Hardware Using USB HDDs with Wii U

[gamecaptor]

Here is a little bit of info about HDD with the Wii U: http://nintendoeverything.com/105652/confirmed-usb-devices-that-work-with-wii-u-hard-disk-notes/

 

[the_randomizer]

So I guess my 500 GB Western Digital MyPassport won't work since it's USB-powered. Bollocks.

Spoiler

not to mention, I doubt I can use HDMI for video while using the red and white connectors for my stereo system since no one confirmed it

 

[porkiewpyne]

So I guess my 500 GB Western Digital MyPassport won't work since it's USB-powered. Bollocks.

On the bright side, at least AC powered HDDs are pretty cheap these days, and are usually cheaper per GB compared to USB powered ones

 

[the_randomizer]

On the bright side, at least AC powered HDDs are pretty cheap these days, and are usually cheaper per GB compared to USB powered ones

Why should I have to buy another HDD? Why the hell wouldn't Nintendo allow those with non-self powered HDDs to use that? That's a pretty d**k move to me.

It's bad enough I can't use my stereo (component white/red) with an HDMI cable (like a PS3 multi out) on my TV.

 

[DiscostewSM]

If data is lost, or data is unable to be written due to some malfunction with the USB hard disk, Nintendo will be unable to recompensate.

That better not include the games themselves.

 

[Cyan]

It's bad enough I can't use my stereo (component white/red) with an HDMI cable (like a PS3 multi out) on my TV.

It's confirmed? well I suppose they won't allow both at the same time (they don't understand user's needs), but let's hope until we test it. maybe a firmware update will enable it at later time, like PS3.

- Depending on the game played, we do not recommend using USB flash memory with games as there are strict limitations on the amount of times data can be overwritten.

That is a very strange concept. It could be that their WFS (WiiU File System) has piracy protection by limiting the amount of time you can transfer the same content? (like a DRM on PC games where you can only copy/burn/install it a limited time).
What I find bad in USB is that it's limited to downloaded content (I hoped we could store/install disc based games, to make the WiiU a USBLoader like Wii homebrew).
Maybe it's possible? or will be updated later? Nintendo is maybe not that kind to let us manage the games like we like.

- Only one USB hard disk may be connected to Wii U at a given time.

I saw a Japanese Nintendo Direct video explaining that you can connect two HDD and copy (transfer all partition?) to a bigger HDD.
I suppose they meant only one is usable for playing/displaying games on the console, but two HDD can be connected for transfer purpose.

That better not include the games themselves.

The games you will have on the USB are downloaded content, they can be downloaded again anytime from eShop/nintendo Network, like WiiWare/VC.

 

[BornInBlack]

Why should I have to buy another HDD? Why the hell wouldn't Nintendo allow those with non-self powered HDDs to use that? That's a pretty d**k move to me.

It's bad enough I can't use my stereo (component white/red) with an HDMI cable (like a PS3 multi out) on my TV.

pretty sure i read somewhere, mightve been 'iwata asks', that portable hard drives with no AC adapter can use a USB -Y cable to supply extra power from the console.

 

[the_randomizer]

You mean one of these? http://www.amazon.com/Apricorn-AUSB-Y-Power-Adapter-Cable/dp/B000JIOHDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353171726&sr=8-1&keywords=usb y cable

or

http://www.amazon.com/Waltzmart-Splitter-Power-Cable-Drive/dp/B009O4ZW56/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353172162&sr=8-2&keywords=hdd y cable

Spoiler

How about using HDMI for video and component for audio? Does anyone know if it works in similar manner to how the PS3 does it? I don't want to get an component/audio splitter.

 

[the_randomizer]

Update: Bus-powered USB hard drives will work, but some will need the Y-cable USB connector. That's a relief, and I doubt the MyPassport HDDs draw that much power.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/18/nintendos-steams-up-the-wii-u-eshop

 

[9thSage]

They say that about the bus powered drives because a lot of them draw a bit more power than they're actually supposed to from the USB bus. So while it might work, I guess they wanted people to know ahead of time of a potential issue there.

 

[the_randomizer]

So, I'll probably need to go to Radio Shack and buy a USB Y-cable. Oh, well, but at least they'll work on it. Now, the next issue is multi A/V out (HDMI video red/white audio a-la PS3).

 

[DSGamer64]

Update: Bus-powered USB hard drives will work, but some will need the Y-cable USB connector. That's a relief, and I doubt the MyPassport HDDs draw that much power.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/18/nintendos-steams-up-the-wii-u-eshop

It's probably for larger drives, 1 and 2TB drives draw more energy then a 320GB or 500 would. Makes sense, and it's a simple and cheaper fix to be completely honest. I wonder how well an SSD would work in a casing, because quite frankly I don't like mechanical drives that much.

 

[the_randomizer]

Then my 500GB would work just fine, since bigger drives draw more electricity. Oh, and I just got the Wii U 40 minutes ago.

 

[HaTaX]

My Toshiba 1TB USB2 drive didn't want to power up properly at first (Clicking every few seconds and the system never popped up a format dialog), so I used one of these cables I had picked up a while ago on the cheap:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10303&cs_id=1030303&p_id=5620&seq=1&format=2

Problem solved! For less than a dollar my USB HDD woes are solved, drive works perfect now and I've downloaded 3 full games from the eShop to it.

 

[Arras]

That is a very strange concept. It could be that their WFS (WiiU File System) has piracy protection by limiting the amount of time you can transfer the same content? (like a DRM on PC games where you can only copy/burn/install it a limited time).

I think they're just referring to the fact that you can only write to Flash memory a certain number of times before it breaks.

 

[Cyan]

But they are talking about USB HDD (usually not SSD), not the internal flash.
And even if it was the flash, it can support thousand of changes.

 

[Arras]

But they are talking about USB HDD (usually not SSD), not the internal flash.
And even if it was the flash, it can support thousand of changes.

USB sticks are flash memory. And yeah I know that, but maybe certain games or something about the way files are handled change data a lot? You're not supposed to defragment them for example. I don't really know either

 

[Cyan]

oh, I forgot about USB sticks
We will see when we will test it. maybe they will explain which games are not good and why.

 

[stomp_442]

I wonder if you can use a powered USB hub with your usb powered HDD (with the Wii U)? I use one when I use a USB powered HDD with my Wii, just so the USB HDD isn't drawing power from my Wii.

 

[Arras]

I wonder if you can use a powered USB hub with your usb powered HDD (with the Wii U)? I use one when I use a USB powered HDD with my Wii, just so the USB HDD isn't drawing power from my Wii.

USB powered HDDs work with the WiiU as long as they don't draw too much power from it. And if they get power from the hub, that should work.