Editing Wii U emulators

{{Infobox console
|title = Nintendo Wii U
|logo = Wii U.png
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Home consoles|Home video game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Eighth-generation video game consoles|Eighth generation]]
|release = November 2012
|discontinued = January 2017
|predecessor = [[Wii emulators|Wii]]
|successor = [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Switch]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|other emulators that run on Wii U hardware|Emulators on Wii U}} 

The '''Wii U''' is an eighth-generation console released by Nintendo on November 18, 2012, at {{Inflation|USD|349.99|2012}}. It has a 3-core IBM [[POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#PPC_CPUs|PowerPC]] CPU at 1.24 GHz with 2 GBs of RAM and an AMD Radeon GPU. It is the first console by Nintendo to output high-definition (HD) resolutions, such as 720p and 1080p. It includes a tablet-like controller, known as the [[wikipedia:Wii_U_GamePad|Wii U GamePad]], to provide certain additional gameplay. Notably, it can play all [[Wii emulators|Wii]] games as well as support the Wii Remote controllers for native Wii U games.

==Emulators==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features<br/>and peripherals]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
! colspan="10"|PC / x86
|-
| [[Cemu]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
| [https://nightly.link/cemu-project/Cemu/workflows/build_check/main <abbr title="Latest development build">Artifacts</abbr>]<br/>[http://cemu.info/index.html#download {{CemuVer}}]<br/>[https://flathub.org/apps/details/info.cemu.Cemu Flathub]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||[https://compat.cemu.info 53%] ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
| [[Decaf]]
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/decaf-emu/decaf-emu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} || ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
| Kinnay
| align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}
| [https://github.com/kinnay/Wii-U-Firmware-Emulator git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} || ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
! colspan="10"|Mobile / ARM
|-
|Cemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/SSimco/Cemu 1.0] (source only)
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|[https://wiki.cemu.info/wiki/Roadmap#LLVM_as_a_CPU_JIT_backend roadmap]
|}
</div>

<references group=N />

===Comparisons===
;[[Cemu]]  <small class="plainlinks" style="font-weight:normal;">([https://compat.cemu.info compatibility])</small>:An initially closed-source Wii U emulator created in October 2015, regularly updated every 2 to 5 weeks. It can run a sizeable amount of games. As of 2022, Cemu is no longer in the experimental stage, it's now fully open-source, and a macOS port has been released.
;[[Decaf]]:Can boot some commercial games. It's developed sporadically.
;Kinnay:Emulates the Wii U processors and hardware at the lowest level. It's able to emulate all the way through boot1, IOSU, and Cafe OS up to the Wii U menu. Written by the leading Decaf developers, exjam and kinnay.

==Hardware features and peripherals==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! cemu
|-
| colspan=2 |[[Wikipedia:Wii_U_system_software#Wii_U_Menu|Wii U Menu]]
|{{~}}[https://wiki.cemu.info/wiki/Wii_U_Menu *]
|-
| colspan=2 |[[Virtual Console]]
|{{✓}}[https://wiki.cemu.info/wiki/Virtual_Console *]
|-
| colspan=2 |[[#Wii_Mode|Wii Mode / vWii]]
|{{✗}}
|-
| colspan=2 |[[#Wii U Optical Disc|Wii U Optical Disc]]
|{{N}}
|-
|Connectivity
|[[#Nintendo_Network|Nintendo Network]]
|{{✓}}
|-
| rowspan=7 | Inputs
| Motion Controls (Gyro)	
| {{~}}
|-
| GamePad Screen
|{{✓}}[https://cemu.info/faq.html <abbr title="See 'How can I see the GamePad screen?' for more information.">*</abbr>]
|-
| GamePad Speaker	
| {{✓}}
|-
| Microphone	
| {{✓}}
|-
| Camera	
| {{✗}}
|-
| IR sensor	
| {{✗}}
|-
| NFC	
| {{~}}<ref group=N2>Cemu allows to load NFC tag from file, but it's not possible to scan NFC tag in real-time via NFC reader.</ref>
|-
| colspan=2|[[Amiibo]]
|{{~}}[[Amiibo#Emulation|*]]
|-
| colspan=2 |[[#Skylanders_Portal_of_Power|Skylanders Portal of Power]]
| {{~}}
|-
| colspan=2 |[[#LEGO_Dimensions_Toy_Pad|LEGO Dimensions Toy Pad]]
| {{~}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N2/>

====Nintendo Network====
{{Main|Nintendo Network}}

====Wii Mode====
:[https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1162/~/how-to-switch-between-wii-and-wii-u-modes Wii Mode]
:[https://wiibrew.org/wiki/VWii WiiBrew: vWii]
The Wii U is compatible with all Wii games and Wii accessories such as the Wii Remote (Plus), Wii Nunchuk, and the Wii Balance Board. It is possible to migrate most downloaded software and save files from a Wii to a Wii U.

Also it supports [[Wii_emulators#Hardware_Features|Wii games that allow you to connect to the DS]] if you're gonna play them on the WiiU.<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/wiiu/comments/244gqn/can_i_connect_an_original_ds_to_the_wiiu_when_its/ Can I connect an original DS to the WiiU when it's in Wii mode?]</ref>

The Wii U is not compatible with GameCube discs or accessories, although a homebrew application for Wii Mode exists that enables GameCube hardware and GameCube controller support. A USB GameCube controller adapter with four ports was released exclusively for use with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and does not support any other Wii or Wii U games.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Wii_U#Backward_compatibility|Wikipedia: Wii U's Backward compatibility]]</ref>

====Wii U Optical Disc====
The Wii U Optical Disc (WUP-006) is the retail physical game medium for the Wii U, with a capacity of 25 GB. There is no 50 GB dual layer version. The Wii U system software is backwards compatible with Wii Optical Discs, but not with GameCube game discs. The Wii U Optical Discs differ in appearance from most other optical discs in that they have soft, rounded edges.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stated, "Wii U does not have DVD or Blu-ray playback capabilities. The reason for that is that we feel that enough people already have devices that are capable of playing DVDs and Blu-ray, such that it didn't warrant the cost involved to build that functionality into the Wii U console because of the patents related to those technologies". Like with the GameCube and Wii optical discs, it was chosen by Nintendo to prevent copyright infringement of games, to reduce cost by avoiding licensing fees to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), and to reduce loading times. This also prevents the console from being modified into a DVD or Blu-ray movie player.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_optical_discs#Wii_U_Optical_Disc]

*cemu has no support for Wii U discs, PC optical drives can't read Wii U discs anyway.
*See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.
*See [[Ripping_games]].

====[https://skylanders.fandom.com/wiki/Portal_of_Power Skylanders Portal of Power]====
[[Cemu]] can communicate to the USB device directly if you have the Skylanders portal even though currently it has [https://wiki.cemu.info/wiki/Skylanders_Portal_FAQ#Known_Issues minor issues]. There is no official Skylanders portal emulation for [[Cemu]] at the moment, but you can use [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw-JhDFvP1M this unofficial modified version] which has an emulated portal of power included.

There is a [https://github.com/cemu-project/Cemu/pull/971 pull request] for adding "Skylanders Portal of Power" emulation to cemu though.

====[https://lego-dimensions.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Components#Toy_Pad LEGO Dimensions Toy Pad]====
[[cemu]] can communicate to the USB device [https://wiki.cemu.info/wiki/LEGO_Dimensions#Configuration if you have the Toy Pad]. Just like [[PlayStation_3_emulators#Peripherals|RPCS3]] there is no Toy Pad emulation for the [[cemu]] at the moment but you can use [https://github.com/Berny23/LD-ToyPad-Emulator#installation LD-ToyPad-Emulator] for that.

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! cemu
|-
| rowspan=7 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| {{Y}}
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#Nintendo_Wii_U|Ultrawide hack]]<br/><small>Widescreen already supported on Wii U system.<br/>But there is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 or super ultrawide 32:9.</small>
| {{Y}}
|-
| [[Texture packs]]
| {{N}}
|-
| Ray-tracing<br/><small>([https://devblogs.microsoft.com/directx/announcing-microsoft-directx-raytracing/ DXR], [https://www.khronos.org/blog/ray-tracing-in-vulkan VRT] and [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/metal/metal_sample_code_library/accelerating_ray_tracing_using_metal MRT])</small>
| <small>Implementing ray-tracing in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>However you can try "[[Shaders_and_filters#Notable_ReShade_shaders|Screen-Space Ray Traced Global Illumination]]" shader using ReShade.[https://reshade.me/forum/general-discussion/5442-release-misc-emulators-with-depth-buffer-access#34388]</small>
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Pre-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>
| {{N}}
|-
| Super-resolution techniques<br/><small>([https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS.md DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])</small>
| <small>Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors so it's quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run cemu at 4k native anyway.</small>
|-
| [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/rtx-remix/wiki RTX Remix]
| colspan=3 | <small>Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>Besides, cemu already supports some of RTX Remix features.<br/>On top of that you can use ReShade for post-processing.</small>
|-
| rowspan=5 | Performance
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
| {{N}}
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes#Wii_U|Internal Framerate Hack]]
| {{Y}}
|-
| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br/><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation ExtraSS] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])</small>
| colspan=3 | <small>Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''.<br/>While '''[https://youtu.be/0PQjAJNhNxU AFMF]''' or '''[https://youtu.be/t5DdQ5Q6s3E LSFG]''' can be used with cemu, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
|-
| Preload [[Wikipedia:Template:Disk_images|optical disc image]] to RAM<br/><small>For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement '''might''' offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when disc images reside on a network drive.<br/>Although keep in mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity.</small>
| {{N}}
|-
| Rendering latency reduction technologies<br/><small>([https://github.com/ishitatsuyuki/LatencyFleX LatencyFleX], [https://developer.nvidia.com/performance-rendering-tools/reflex Reflex] and [https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin/radeon-software-anti-lag.html Anti-Lag'''+'''])
| colspan=3 | <small>While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing rendering latency reduction technologies isn't currently feasible. This is '''likely''' doesn't offer enough benefit to justify the development effort.</small>
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)</small>
| {{~}}<ref group=N2>Possible if game has [https://github.com/cemu-project/cemu_graphic_packs/releases GraphicPacks] for post-rendering AA.</ref>
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>
| {{Y}}
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
| {{N}}[https://github.com/cemu-project/Cemu/issues/1032]
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]]<br/><small>([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])</small>
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
| {{N}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{?}}
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
| {{N}}[https://bugs.cemu.info/issues/369 *]
|-
| Rewind
| {{N}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
| {{N}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/cemu/comments/10729u0/hotkeys_for_game_speed/ *]
|-
| Savestates
| {{N}}[https://github.com/cemu-project/Cemu/pull/953][https://github.com/cemu-project/Cemu/issues/898]
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{N}}[https://tasvideos.org/Forum/Topics/15210?CurrentPage=2&Highlight=440709#440709 *]
|-
| rowspan=2 | Controls
| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]
| {{N}}
|-
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
| {{N}}
|-
| rowspan=8 | Quality of life
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#Wii_U|Streamable compression format]]
| {{Y}}
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in_graphics_mod_editor.2Fmanager_for_emulators|Graphics mod editor/manager]]
| {{N}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
| {{~}}<ref group=N2>Use the [https://old.reddit.com/r/cemu/comments/111vt8e/cheating_on_cemu_how_do_you_do_it/ graphics pack options to enable cheats] in cemu. Right click on your game>select graphic packs, you'll get many other options there.</ref>
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes]<br/><small>For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver].<br/>Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".</small>
| N/A<br/><small>Eighth gen home consoles and beyond only have digital video output anyway.</small>
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.cemu.info/wiki/Tutorial:Game_Profiles *]
|-
| Command Line Options
| {{Y}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/cemu/comments/j7oxnr/about_command_lines_arguments/ *]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Variable_refresh_rate|Variable Refresh Rate compatible]]
| {{Y}}[https://www.reddit.com/r/cemu/comments/143aa3z/how_to_run_cemu_with_hdr_vrr/ *]
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
| {{N}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | Misc
| [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=20 RetroAchievements]
| {{N}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=2 |  Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores]. So there is no support.
|-
| Free Look<br/><small>Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.</small>
| {{~}}<ref group=N2>Have to be done on a per game basis as the cemu didn't have a "Camera" feature like the Dolphin emulator at the moment, so look for game mods like [https://github.com/etra0/botw-freecam botw-freecam]. Also there is a [https://bugs.cemu.info/issues/111 feature request: free cam for cemu].</ref>
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
| {{~}}[https://bugs.cemu.info/issues/98 *]
|}
</div>
<references group=N2/>

==[[Dolphin]] support for Wii U==
You might have read about an unofficial branch of [[Dolphin]] with Wii U support — but don't get your hopes up. While the [[wikipedia:PowerPC|PowerPC]] architecture in the Wii U is the same as the [[Wii emulators|Wii]] and [[GameCube emulators|GameCube]] (this fact alone was the reason why Wii emulation was added to Dolphin. It was originally GameCube-only), this support is nothing more than the file viewer features (region, internal name, various info, list of files and folders inside ISO and a way to extract them) being expanded to Wii U disc images. Nothing has been done on the actual emulation front as far as Dolphin is concerned, and the Dolphin developers have said that they are not interested in adding Wii U support to Dolphin.

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Home consoles]]
[[Category:Eighth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Wii U emulators|*]]
[[Category:PowerPC-based]]