How to Use a Nintendo Wii U

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Your Wii U game console is easy to use, and fast to get you into your games.

This guide will take you through the basics of using your Wii U console.

2. Basic Controls

Much of the interaction with your Wii U is done through special menus right on the touch screen in the center of the device.

Watch this screen, it will often tell you what button to push in specific instances if you aren't sure!

Controller Overview

Camera and Sensor Bar

Acts as a motion sensor, camera, and receiver for certain other controllers in some games.

Left and Right Analog Stick

Used to control movement and camera in game and menus.

D-Pad

Controls movement in most games, as well as the menus.

ABXY Buttons

Input for games, the buttons will vary from game to game, B is usually used to confirm a menu choice, or you can just touch the screen.

NFC Location

The Wii U can interact with certain extras or add-ons, most commonly Amiibos; little figures with special digital codes in their base. Certain games will unlock special extras when you hold an Amiibo up to the controller while playing.

Start Button

Usually brings up a menu and pauses the game.

Select Button

Used to select or bring up a sub-menu in some games.

Home Button

Used to return to the home screen to launch another game or service.

Battery Light

Shows the status of the battery.

TV Control Button

Used to control your television or other home entertainment gear using the touchscreen. Will also power-on your television if it is off.

Power Button

Turns your console on or off.

Controls will vary from game to game. Be sure to check the manual and menus for the exact options you have for each game you play.

Console Overview

Disc Eject

Ejects a disk in the system.

Power Button

Turns your console on or off.

Sync

Used to sync your console and game pad.

Your controller needs to be in-range of your console, about twenty six feet, to function! The controller displays, but the console itself does all the work of actually generating the game itself.

3. Further Information

You can always visit the website https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/landing/p/431 with your computer's browser for further details about using your Wii U.

4. Play Wii U Game

1. Insert the disk in the Disc Drive.
   

1. Press the Home button.
   

1. Select the Disc icon on the screen.
   

5. Quit Game or App

To quit a game or app on your Wii U, simply press the Home button on your controller.

6. Eject Disk

1. Make sure you're on the home screen by pressing the Home button on your controller.
   

1. Press the Eject button on your console.
   

7. Play Wii Game

You will need to use your Wii controller to play Wii Games. You cannot play Wii games using the Wii U gamepad.

1. On your Wii U gamepad, press the Home button to return to the home screen.
   

1. Select Wii Mode from the menu.
   

1. Pick up your Wii controller, and press the A button to select Wii Menu.
   

1. Insert your Wii game into your Wii U disk drive.
   

1. Select the Wii game from the menu.

8. Play Wii U Game

1. Insert the disk in the Disc Drive.
   

1. Press the Home button.
   

1. Select the App you'd like to use.
   

9. Quit Game or App

To quit a game or app on your Wii U, simply press the Home button on your controller.

10. Pair Controller

1. Press the Sync button on your Wii U console.
   

1. Press the Sync button on your Wii or Wii U controller.The sync button is usually on the back of the controller.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the sync process.

11. Play A Movie

The Wii U cannot play DVD or Blu-Ray Movies. 

1. Press the Home button.
   

1. Select a video-on-demand service, such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, or another service you prefer.