no, you don't need a persistent hack before doing this.
you can use temporary homebrew enabled applications to install the games to your console, then the game will stay on the console and can be launched without using any homebrew.
system menu > Browser > homebrew channel > wup installer
then you launch your game from system menu > select your game
Note that it's not always the case:
if you install a game from your region, and originating from a Disc (game released as DISC format), it will work without launching a homebrew before launching the game.
all other games (games released on eShop only, DLC, custom games, other region, etc.) will require a patch to install and launch.
system menu > CFW patches > non legit games install or launch
The CFW can also be temporary or persistent, it's up to you to choose your patching method.
full detail is on the previous page (users should at least read last few pages before asking the same question over and over, it's asked on EVERY pages).
https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-u...-internal-memory.445514/page-225#post-6979027
is that info missing on the first post, or just not read by users?
I should add it or make it more visible, for the users reading it.
edit:
I added it at the top, in the description of the method.