# Best Wii U emulator: Cemu, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/wiiu/ · Reference: WEM-WIIU-V7BV

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/wiiu/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo, 2012.

## Recommended: Cemu

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the Wii U, the Gold Cartridge pick is Cemu.

Cemu is the only Wii U emulator that plays games properly, and it plays most of the library very well, often at higher resolutions and frame rates than the console managed. It went open source in 2022 and now has a proper Linux build too.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux. Open source. Download: https://cemu.info

**macOS is experimental:** The Cemu team calls its Mac build experimental and not ready for trouble-free play. It runs through MoltenVK, and performance on Apple Silicon can suffer.

**Keys required:** Encrypted games need your console's keys. Dump your games and keys from your own Wii U.

## Alternatives

- [decaf-emu](https://github.com/decaf-emu/decaf-emu) (Windows · Linux, open source): An experimental research project rather than something you play games on. Interesting to follow, but use Cemu.

## RetroArch cores

There's no Wii U core. Use standalone Cemu.

## Hardware

- CPU: IBM Espresso, 3 cores @ 1.24 GHz
- GPU: AMD Latte @ 550 MHz
- Memory: 2GB DDR3 (1GB for games)
- Output: Up to 1080p + GamePad screen
- Library: ~800 retail and eShop games

## Notes

### One emulator, and a good one

Wii U emulation is basically a one-horse race, which would be worrying if the horse weren't so capable. Breath of the Wild, Xenoblade Chronicles X and most of the first-party catalogue run well on a reasonably modern PC.

Most of Nintendo's best Wii U games were later ported to Switch, so it's worth checking whether that version suits you better.

### The GamePad problem

The Wii U's controller has its own screen. Cemu lets you show the GamePad view in a separate window or swap to it with a button, which covers most games. A few that rely on both screens and touch at once are clumsy with a mouse.

Community graphics packs, downloadable from inside Cemu, add resolution and frame-rate options per game. Turn them on.

## Support the developers

- [Star on GitHub](https://github.com/cemu-project/Cemu)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which Wii U emulator should I use on Android?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+Wii+U+emulator+should+I+use+on+Android%3F&page=%2Fwiiu%2F&via=page)
- [Does Wii U emulation need a BIOS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Does+Wii+U+emulation+need+a+BIOS%3F&page=%2Fwiiu%2F&via=page)