Nintendo Support

External USB Storage Devices That Have Been Tested To Work with Wii U

The Wii U systems offer internal storage for game save data and downloadable software and you can expand the storage memory by connecting an external USB-linked hard disc drive.

USB storage devices can be connected to Wii U via the console's front or rear USB 2.0 ports.

Please note that only one external USB storage device can be used at a time and you cannot remove/connect it while the power is on.

We have found that the following external storage devices work with the Wii U system; these device(s) have been subjected to basic performance tests:

Buffalo

2 TB DriveStation External Hard Drive: HD-LB2.0TU3-A3

Toshiba

2 TB Canvio Desk Black/Black: HDWC120AK3J1

2 TB Canvio Desk Black/White: HDWC120AW3J1

In order to use the following USB storage devices, Wii U system software version 2.1.0E or later is required.

Seagate

Backup Plus Desktop Drive

2TB : STCA2000300

Expansion Desktop

2TB : STBV2000300

Western Digital (WD)

My BookTM

2TB: WDBACW0020HBK

Please note: availability varies by country.

We will expand this list as more devices are confirmed to work with Wii U.

  • To optimise performance and ensure a consistent experience, all USB storage devices must be formatted and configured for use with the Wii U console. Once a device has been configured for use with a Wii U console, it cannot be used with another Wii U console, PC, or MAC unless it is reformatted. Please be sure to back up any content before formatting the hard drive for Wii U as this content cannot be recovered.

  • Please note that we do not guarantee the performance of the devices.

  • Specifications of these devices are subject to change, and there is a possibility that these devices may not function properly with the Wii U system due to a specification change.

  • Please contact the manufacturer of the USB hard disc drive if there are technical issues or problems with your USB hard disc drive.