Situation:

• There are noticeable video issues while playing Virtual Console games in Wii Mode.
• Black bars on the screen when playing Virtual Console games.

Applies To: Yes

 

Information:

• This is a result of the way in which larger TVs, particularly widescreen TVs, process the image. The images would also appear if you had the original NES connected to your television. Although there is not a way to adjust this image to reduce the effect, the game is still playable.

 

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

Applies To: No

Was the game originally released for the NEOGEO, NES, Super NES, or Sega Genesis?

• Yes
• No

 

Applies To: Not originally for NEOGEO, NES, Super NES, or Sega Genesis
What to Do:

• Change the resolution settings.

• Try different resolutions if they are available. For instance, if you are using 480i, attempt to use 480p. Or, if you are using 1080i, try 480p, and so on.

• Update your system. (How To)
• Alter the way in which your TV is connected to the Wii U.

• If you are using a cable box, VCR, or other device to connect the Wii U console to your television, bypass it and connect the console directly to your TV.
• Check your TV for alternative settings, such as a Game Mode.

• This information can be found in the television's manual.

• If you are currently connected via an HDMI connection, try connecting with Wii AV Cables or Wii Component Video Cables if they are available and setting the resolution to 480p. (How To)

 

Still Not Resolved?

• Some TVs and other electronic components have video processing systems that cannot properly interpret the signals used in earlier games. For this reason, you will need to pursue an alternative hookup solution if this issue persists.

 
 
Did you find what you were looking for?


Applies To: Originally for NEOGEO, NES, Super NES, or Sega Genesis
What to Do:

• Change the resolution settings.

• Try different resolutions if they are available. For instance, if you are using 480i, attempt to use 480p. Or, if you are using 1080i, try 480p, and so on.

• Change the image output by performing the following:

1. Select the Virtual Console game from the Wii menu, and then select "Start."
2. When the game starts, press the HOME button on the Wii Remote.

• If your screen in blank, listen for the game's music.
• If the screen is blank after the HOME button is pressed, turn the TV off, and then turn it back on.

3. Select "Operations Guide."
4. Connect a Nunchuk to the Wii Remote
5. Press the Z + A + 2 button simultaneously. A sound will be heard if the button combination was entered correctly.

• The Z button is on the Nunchuk.

6. Close the HOME Menu and see if the game is displaying correctly.

• Update your system. (How To)
• Alter the way in which your TV is connected to the Wii U.

• If you are using a cable box, VCR, or other device to connect the Wii U console to your television, bypass it and connect the console directly to your TV.
• Check your TV for alternative settings, such as a Game Mode.

• This information can be found in the television's manual.

• If you are currently connected via an HDMI connection, try connecting with Wii AV Cables or Wii Component Video Cables if they are available and setting the resolution to 480p. (How To)

 

Still Not Resolved?

• Some TVs and other electronic components have video processing systems that cannot properly interpret the signals used in earlier games. For this reason, you will need to pursue an alternative hookup solution if this issue persists.

 
 
Did you find what you were looking for?

Answer:

• The "i," as in 1080i, refers to interlaced, the way in which an image is displayed on your television. When using this standard, the image is "painted" onto the screen using two fields to create a frame. One field is comprised of all the odd lines in an image, the other is comprised of all the even lines.
• The "p," as in 1080p, refers to progressive, the way in which an image is displayed on your television. When using this standard, the image is "painted" onto the television screen in sequence, line by line, as one frame or image. Because of this, it offers a clearer image and more adaptability when up-scaling an image with a lower resolution to 1080p.

Description:

• Step by step instructions on telling the difference between a high-speed and standard HDMI cable

Important Note!

• The HDMI cable that comes with the Wii U is a high-speed HDMI cable [model number: WUP-008].

What to do:

1. If you still have the packaging for the HDMI cable, check it to find out if the cable is standard or high-speed.
2. If you do not have the packaging, see if you can find it printed on the cable itself.

• You may find references to 1.2, 1.3, or other numerals printed on the HDMI cable. These are not an indication of the category, and cannot be used to determine if the cable is standard or high-speed.

3. If you cannot determine if your cable is standard or high-speed, use the HDMI cable that came with your Wii U to avoid audio & video issues.

Description:

• Gives tips on improving the image quality on your television

Applies To: HDMI Cable

 

What to Do:

1. Ensure the television is set to the correct settings for your connection type, and that you are not using any special modes that may distort the image, such as zoom.

• This information can be found in your TV's manual.

2. Set the Wii U TV's setting to the max resolution supported by your television.
3. Be sure to use the HDMI cables that came with your Wii U [model number: WUP-008].

• Do not use HDMI cables that are over 20 feet (7m) long.
• Avoid using any extenders, splitters, or other devices when possible and connect the Wii U directly to your TV.
• If you cannot use the HDMI cable that came with the Wii U, ensure you are using a high-speed HDMI cable and not a standard HDMI cable. (How To)
• Ensure that the HDMI cable you are using does not have any frayed sections, cracked connectors, kinks, or bent pins.

4. Make sure all cables are firmly connected and fully inserted into their ports.
5. The image quality and max resolution that is displayed on your television is determined by the following:

• The type of cable used.
• The max resolution of the television your Wii U is connected to, and whether it supports HD or SD resolution.
• This information can be found in the TV's manual.
• The max resolution programed into the software or service you are using. Some movies and games are not encoded to display in full 1080p.
• Check the software's packaging for more information, or contact the publisher if it is not a Nintendo product.
6. If your television has a "Game Mode," use it to see if it resolves any audio / video quality issues you are experiencing.

 

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

Applies To: Wii AV Cable

 

What to Do:

1. Ensure the television is set to the correct settings for your connection type, and that you are not using any special modes that may distort the image, such as zoom.

• This information can be found in your TV's manual.

2. Set the Wii U resolution setting to the max resolution supported by your television.
3. Set the Wii U aspect ratio setting to the correct setting for your TV. (How To)

• 4:3 is used for standard non-HD TVs.
• 16:9 is used for HDTVs and widescreen televisions.

4. Make sure all cables are firmly connected and fully inserted into their ports.
5. Ensure that the Wii AV cable you are using does not have any frayed sections, cracked connectors, kinks, or bent pins.

 

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

Applies To: Wii Component Video Cable

 

What to Do:

1. Ensure the television is set to the correct settings for your connection type, and that you are not using any special modes that may distort the image, such as zoom.

• This information can be found in your TV's manual.

2. Set the Wii U resolution setting to the max resolution supported by your television.
3. The image quality and max resolution that is displayed on your television is determined by the following:

• The type of cable used.
• The max resolution of the television your Wii U is connected to, and whether it supports HD or SD resolution.

• This information can be found in the TV's manual.
• The max resolution programed into the software or service you are using. Some movies and games are not encoded to display in full 1080p.

• Check the software's packaging for more information, or contact the publisher if it is not a Nintendo product.
4. Set the Wii U aspect ratio setting to the correct setting for your TV if it is available. (How To)

• 4:3 is used for standard non-HD TVs.
• 16:9 is used for HDTVs and widescreen televisions.

5. Make sure all cables are firmly connected and fully inserted into their ports.
6. Ensure that the Wii Component Video cable you are using does not have any frayed sections, cracked connectors, kinks, or bent pins.

 

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

Description:

• Step by step instructions on using the Wii U console with a speaker system.

Applies To: HDMI Cable

 

Important Note!

• If your television does not have audio output ports, you will need to connect your external speaker system through an alternative device. Please consult the manual or contact the manufacturer for support.

 

What to Do:

1. If you have not already, connect the Wii U console to the television. (How To)
2. On the back or side of the television, look for audio output ports. These are usually labeled "audio output," "audio out," or "output," but the naming convention may differ from brand to brand.

• If you are unable to locate audio outputs on your television, consult the manual for more information.

3. Connect your speakers to the audio output port on your television.

• Consult each individual device's manual or contact the device manufacturer for support if you are unable to connect the speakers, or if you are unable to get this setup to work.

 

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

Applies To: Wii AV Cable

 

Important Note!

• If you need additional assistance in finding the receiver's input select, check its manual or contact the manufacturer for support.

 

What to Do:

• Connect the Wii U console to the television, but only connect the video (yellow) input. (How To)
• Locate the proper inputs on your speaker system and connect the audio (red & white).
• Switch the audio receiver to the input select that corresponds with where the audio cables are plugged in.

 

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

Applies To: Wii Component Video Cable

 

Important Note!

• If you need additional assistance in finding the receiver's input select, check its manual or contact the manufacturer for support.

 

What to Do:

• Connect the Wii U console to the television, but only connect the video (blue, green, & red) inputs. (How To)
• Locate the proper inputs on your speaker system and connect the audio (red & white).
• Switch the audio receiver to the input select that corresponds with where the audio cables are plugged in.

 

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

Description:

• Step by step instructions on adjusting the screen size setting on the Wii U.

Information:

This feature was introduced with the system update released on April 25th, 2013.

What to do:

1. From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings.".
2. Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "TV" icon and press the A Button.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and tap "Screen Size."

4. Using Left and Right on the +Control Pad, adjust the screen size until the arrows are aligned with the edges of the television screen.

5. Press the A Button to confirm the setting.

   • If the setting is not changed, you will only be able to press the B Button to exit the settings screen.

Situation:

• The television is not displaying Wii U content in 1080p

Important Note!

• 1080p resolution is only supported if you have connected your Wii U console to your TV via an HDMI or Wii Component Video cable.

What to do:

• Ensure that your TV supports 1080p, and that it is set to the correct settings.

• This information should be located in the TV's manual.
• If you are using a Wii Component Video cable, your television, or the media you are viewing, may force the resolution to be lower than 1080p. Check the media and your TV's manual for information.

• Check that the Wii U console settings are correct.
• Troubleshoot the Wii U Connection:s

1. Power off the Wii U console and TV.
2. Remove the current HDMI or Wii Component Video cable from the TV and Wii U console.
3. Check the system hookup to ensure the problem isn't caused by a damaged cable.

• If the cable appears damaged, a licensed replacement may resolve the issue.
• Click here to begin the order process.

4. For testing purposes, use the HDMI cable that came with the Wii U console [model number: WUP-008] and reconnect the Wii U to the TV. If you are using a Wii Component Video cable, ensure it is a licensed product [model number: RVL-011 (found on the AV Multi Out connector)].

• HDMI cables that are over 20 feet (7 m) long can cause video issue and should be avoided.
• If you are using any extenders, splitters, or other devices, bypass them and plug the Wii U directly into the port on your television.
• If you cannot use the HDMI cable that came with the Wii U, ensure you are using a high-speed HDMI cable and not a standard HDMI cable.    (How To)

5. Power on the Wii U console and TV.
6. Test the resolution with software that supports 1080p.

• Try another port on your TV if one is available.
• Try a different cable if one is available.

Still Not Resolved:

• If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.

Situation:

• You receive a Wii U console, but do not have a TV that supports an HDMI connection.

What to do:

If you have purchased a Wii U console, but do not own an HDMI cable, you have three alternative options to connect your Wii U:

• A Wii AV cable (How To)
• A Wii Component Video cable (How To)
• A Wii S-Video cable (How To)

If you currently use any of these cables to connect a Wii to your TV, simply switch the cable plugged into the AV Multi Out Connector on the back of the Wii console to the same connector on the back of the Wii U console.

If you recently switched connection types, you may need to use the Wii U GamePad to adjust these settings before an image will show on the TV. (How to)

Still Not Resolved:

• If you do not have access to a Wii AV cable, a Wii Component Video cable, or a
  Wii S-Video cable, you will need to purchase one before you can connect your Wii U to your television.
• Please see your TV's manual for information about the connection types it supports before purchasing a cable.
• Click here to purchase a cable from Nintendo.