Nintendo of America

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Troubleshooting Game Disc Problems (Including Disc Read Error Messages)

This section covers troubleshooting information for problems with playing single or multiple Game Discs. Many Game Disc issues include an error message, such as "Unable to Read the Disc." Please check for the symptom you are experiencing, below.

Please note that the Wii is only compatible with Wii and Nintendo GameCube Game Discs. All other types of discs, such as DVD movies, CDs, etc., will not play in the Wii console. Inserting any other type of disc will result in a "Unable to read the disc" message.

Playing Super Smash Bros. Brawl? Click here for specific help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    "Unable to read the disc" / "Disc could not be read"

    Playing Super Smash Bros. Brawl? Click here for specific help.

    If you are getting one of the above error messages:

  • Ensure that you are properly loading a Game Disc.

    • If your console is placed vertically, the disc label will face to the right.
    • If your console is placed horizontally, the disc label will face upwards

  • If you know you are inserting the Game Disc correctly, but are still have the same problem with only one game (or if you only have one game), try cleaning the Game Disc by following the disc cleaning procedures (click here).

    • If after reading the above information you are still unable to play a game disc, please call 1-800-255-3700 to discuss available options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Games Freeze

    Occasional lockups with video games can happen from time-to-time and do not necessarily indicate a need for repair or replacement. If you are experiencing frequent lockups, or a particular game always locks up in the same area, please see the information below.

  • Make sure you are using only licensed accessories. Unlicensed products and accessories do not undergo Nintendo's testing and evaluation process. They may not work at all with our game systems, and they may have compatibility problems with certain games or accessories.

  • If a game freezes while playing, usually the power, reset, and eject buttons will not respond. Try unplugging the AC Adapter from the back of the console, then check the air vents to make sure they're not being blocked.

    • If the information listed above did not help, please select from the links below so that we may help narrow the problem. How many games are regularly "freezing"?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Won't accept discs or discs immediately eject (including "An error has occurred eject disc" message)

    This indicates a problem with the Wii console and it will need to be repaired. Please call 1-800-255-3700 to discuss available options.

 

 

 

 

 

    "Insert Startup Disc" Error Message

    This indicates a problem with the Wii console and it will need to be repaired. Please call 1-800-255-3700 to discuss available options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Problems with one specific game

  • Check our list of known Game issues, to see if the game you are playing has any known issues.

  • Check the bottom of the Game Disc (the side without any labels or writing) for any dirt or damage (such as cracks, scratches, etc.).

    • If the game looks significantly damaged, such as with scratches or cracks, it will need to be replaced. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

    • If the game looks dirty (fingerprints, smudges), try cleaning the Game Disc by clicking here. If the problem persists, the Game Disc will need to be replaced. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

    If the above information does not solve your problem, then the Game Disc will need to be replaced. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Only have one Game Disc

  • Check our list of known Game issues, to see if the game you are playing has any known issues.

  • Check the bottom of the Game Disc (the side without any labels or writing) for any dirt or damage (such as cracks, scratches, etc.).

    • If the game looks significantly damaged, such as with scratches or cracks, it will need to be replaced. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

    • If the game looks dirty (fingerprints, smudges), try cleaning the Game Disc by clicking here. If the problem persists, the Game Disc will need to be replaced. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

  • Can you try the Game Disc in another Wii console? If so, this can help narrow down the problem.

    • Yes, tried the Game Disc in another Wii console but the Game Disc still will not play:
      The problem appears to be with the Game Disc. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

    • Yes, tried the Game Disc in another Wii console and the Game Disc worked properly:
      The problem appears to be with the Wii console itself, and a repair is necessary. Please click here for repair options.

    • No, you are not able to try the Game Disc in another Wii console:
      At this time it is difficult to determine if the problem is with the Wii console or the Game Disc, and we recommend a repair for your Wii console and game. Please click here for repair options.

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    Problems with some games (not all)

  • Are you able to play one type of Game Disc but not another (for example, you can play Wii Game Discs but not Nintendo GameCube Game Discs)? If so, then it is likely there is a problem with the Wii console and it will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair options.

  • Check the bottom of the Game Disc (the side without any labels or writing) for any dirt or damage (such as cracks, scratches, etc.).

    • If the games look significantly damaged, such as with scratches or cracks, it will need to be replaced. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

    • If the game looks dirty (fingerprints, smudges), try cleaning the Game Discs by clicking here. If the problem persists, the Game Discs will need to be replaced. Please click here for our Game Disc replacement options.

    If the above information does not solve your problem, then it appears there is a problem with the Wii console and it will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair options.

 

 

 

    Problems with all discs

    This indicates the problem is likely with the Wii console and it will need to be repaired. Please click here for available repair options.