Play GameCube games on Wii U - Here's how

If you also want to play your old Gamecube games on the Wii U, you can do so with a little effort. Due to copy protection, you need a Wii in addition to the Wii U and the Gamecube disc.

Step 1: Prepare SD card for Gamecube games on the Wii U.

1. First you need an SD card. This can also come from the Wii U. Make sure that you have around 2 GB of memory and the card has been formatted in FAT32 format.
2. Download the free CleanRip tool and open the ZIP file. Copy all data directly to the SD card.
3. Second, you need the Devolution tool. Copy the data also into the main folder of the SD card. The files from the "Apps" folder belong in the existing "Apps" folder.
4. Finally, you need another folder. Right-click on an empty space to create the "games" folder. This remains empty for the time being.

Step 2: Transfer the Gamecube game to the SD card

1. Insert the SD card into the Wii U and insert the CD from the Gamecube. Then start the homebrew channel.
2. Select CleanRip here and confirm with "Load". Select the SD card as the input type and, if necessary, confirm the download of the missing files.
3. The data on the Gamecube CD is now transferred to the SD card. Depending on the memory card, this process may take a short while.

Step 3: transfer the Gamecube game to Wii-Mote

1. Go back to the homebrew channel and remove the SD card from the Wii U. Put it back in your computer.
2. In the main directory of the SD card you will find three files that start with "GALPOI". Copy this into the "games" folder.
3. Now insert the SD card into the Wii and remove the memory card as well. Otherwise this will be overwritten.
4. Start the "Devolution" tool in the homebrew channel. Important: You are now working with the Wii, not with the Wii U.
5. Press "1" on the Wii-Mote and then confirm with "A". The screen now turns black briefly.
6. Confirm the formatting of the memory card. When the Gamecube game starts, you can turn off the Wii.

Step 4: start the Gamecube game on the Wii U.

1. Insert the SD card back into the Wii U and connect the Wii-Mote you just used to the Wii U.
2. Open the Wii menu, wait a moment and start the homebrew channel again.
3. If you open the "Devolution" tool again, the required data will be transferred from the Wii-Mote.
4. After a few seconds, the Gamecube game starts on the Wii U.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to record gameplay on the Wii U.