The Wii requires an update for compatibility with SDHC cards.
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The Nintendo Wii comes with 512 megabytes of internal storage for game saves, downloaded titles, music and other data. Loading more than a few games onto the console quickly fills the internal storage, leaving users to rely on external memory cards for data storage. Fortunately, the Wii is compatible with some third-party memory cards. In addition, the Wii allows users to transfer game data between the internal memory and an external storage device.
SD Cards
The front panel on the Wii covers a single SD memory card slot. The Wii can save game data to a connected SD card as well as read AAC music files saved to the card for playback in the menu or in compatible games. Consoles manufactured before 2006 only work with standard SD cards up to 2 GB. The Wii Menu 4.0 update adds support for SDHC cards up to 32 GB. The update is factory installed on Wii consoles manufactured after 2006, and it's available as a free download for users with pre-2006 consoles. MiniSD and microSD cards work with the console if connected through an SD card adapter.
Virtual Console Titles
Downloaded Virtual Console games can take a substantial chunk out of the Wii's available memory. Starting with the Wii Menu 4.0 update, users can opt to save Virtual Console games and related saved content to an SD memory card for storage. The game will play as long as the card remains connected to the system. Users can transfer Virtual Console data back to the system's internal memory; however, transfers will only function on the console that was used to purchase the game.
GameCube Memory Cards
The Wii features full backward compatibility with GameCube games and requires a GameCube memory card to save data from inserted GameCube discs. The top panel of the Wii lifts to reveal two GameCube memory card slots. Inserting a memory card allows the user to save GameCube game data but no other information. GameCube data will not save to the system's internal memory or any attached SD memory cards.
USB Memory Cards
Although the Wii has two USB ports on the back of the console, the system is not compatible with USB memory cards and external storage devices. The ports work with several USB accessories, such as microphones and LAN adapters. In addition, most USB keyboards designed for computer use will work with the Wii console, as long as the system uses Wii Menu 3.1 or a newer version.
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Photo Credits
- David Paul Morris/Getty Images News/Getty Images
