The Wii U is known as one of Nintendo’s biggest marketing failures and to date it still doesn’t have much of a reputation in the gaming community. The console featured tons of advanced features for its time, offering unmatched portability and access features that weren’t ever seen in a console before.
While the Wii U had insane potential as a console to revolutionize the world of portable gaming, it failed to garner an audience because of Nintendo’s unclear marketing and the console’s hardware performance compared to its PS and Xbox counterparts.
At the time of its release, the console piqued the attention of many gamers and some even claimed that it could be a dual threat to its competition at the time of its release. However, post-release the console never appealed to the gaming community because most of them couldn’t figure out if the Wii U was a separate console or just a controller add-on to the original (and successful) Wii.
Fast forward a few years later, we now have a console that is recognized for the handheld gaming revolution it brought by only a handful of dedicated fans that continue to play the console to date. Despite the Nintendo Switch having most of the Wii U’s features, dedicated fans continue to use the console – partly due to nostalgia, but mostly due to the love for their first hybrid home-handheld experience.
The Wii U inherited its troubleshooting process from the original Wii, where we have a similar approach to error codes in general, just a bit more numbers added to them. If you would like to check out how the Wii version looked, you can find it here: Nintendo Wii Error Codes.
This guide is going to cover these issues in detail so that you know how to fix them if you happen to get any of these error codes yourself. But before we do that, let’s cover the basics first.
First Steps Towards Troubleshooting Your Nintendo Wii U Console
Going headfirst into the puzzling specifics of error codes can be difficult, particularly for those that aren’t used to resolving these issues. These basic steps can help you troubleshoot a few of your Wii U’s simplest problems and possibly save you the hassle of trying to figure out what’s wrong with your console. The same model was also passed down to the next gen of consoles, so you’ll see a similar approach with Nintendo Switch Error Codes.
- If your Wii U isn’t turning on at all, check the AC adapter and try to restart it. Unplug the adapter from both the console and the wall outlet so that it discharges properly, wait at least 20-30 seconds and then reconnect them both.
- If your device is on, but the TV doesn’t respond, reconnect the HDMI cable. HDMI cables are infamous for not giving any signal even if they are half a millimeter loose in their sockets. If you are using an especially old Wii U system with ancient wires, there is also a slight chance that the cables might have been cut at a few places or rusted to non-functionality. As a few general rules of thumb –
- Make sure your cables are intact.
- Ensure they are securely placed in the back of your console.
- Check if your TV inputs and if your connectors are working properly.
- You should also check if you are using the correct input on your TV or display device before considering your console is bricked.
- If both the console and the TV are on, but the device still isn’t responding, check if your Wii U Controller is functioning. It’s crucial to remember that the GamePad works on both a wired connection and batteries. So, if your console isn’t getting any signal from your controller even after charging it, test it with a wired connection. If it works, then it’s time to exchange the batteries inside the controller itself.
- If the console freezes, restart it. The Wii U is an old system and prolonged gaming sessions can cause performance issues mid-game. Turn off your console and gamepad, unplug the console from its power brick, then unplug the power brick from your outlet, and let everything discharge slowly. After about 20 seconds, reconnect everything and see if it fixes your issues.
- If the network is causing you issues, restart your internet setup. The root of almost all console network problems lie in the configuration of your router. If your Wii U starts giving you network issues, turn off your console, router and/or then your modem. Do this for about 30 seconds so they get disconnected properly and then start your router and modem. Wait for a few seconds so that the router syncs up properly and then start your console.
- If the Wii U starts to get sluggish, update your firmware and restore to default settings. You would be surprised to know that Nintendo still releases new updates till this date for the console, even if most of the recent updates have just been for “improvements to overall system stability”. To update your Wii console to the latest version,
- Make sure your console is connected to the Internet.
- From the Wii U Menu, select “System Settings”. You can even see the current system software version in the top right corner.
- Scroll to the “System Update” icon and press A.
- Select “Update” to connect to the Internet and begin the update process.
- If you wish, you can also choose to run the update’s download in the background while you are playing by selecting ‘Cancel’ when you get the prompt for ‘Connect to the internet and update the Wii U Console?’. Note that you would still have to install the update later and you wouldn’t be able to use network features until the update download has been completed.
- Nintendo also has a video tutorial for installing firmware updates that you can check if you are still confused.
Wii U Networking Related Error Codes
Wii U isn’t exactly the best console when it comes to connecting to the internet seamlessly. Getting network related error codes isn’t too uncommon when you are playing on this console which is why we have categorized all of the network related error codes in the list below.
Remember – while the solutions below can solve most of your internet dilemmas, it might not be able to connect to certain modern devices unless you configure and tweak your router’s settings yourself.
Error Code 103-1601
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-1601 explained: This code indicates your Wii U console failed to connect to the Internet through your router or modem.
How to solve 103-1601: Try rebooting the Wii U console, and power cycling your network devices. In addition, make sure your network devices are close enough to your Wii U console to guarantee a stable connection. Also, move any electronics or metallic objects away from both.
If the problem persists: Try creating a new connection to the Internet from the Wii U console’s settings and attempt to connect again. You may need to delete previous connections to set up the new one successfully.
Error Code 101-0502
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 101-0502 explained: This code indicates unavailability to use certain online features, specifically ones related to the Friend service.
How to solve 101-0502: Before anything else, visit Nintendo’s Network Status page and make sure there are no general network issues. Afterward, try powering off the Wii U console completely and then powering it back on. Power cycling your home network could prove helpful if your network devices are not responding.
If the problem persists: You may need to check for NAT issues with your Internet Service Provider’s assistance. Nintendo offers troubleshooting steps that may help resolve restrictive NAT types related problems.
Error Code 118-0516
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 118-0516 explained: This code indicates that you or other players you are trying to connect with are having problems with the network environment.
How to solve 118-0516: If you are using a public network, this may be the cause of your issue. Otherwise, try fully updating your system and doing a connection test through the Wii U console’s settings. Restart your network devices and remove any obstacles between them and your console if you still have connection issues.
If the problem persists: Try setting up your Wii U in a DMZ (demilitarized zone) using your router. You do this by logging in to your router’s setup page, searching for “DMZ” or “Demilitarized Zone,” and following your provider’s instructions to enable the feature. We wrote more about it in this article: How to Configure DMZ on Your Router.
Error Code 103-1602
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-1602 explained: This code indicates unavailability to connect to the Internet through a wireless router or access point.
How to solve 103-1602: Try rebooting your Wii U console, and power cycling your router or modem. Also, make sure your router is a short distance away from your Wii U console and that there are no metal objects or electronic devices between or near them. Also, you may have too many connections. Try deleting previous networks and re-adding the one you want to use within the Wii U console’s settings.
Error Code 106-0112
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 106-0112 explained: This code may indicate either instability in your connection to the Internet or general network environment issues.
How to solve 106-0112: Try creating a new Internet connection through the Wii U console’s settings. You may need to delete existing ones to set up the new one successfully. Alternatively, try connecting a different device to the same modem or router and check if it also has connection issues. If it does, then your network device is the one causing the problem.
If the problem persists: Try rebooting your network devices. Make sure you try power cycling it at least once.
Error Code 103-1603
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-1603 explained: This error code indicates unavailability to connect to the Internet through a network device.
How to solve 103-1603: Try rebooting your Wii U console and power cycling your network device. Also, you may try power cycling your console simultaneously. In addition, you may need to create a new Internet connection within the console’s settings. Try deleting previous existing connections before setting up the new one.
If the problem persists: Try removing any object that could potentially be blocking the signal between the console and your network device. Furthermore, make sure there are as few walls and floors between both as you can.
Error Code 103-2001
- Severity: Minor to moderate
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-2001 explained: This error code indicates your Wii U console has issues connecting to the Internet.
How to solve 103-2001: Verify that your connection is stable by connecting other devices to your modem or router, like a phone or tablet. If the connection seems to be working as it would normally do, try power cycling both your network device and your console simultaneously.
If the problem persists: Contact your network administrator. If all else fails, call Nintendo tech support.
Error Code 106-0502
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 106-0502 explained: This error code indicates your Wii U console has issues connecting to the Internet.
How to solve 106-0502: Make sure your console is up to date. Then, try rebooting your console and router or modem by power cycling them.
If the problem persists: You may have to set up a new connection through the Wii U console’s settings. Before doing so, we recommend you delete previous existing connections. Contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator if you still have issues.
Error Code 103-1604
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-1604 explained: This error code indicates your Wii U console cannot connect to the Internet through your wireless router or access point.
How to solve 103-1604: You must restart the Wii U console and power cycle your network devices. Additionally, you may need to create a new Internet connection and delete previous existing ones within the Wii U console’s settings.
If the problem persists: Try shortening the distance between the console and your network device. Also, make sure there aren’t any metallic or electronic objects between both. Furthermore, if your network device is close to the floor, try moving it to a higher location to improve signal strength.
Error Code 103-1401
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-1401 explained: This error code indicates your Wii U console failed to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
How to solve 103-1401: We recommend you power cycle your router or modem, as well as the console. You do so by safely turning the console off, unplugging both from your power outlet, waiting up to 1 minute, then plugging them back in. After waiting for a few minutes, turn on the console and play as you usually would. Should the error persist, try creating a new connection within your Wii U console’s settings. You may need to delete previous connections.
If the problem persists: Contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator. Alternatively, you may try port forwarding.
Error Code 103-1606
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-1606 explained: This error code indicates a failure to connect to the Internet through your network device.
How to solve 103-1606: We recommend deleting previous connections within the Wii U’s console settings. Then, power cycle both your console and router simultaneously. You can do so by turning the console off, unplugging both devices’ power cables, waiting up to 1 minute, and plugging them back in. Try creating a new Internet connection through the console’s settings after.
If the problem persists: Move any metallic objects or electronic devices away from your network device and your console. Make sure there aren’t many walls or floors between them as well. You may have to contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator if the issue persists.
Error Code 103-1605
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
Error code 103-1605 explained: This error code indicates your Wii U console has problems establishing a stable connection to the Internet.
How to solve 103-1605: Try power cycling both your console and your router or modem.
If the problem persists: We suggest creating a new connection through your Wii U console’s settings. It is recommended you delete previous old connections too.
Error Code 105-4206
- Severity: Minor to moderate
- Problem Category: Network/Software
Error code 105-4206 explained: This error code indicates a failure to update your Wii U console.
How to solve 105-4206: Try shortening the physical gap between your router or modem and your console. In addition, make sure there are no electronic devices or metallic objects between them that may be interfering with your Wi-Fi signal. You must guarantee a stable Internet connection so your console’s update process isn’t interrupted.
If the problem persists: Try changing the channel on the Wi-Fi router. Also, check Nintendo’s status page and look for any recent notifications regarding potential connectivity issues within the global network.
Wii U Hardware Related Error Codes
While network problems are relatively easy to fix with a little tweaking, hardware problems are a whole different league with a console as old as the Wii U. Get ready to disassemble the console if needed, stock up some extra cash for spare parts and cleaning kits, and prepare yourself mentally for the worst scenario possible – a bricked console.
Error Code 150-2031
- Severity: Minor to moderate
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 150-2031 explained: It indicates your Wii U console’s disc or lens is too dirty or potentially damaged.
How to solve 150-2031: If the error takes place when playing a specific game, try wiping the disc using a soft cloth from the center to the outer edge in straight lines, never in circles. If the error takes place when playing any disc, the lens may be the problem, so carefully wipe it clean with the Wii U Lens Cleaning Kit. Follow the kit package’s instructions.
If the problem persists: Try switching between Wii and Wii U modes. Alternatively, make sure your system is fully updated, remove the disc and reboot the system.
Connected error code: 150-1031, that we’ll explain below:
Error Code 150-1031
- Severity: Minor to moderate
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 150-1031 explained: Similar to the 150-2031 error, this one also indicates that either the Wii U disc or lens in your system may be dirty or damaged.
How to solve 150-1031: If the error takes place when playing a specific game, wipe the disc using a soft cloth in straight lines (never in circles) from the center to the outside edge. If the error takes place when playing any disc, try carefully cleaning the lens with the Wii U Lens Cleaning Kit while following the instructions in the kit package.
If the problem persists: Try switching between Wii and Wii U modes. You may also try fully updating your Wii U, removing the disc, and rebooting the system.
Error Code 160-1400
- Severity: Moderate to severe
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 160-1400 explained: This error code may indicate a failing logic board or disk drive in your Wii U console.
How to solve 160-1400: Make sure your system is up to date, then remove any discs that may be inserted. Afterward, turn off and unplug the power cable from your console, then leave it unplugged for 1 minute. Plug it back, turn your console on and try playing as you usually would.
If the problem persists: You may try attaching a hard drive to the console through a USB port and installing and running games from it. Otherwise, you may be able to replace or repair your failing logic board or disk drive, though it may cost more than buying a new system.
Error Code 150-3032
- Severity: Minor to moderate
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 150-3032 explained: This error code indicates you tried using an unsupported external storage device.
How to solve 150-3032: Nintendo recommends using an external hard disk drive (HDD) for proper storage and game data. You should avoid using flash drives such as pen drives or any kind of USB-based drives, as these corrupt easily, don’t support enough power, and are not reliable for constant reading and writing of data.
If the problem persists: And you are already using an external HDD, a lack of power may be the cause of your problem. Nintendo instructs external HDD users to connect the device to the console through a dual power Y cable.
Error Code 160-0105
- Severity: Moderate
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 160-0105 explained: This error code indicates problems with your external storage device.
How to solve 160-0105: If you have been using a USB flash drive as your primary storage device, we recommend switching to an external hard disk drive (HDD) connected to your console through a dual power Y cable. USB drives are not equipped to deal with volatile power voltages from the console and should not be trusted with your data.
If the problem persists: And you have been using a USB flash drive, try switching your device to a different USB port. If you were using an HDD, you might need to repair or replace it.
Error Code 160-2713
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 160-2713 explained: This error code indicates a lack of power on your Wii U console’s external storage device.
How to solve 160-2713: A common cause for this error is using USB flash drives as storage devices. Moreover, Nintendo recommends its users use an external hard disk drive (HDD) attached to the console through a dual power Y cable. USB flash drives tend to not correctly handle the voltage volatility that comes with a direct USB connection to the console. As a result, they are the culprit of multiple Wii U storage device-related errors.
If the problem persists: And you were using a USB flash drive as your primary storage drive, try plugging it into a PC and reformatting it. Otherwise, you may have to replace or repair your drive. Again, you should use an external HDD powered via Y cable.
Error Code 165-6596
- Severity: Severe
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 165-6596 explained: This error code indicates issues when using the Wii U GamePad.
How to solve 165-6596: Try holding down the GamePad’s POWER Button long enough to power it off. Turn it back on and check if the issue is resolved.
If the problem persists: Your GamePad’s NFC reader is likely faulty or broken. You may have to repair or replace it, but we still recommend contacting Nintendo’s customer support beforehand. As an alternative, you can try opening your GamePad up, readjusting the NFC chip housing, and re-affirming any wires attached to the mounting plate. Be advised, though, trying to repair your GamePad yourself will void your warranty.
Error Code 160-4711
- Severity: Moderate to severe
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 160-4711 explained: This error code indicates data corruption within your Wii U storage device.
How to solve 160-4711: Normally, data corruption occurs due to a faulty or dying storage drive. Unfortunately, our recommendation is to repair or, better yet, replace your drive. You should avoid USB flash drives, as they have finite read and write cycles, and they can’t correctly handle the Wii U console’s voltage volatility. Nintendo suggests using an external hard disk drive (HDD) connected to the console through a Y cable so it can get enough power.
If the problem persists: Try using other USB ports. If there’s no change, directly contact Nintendo’s customer support.
Error Code 157-1116
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Hardware
Error code 157-1116 explained: This error code indicates the Wii U console failed to read the inserted disc.
How to solve 157-1116: Firstly, make sure the inserted disc is either a Wii or Wii U game disc. Afterward, try switching between your console’s Wii and Wii U modes. If the error showed up after a system update, try power cycling the console.
If the problem persists: Try cleaning the disc with a slightly damp cloth from the center to its outside edges. It is paramount that you do not wipe it in circles. If the issue persists, Nintendo’s customer support may be of help.
Error Code 160-1402
- Severity: Moderate to severe
- Problem Category: Hardware
Explaining the error code 160-1402: This error code indicates a hardware incompatibility between your Wii U console’s logic board and internal disc drive.
How to solve 160-1402: The Wii U’s drive board has a console-specific key coded in its software, allowing it to work only when paired with its original logic board. This error code tends to occur when users replace the drive board from a console, but not the logic board as well. To fix this, you will need to replace the logic board along with the drive board.
If the problem persists: You are probably out of luck and will need to buy a new Wii U console.
Wii U Software Related Error Codes
Thanks to Nintendo’s regular updates even a decade after the console’s release, the Wii U doesn’t suffer as badly on the software side. If you do happen to get the occasional software related error code, the solutions below might help you resolve your problems, starting off with error code 112-2903 –
Error Code 112-2903
- Severity: Minor to moderate
- Problem Category: Software
Error code 112-2903 explained: This error code indicates a problem when reproducing a video with an incorrect audio channel setting.
How to solve 112-2903: The Wii U Homebrew Browser does not support 5.1 surround sound audio content, and you may encounter this error when trying to play a video or any kind of media with this audio setting. You must switch the audio channels to stereo or a 2-channel audio setting to successfully play the media.
If the problem persists: Clear your browser’s cookies and reset your audio settings. If the issue persists, contact Nintendo’s customer support.
Error Code 160-0103
- Severity: Moderate to Severe
- Problem Category: Software/Hardware
Error code 160-0103 explained: This code indicates an outdated system version or a corrupted system memory at worst.
How to solve 160-0103: Make sure your system is up to date by selecting System Settings on the Wii U Menu, finding System Update, and beginning the update. When your system is fully updated, remove the disc and reboot the system.
If the problem persists: And there are no external storage devices in use, there is probably an irreparable issue with the console.
Conclusion
Despite the Switch’s success, it’s hard to beat the nostalgia and memories attached to the Wii U, which is why its dedicated fan base still continues to play on the console to date. For those fans and anyone still playing the Wii U today, we hope our guide was able to resolve your issues and helped you play on your Wii U for many years to come.