Can you redownload purchased games on Wii U after eShop closes?
The Nintendo eShop has closed its doors, and with it, the ability to purchase new games. But what about the games you already own? Can you still redownload them? The answer is yes, but there are some caveats.
Foreseeable Future
As per Nintendo’s official statement, you will be able to redownload games, apps, themes, and special demos on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS for the foreseeable future. This means that you can still access and play your games without any issues.
How to Redownload Games
To redownload a game, follow these steps:
- Make sure you have a Nintendo Network ID (NNID) linked to your Wii U console.
- Sign in to your NNID account on your Wii U console.
- Go to the Wii U Home Menu and select the game you want to redownload.
- Click on the "Download" button to start the download process.
- Wait for the download to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of the game.
Game Icons and Downloading
Note: Not all games will have an icon on the Wii U Home Menu after the eShop closes. However, if a game has an icon, it means that you can still redownload it. If a game does not have an icon, it means that it has been deleted and cannot be redownloaded.
Why Some Games May Not Have Icons
Some games may not have icons on the Wii U Home Menu because they were never actually downloaded to your console. In these cases, you will not be able to redownload them.
Consequences of Not Having Icons
If a game does not have an icon on the Wii U Home Menu, it means that you will not be able to redownload it. However, this does not mean that the game has been deleted. You can still access and play the game as long as you have a backup copy of the game data.
Tips for Finding Deleted Games
If a game has been deleted and you want to redownload it, you can try the following:
- Check your Wii U console for a backup copy of the game data. If you have a backup copy, you can restore it to your console and access the game.
- Check your NNID account for a copy of the game data. If you have a copy of the game data stored on your NNID account, you can download it to your Wii U console.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you can redownload purchased games on Wii U after eShop closes. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind. Make sure you have a Nintendo Network ID linked to your Wii U console, and check for game icons on the Wii U Home Menu. If a game does not have an icon, it may have been deleted and cannot be redownloaded. But don’t worry, you can still access and play the game as long as you have a backup copy of the game data.
FAQs
- What happens if I don’t have a backup copy of the game data? If you don’t have a backup copy of the game data, you may not be able to access the game after the eShop closes. It is recommended that you create a backup copy of your game data regularly to avoid losing access to your games.
- Can I transfer my games to a new Wii U console? Yes, you can transfer your games to a new Wii U console. Make sure you have a Nintendo Network ID linked to your new console and that you have a backup copy of your game data.
- What happens if I forget my NNID password? If you forget your NNID password, you will need to reset it. You can do this by going to the Nintendo website and following the prompts.
Table: Game Download and Icon Status
| Game Status | Download Status | Icon Status |
|---|---|---|
| Downloaded | Downloadable | Icon present |
| Not Downloaded | Not downloadable | Icon not present |
Bullets List: Benefits of Redownloading Games
- You can still access and play your games
- You can restore your game data if you lose it
- You can transfer your games to a new Wii U console
- You can create a backup copy of your game data to avoid losing access to your games