If you've had your Wii U tucked away in a box for a while, it might be time to take it out and turn it on. The console can suffer from memory issues, and leaving it unplugged for too long could cause it to stop working altogether.
Checking for Issues
To see if your console is in good shape, just power it up and check if it reaches the main menu or shows any error messages. Keep in mind that some error codes might not appear right away, so it’s a good idea to launch a few games and see if they run smoothly.
Common Error Codes
Many users have shared their experiences online, reporting error codes like "160-0103" and "160-2155" after their consoles sat unused. These codes indicate a problem with the eMMC memory in the console, which is a storage chip that includes NAND flash memory along with a controller.
Nintendo sourced these memory chips from Toshiba, Samsung, and Hynix. The Hynix chips tend to fail more frequently, but users have also reported issues with Toshiba and Samsung chips.
Finding a Solution
Fortunately, there's an online database that tracks eMMC chips across all Wii U models. According to this resource, the original White Wii U model (WUP-001) seems to be the least affected by these issues.
The solution to this problem involves taking apart the console and soldering, which might not be for everyone. If you’re comfortable with this, you can try using Voultar's Wii-U NAND Recovery Kit to attempt a fix. However, be cautious; any errors in this process could result in a bricked console. If you feel uncertain or lack the right tools, it’s best to consult a professional instead.
Resources for Help
For additional guidance, you can check out Retro Blast on X, The Verge, Voultar, Wii U System Database, and GBATEMP for more information and support.
