How to Back Up Wii Games to the Computer

by Matt Skaggs
The Wii provides external storage options via SD cards.

The Wii provides external storage options via SD cards.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images News/Getty Images

If you've spent a lot of time playing games on your Wii, losing your saved data through an error on the Wii console would be a significant loss for you. While such errors are rare, it's a good idea to back up your game files just in case. You can easily back up your data to an SD card and then transfer it to your computer for an added measure of security.

Backing Up to the SD Card

Step 1

Turn on your Wii.

Step 2

Insert the SD card into the Wii's SD card slot, which is located just underneath a flip-up cover below the disc slot.

Step 3

Select "Wii Settings" from the Wii main menu, then "Data Management," "Save Data," and, finally, the "Wii" tab. You should now see all the saved game data on your console.

Step 4

Select the saved game data you want to copy -- this will bring up the options for that file -- and then select the "Copy" option.

Step 5

Select "Yes" when the Wii prompts you and then select "Copy to SD Card." Continue to copy each of the saved game files that you want to back up.

Step 6

Remove the SD card from the Wii.

Backing Up to Your Computer

Step 1

Insert the SD card into your computer's SD card reader.

Step 2

Click the "Start" menu on your PC and select "Computer."

Step 3

Double-click the SD card, which your PC displays as a drive in the "Computer" window.

Step 4

Right-click the folder labeled "Private" and click "Copy." This folder has all of the saved game data in it.

Step 5

Navigate to the location at which you want to back up the files on your computer. You can put them anywhere, but you should make sure you save them in a place you can find easily later.

Step 6

Click the "Edit" option at the top of the window and select "Paste" to back up the files at that location. If you're backing up the game data to your desktop, you can right-click anywhere on the desktop and select "Paste."

Tip

  • If you want to use an SDHC card, you must have at least Wii Menu 4.0 running on the console. Any Wii version can use a standard SD card, though.

Warning

  • Some titles do not allow for their saved game data to be copied to SD cards (especially those that have online play components).

About the Author

A self-professed nerd who can't get enough of geeky gadgets, technology blogs and product reviews, Matt Skaggs began writing professionally in 2010. His work has appeared on various websites. In 2008 Skaggs graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities.

Photo Credits

  • Scott Barbour/Getty Images News/Getty Images