Wii U – backing up save data onto a flash drive, reformatting the Wii U, and then copying the save data back onto the Wii U

wii-u

Due to some complications, I might have to reformat my Wii U (basically go to Settings and select "Delete All Content & Settings"). Based on what I read online, if I do this, I will lose all of my save data and any pre-downloaded software. I had Super Mario 3D World pre-downloaded as part of a bundle when I originally bought the Wii U, and I understand that I will lose the game. So I have a couple of questions:

  1. I backed up all of the save data/software onto a 16 gb flash drive. Once I reformat my Wii U, can I go to data management and just copy the data from the flash drive to the Wii U and keep all of the save data.
  2. From my understanding, my NNID will not be deleted when I reformat the Wii U, so in order to redownload my Super Mario 3d World, I just have to create a new user, link my NNID to this user, and redownload the game from the eShop, is this correct?
  3. I had a Wii before my Wii U, and did a system transfer, and right now I have 2 games on my Wii U that I bought from the eShop (Pokemon Rumble and some other game). I didn't see in "Data & Management" an option to copy this data to my flash drive, so when I reformat my Wii U how will I get these 2 games back – do I have to redownload them from the Wii eShop? Also how do I copy the Wii save data for some of my Wii Games (Mario Kart Wii for example) to my flash drive so I can recopy it back.

Just to clarify, I haven't reformatted my Wii U yet, all I have done is copy all of the software/save data I have to a flash drive.

Best Answer

NNID can be transferred to a new user provided it is on the same console.

From Nintendo:

Once a Nintendo Network ID has been associated to a Wii U console, it can only be moved to a new user on the same console where the account was originally created.

Also from Nintendo:

Pre-installed software on the SD card can be re-downloaded from the Nintendo eShop after a system transfer is performed.

Lastly, from Nintendo:

Most of the games that are available through the Nintendo eShop on Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems can also be purchased online through the individual game pages on www.nintendo.com/games. (A Nintendo Account with a linked Nintendo Network ID is required to purchase games through Nintendo's website.) Your game will be automatically downloaded to the system associated to your account

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