Will the Wii-U be compatible with Gamecube games?

Question

So despite some initial confusion about whether the WiiU was an accessory or a console successor to the Wii, I now understand that it is, in fact, a new console.

During its initial presentation, Nintendo lavished about the fact that the WiiU would be fully backwards compatible, at least with the Wii.

I have also heard that it will use similar disc-based technology as its predecessor, and I was wondering if that applied to the Gamecube mini-discs as well (which the Wii was able to play).

Asked by Raven Dreamer

Answer

According to the specifications found on Nintendo of Japan's website, the drive doesn't accept GameCube's small 8cm discs, only the new high-density discs for Wii U and the normal 12cm Wii discs - so no, it won't be compatible.

This also fits with the likely strategy they use for backwards compatibility; they shut all the new stuff off so the console behaves just like the Wii - that's how they do it on the Wii for GC stuff, on the 3DS for DS stuff, and on the DS for GBA stuff. AFAIK, that technique doesn't work very well if you're trying to chain it like this, since the Wii part would have to turn all of its stuff off to switch to GameCube mode, and that ends up getting way too messy.

Answered by Michael Madsen

Check more discussion of this question.

Differences between the Gamecube and the Wii version of Twilight Princess

Question

What are the differences between the Gamecube and the Wii version of Twilight Princess? Are they just the same game, only with another control scheme (Controller for Gamecube, Wiimote for Wii), or are there any significant differences?

Answer

The main difference is that the whole game is flipped, horizontally. In the Game Cube version, Link is left handed (as he was in all previous games). In the Wii version, he is right handed. In order to avoid re-doing all of the graphics in the game, they just flipped the entire game - Lake Hylia is in the southeast corner instead of the southwest corner, if there is a path to the left in the Game Cube version, it is to the right on the Wii, etc.

I recall that Nintendo stated that this had something to do with players using the Wiimote in their right hand, and the interaction with the game was odd if Link was left handed, but I'm not positive on that.

Check more discussion of this question.

How well were the games in LoZ: Collector's Edition emulated?

Question

The Gamecube game, Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition included four games (The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask) that weren't ported but are emulated on the disc.

Are there are any known problems with this emulation? Are the games slow or glitchy in any way as a result?

Answer

The NES titles run just fine. There are no worries there.

The N64 titles run mostly fine. Sometimes they slow down and "lag" a bit. Get a bit choppy, but run surprisingly well for being emulated on the console that is next gen to it.

Played all the way through Ocarina of Time with no problems. Played all the way through Majora's Mask with only 1 freeze. Both were choppy in parts, but overall very playable experience for me.

Check more discussion of this question.

Where is the big key in Dragon Roost Cavern in Legend of Zelda Wind Waker? And how do I get there?

Question

How do I get the big key in Dragon Roost Cave? I MIGHT know where it is but I might be wrong. But how to do it is the problem

Answer

Its at the top left of this map (floor 1) (mouse over to see text)

You need to stun the magtail and put it on the switch to lower the fire ring

Check more discussion of this question.