Nintendo consoles always seem to leave a lasting impression on their fans, and the GameCube is no exception. However, while the early models of the Nintendo Wii featured backwards compatibility, the Wii U did not.

Don't worry, though, the Wii U can play GameCube games. Restoring backwards compatibility is easy when you use Nintendont. This Homebrew software puts the GameCube back on the Wii U while adding extra features to boot.

Here's how to play GameCube games on your Wii U with Nintendont.

What Is Nintendont?

Nintendont isn't an emulator because it doesn't need to emulate the GameCube's hardware. When Nintendo ditched GameCube support on the Wii U, they effectively flipped a virtual switch to turn the feature off.

Nintendont turns that switch back on again, allowing you to run GameCube natively at full speed. This exploit is possible as the "final" firmware used on the original Wii and in vWii mode on the Wii U is susceptible to tampering.

By installing the Homebrew Channel, it's possible to install and run all sorts of additional applications on your Wii, including these great emulators to run on your Wii. Nintendont is a bootloader for GameCube games, and runs on the Nintendo Wii and Wii U.

Can You Play Nintendo GameCube Games on Wii U?

wii u gamecube

If you’re wondering if you can play Nintendo GameCube games on the Wii U, the answer is “yes, you can.” But the process isn’t straightforward. For example, installing Nintendont does not mean that your Wii U can play your original GameCube discs (but we'll get to that later).

Installing Nintendont on the Wii U instantly expands the platform's comparatively limited library by an additional 600-plus titles. That's a massive advantage that adds to the existing Wii U titles and most of the Wii library.

Nintendont also brings some useful new features to the Wii U:

  • Memory card emulation, allowing local save game storage
  • Support for Bluetooth controllers like the Sony PS3 and PS4 controllers
  • Support for common USB controllers
  • You'll also be able to use a GameCube controller adaptor for the Wii U
  • Force games to use higher video resolution and output in 16:9
  • Access to a cheat database

Nintendont also works on the Nintendo Wii, which allows you to use original GameCube discs. Conversely, the Wii U spits out the small 8cm discs.

For Wii U owners, GameCube titles need to be ripped to a disk image file. Just make sure you own the originals, as piracy IS illegal.

For Wii owners, installing Nintendont adds support for new controllers and graphical enhancements. Similarly, Wii owners can use original GameCube memory cards.

Essentially, installing Nintendont means you get to use your console in a new way.

You Need to the Homebrew Channel to Install Gamecube Games on Your Wii or Wii U

Nintendont doesn't require any additional USB loaders, cIOS revisions, or other tweaks. You just need to get your console to a state where the Homebrew Channel has been installed.

To install Nintendont on your Wii U or Wii, you'll first need to install the Homebrew Channel, which essentially “unlocks” your console.

Our guide to installing Homebrew on the Nintendo Wii and Wii U with the LetterBomb hack explains this process.

If you already have the Homebrew Channel installed, you can skip this step.

Install Nintendont on the Nintendo Wii U

With Homebrew installed on your Nintendo, follow these steps:

  • Format an SD card, maximum 8GB, to FAT32
  • Head to the Nintendont project at GitHub and download:
  • Save these to a folder on the SD card called apps/nintendont/
  • Rename loader.dol as boot.dol
  • In the root of the SD card, create a new folder called /games
  • Copy GameCube game files to the /games/ directory
    • For two-disc games, place both disc images in a subdirectory, /games/TITLE (where TITLE should be the name of the game) and rename disc 1 to game.iso and disc2 to disc2.iso
  • Insert the SD card in the Wii U
  • Start the Homebrew Channel, select Nintendont, and load the GameCube title

Playing GameCube games on the Wii U is that easy.

Nintendont Features for Managing GameCube Games on Wii U

With Nintendont running you are given the choice of SD or USB storage, as well as original media (disc drive).

Nintendont settings menu

However, there's also a settings menu to explore. A few settings you might want to enable include:

  • Memcard Emulation: Uses your USB or SD device to store games (turn this off to use physical memory cards)
  • Force Widescreen: Self-explanatory, may break things
  • Force Progressive: Always use 480p, again, may break things
  • Auto Boot: Allows you to resume the last game you were playing when you launch Nintendont (hold B on your WiiMote at startup to bypass)
  • Native Control: Enables support for real GameCube accessories on a Wii, like the Game Boy Advance link cable. Disable this to use other USB controllers with Nintendont
  • Patch PAL50: Worth trying if you can't get certain games working, for example, Super Mario Sunshine

From the Settings screen, you can access the Update menu. Choose Download controllers.zip to use USB controllers like the PS4 controller with your console.

Once installed, Nintendont should detect any USB controller you attach.

How to Play Nintendo GameCube Games on the Wii

As noted earlier, Nintendont can also run in Homebrew on the Nintendo Wii. Not all models of the Wii can play GameCube games without modding the console. However, they can read the physical discs with a little tweaking, in some ways, making it preferable to playing GameCube games on your Wii U.

So, you can install the Homebrew Channel, and set up Nintendont on your SD card as described above. Then simply insert your favorite old GameCube disc and start playing.

This also means that if you have both consoles, you can use the Nintendo Wii to rip your own GameCube discs. Use a tool called CleanRip to do this, saving the ZIP file to the /apps/ directory as with Nintendont.

Launch CleanRip in Nintendont on the Wii with the GameCube game disc inserted. The disc will be ripped and saved to the SD card.

Some GameCube games you might want to play are Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. All of which are absolute classics. And don't forget the best Metroidvania games too!

Can Your Wii U Play GameCube Games?

Newcomers and gaming veterans alike praise the GameCube for its classic design, iconic titles, and nostalgic appeal. Luckily, you don't need a GameCube to play your favorite games anymore. While it requires some modding, your Wii U game can play GameCube games. Using Nintendont brings the GameCube back to the Wii U while enhancing your overall experience with tons of great features.