can now navigate Nintendo’s online store using a variety of controllers, including the Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller and Classic Controller. Previously, users could only use the GamePad.

Wii U owners should find the update waiting to download the next time they turn on their console, or ready to install if they have automatic updates enabled.

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