Wii U: firmware downgrade - does it work?

Nintendo regularly provides firmware updates for the Wii U, but can you also downgrade - i.e. return to an older version? We'll tell you.

Firmware downgrade on the Wii U

• Unfortunately, it is not possible to downgrade the firmware on the Wii U. Nor is Nintendo expected to ever provide such a facility.
• Hackers may be able to offer an unofficial downgrade option in the future. However, it is not foreseeable whether and when this will happen.
• If you want to use a Wii U with a lower firmware version, you currently have no choice but to buy a console with a lower firmware and then update it to the desired version if necessary. However, you should never use the console's update function for this, but rather update from a game disc with the appropriate firmware.

You can find out what you can do if your Wii U keeps crashing in our next practical tip.