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This wikiHow teaches you how to play games made for Nintendo's discontinued GameCube system on Wii consoles made before October 2011. Wii consoles made in October 2011 or later do not have ports for GameCube controllers and will not play the discs. [1]

How to Play GameCube on the Wii

  1. Connect a GameCube controller to the Wii.
  2. Insert a memory card into the Wii.
  3. Insert GameCube disc into the Wii.
  4. Turn the Wii on, and press the “Home” button.
  5. Select “GameCube” on home screen.
  1. It's above the power button on the console.
    • GameCube-compatible Wii consoles are designed to sit vertically, with the word "Wii" perpendicular to the disc slot.
  2. Connect the end of the controller to the compatible port on top of the Wii console.
    • The Wii can accommodate up to four GameCube controllers.
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  3. It will be next to the GameCube controller slot.
  4. If you'd like to be able to save your progress in GameCube games, insert up to two memory cards into the slots to the left of the GameCube controller slots.
    • You'll have to buy the memory cards separately, and a GameCube memory card is not the same as an SD card. Also, you'll need to open a separate cover to access the memory card slots, the separate cover is right next to the GameCube controller cover.
    • This step is optional. You can play the game without a memory card, but your progress will be lost when you eject the disc.
  5. The labeled side should face to the right, away from the side of the console with the buttons and memory slots.
    • Despite their smaller size, GameCube game discs can be inserted in the same way as their larger Wii counterparts.
  6. Using a Wii controller, press "Home," which is a small, round button with a house icon.
  7. Use the Wii remote to point to the "Disc Channel" and click on GameCube and then Start .
  8. Now you can play the game as you would on a GameCube console, with the same controllers and same "save" options.
    • The Wii menu is inaccessible from GameCube mode. To return to Wii, press the "Eject" button on the bottom-left side of the console, and then press "Reset," which is located between the "Power" button and the memory slots.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Does it have to be a GameCube memory card?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is the only card that can fit in the slot.
  • Question
    Why do I need to insert a Gamecube memory card?
    Community Answer
    Because it stores all of the memory in your games. If you lose it all your memory will be lost.
  • Question
    Can GameCube memory card data be erased on a Wii?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You have to go through system settings in order to erase GameCube memory card data, but it can be done.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the top cover.
      2. Connect a GameCube controller.
      3. Open the front cover.
      4. Insert a memory card.
      5. Insert a GameCube disc.
      6. Press "Home".
      7. Click on GameCube .
      8. Play the game.

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