If you’re getting error 160 on your Wii U console, follow the steps listed in this troubleshooting guide to fix it. You should be able to fix this error in less than 5 minutes.
What is Wii U error 160? This error usually indicates that your system may not be up to date or the system memory may be corrupted. Another instance when this error occurs is related to accessing games you’re not authorized to open. Due to this software limitation, the device simply blocks the game.
How Can I Troubleshoot Wii U Error 160?
Fix 1 – Remove the disc and restart the console
If your Wii U is not downloading or installing updates, you may try this solution:
- Press the Eject button to remove the disc
- Now, press and hold the Power button until your console turn off. Remove the Wii U AC adapter when the light turns to red.
- Wait for five minutes, then plug it in again and turn on your console. Don’t forget to disconnect all external storage devices that are being used with the console. Make sure that the external storage device is a recommended type.
- Insert the game disc and check if the error persists.
Fix 2 – Install the latest updates
Make sure that your Wii U console is running the latest OS version.
- Go to System Settings > scroll to the right > locate System Update > tap the icon.
- Select Update to launch the update.
- If the system shows a version you can install, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest Wii U updates. Installing the updates may take a while.
Fix 3 – Update your game
There are instances where this error occurs only when playing certain games. If this happens, the update game data may be corrupted. Try to delete the update, and then download it again.
- Go to System Settings > select Data Management.
- Select Copy/Move/Delete Data > System Memory. Select the problematic game and then select the update that you want to delete.
- Delete only ‘Update Data‘, not “Save Data”.
- Launch the game. Your console will automatically detect the updates and all you need to do is follow the on-screen instructions to update the problematic game.
Fix 4 – Use the game-pad boot up menu
- Shut down your console by pressing the front power button
- Unplug your console by disconnecting all the cables and leave the device unplugged for two minutes
- Plug your Wii U console back in but don’t power it up just yet
- Now, insert a disk to turn the console on (use a game disk you don’t really care about, just in case it gets stuck)
- Error 160 should how up again soon after the game disk is taken in
- Repeat the first 4 steps (as described above from 1 to 4) to put your console in stand-by mode
- Power up your console this time using the game-pad power button
- Go to the game-pad boot up menu and navigate to the Wii U main menu as quickly as you can. Speed is key here.
Fix 5 – Reinstall the game
If updating the game didn’t work, try reinstall it. The simplest and safest way to do that is to re-download it from Nintendo. Don’t forget to backup your game saves, otherwise you’ll lose all your game progress.
Contact Nintendo
If none of the solutions listed above helped you, contact Nintendo Support.
References: