How to Play Wii Virtual Console Games on a PC

By Alizarin Black

Updated September 22, 2017

The Wii Virtual Console is a feature on the Nintendo Wii that enables gamers to play classic video game consoles, such as the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 and even the NEO GEO on the Wii. You purchase the console games from the Wii Shop channel. If you want to play Wii Virtual Console games on a PC, you need to download an emulator. Emulators are available on various websites that enable you to play your Virtual Console games on your PC.

Download and install a classic video game console emulator on your PC (see Resources). Every Wii Virtual Console is available on an emulator website to download.

Download the ROM (see Resources). A ROM is a game you play on a PC on an emulator.

Launch the emulator. When you install the emulator, a shortcut icon is created on your desktop. Double-click the emulator to launch the software.

Go to the "File" menu of the emulator, search your hard drive where you saved the ROM and then click "Open" to Play Wii Virtual Console games on a PC.

Tips

Emulators are legal to download.

Purchase a USB game controller if you do not want to play the games on your keyboard. Many of the USB game controllers are "plug and play," meaning you plug it in to your USB port and it installs automatically. Emulators have a "Configure" option for you to configure your USB controller.

Warnings

Due to illegality, do not download ROMs that you do not own.

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