Nintendo of America

support.nintendo.com

Delete Usage Formatting Procedure

Wii has two types of data that are tied to your specific Wii console:

  • The internal Wii System Memory stores your photos, game save data, messages, address book, etc.
  • The Wii Shop Channel Account is tied to your specific hardware which contains the licenses for your downloaded games, and your account transaction history.

Wii Shop Channel transactions are non-transferable and non-refundable. Returning your Wii console to the store or transferring to a third party without formatting your Wii System Memory or Wii Shop Account account could allow others to see information (e.g., photos, messages, address book) that is tied to your Wii console. Please follow the steps below to delete any personal information. When the steps below are completed, the information erased is not recoverable.

You should format your Wii Shop Channel first, then your Wii system Memory.

1) Format the Wii Shop Channel

2) Format the Wii System Memory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Format the Wii Shop Channel

To clear information from the Wii Shop Channel, including records of your transactions and rights to download software:

  1. Access the Wii Shop Channel.
  2. Select "Settings" from the list of options.
  3. Select "Remove Wii Shop Channel Account."

Once completed, all information will be erased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Format the Wii System Memory

This option is used to delete ALL Channels and ALL save data that have been added to the Wii console and will wipe the system memory clean, as it was when purchased new. Please note that if you also have a Wii Shop Account, that data should be deleted first (click here for instructions).

    To delete ALL Channels and save data
  1. Access the Wii System Settings screen (how to).
  2. Click on the left blue arrow twice to reach the Wii System Settings 3 menu options.
  3. Select " Format Wii System Memory."

  4. If Parental Controls are set, enter the PIN.
  5. If you are sure you want to erase the Wii console's system memory, select "Format three times."
  6. Once the process is complete, you will receive the message "The Wii System Memory has been formatted. The Wii console will now shut down."