1. Check the adapter and socket

Charge the Wii U GamePad with the official WUP-011 AC adapter. Connect it directly to a working wall socket or use a compatible charging cradle.

Inspect the adapter and cradle before continuing. Physically damaged components must be replaced.

2. Check the charging connections

• Check the connector orientation.
• Insert the plug straight and fully into the GamePad or cradle.
• Check the visible physical condition of the adapter and cradle.

While troubleshooting, connect the adapter directly to the wall socket without a power strip, surge protector or extension lead.

3. Observe the orange light

The orange battery light means the GamePad is charging. If it stays off, reset the adapter before continuing:

• Unplug the adapter from both the GamePad and wall socket.
• Wait at least 90 seconds.
• Reconnect the adapter directly to a wall socket without a power strip, surge protector or extension lead.
• Then reconnect the adapter to the GamePad.

4. If the GamePad is fully discharged

Nintendo recommends removing and reinserting the adapter into the charging port up to ten times, or until the orange light appears.

If the orange light appears, let the GamePad continue charging. If it still does not appear, proceed to the battery check. This action alone cannot distinguish an adapter fault from a battery fault.

5. Reconnect the GamePad battery

The Wii U GamePad uses a standard WUP-012 battery or a high-capacity WUP-013 battery. Nintendo says reconnecting the battery may resolve charging or power problems.

• Switch off the GamePad.
• Unplug the AC adapter.
• Disconnect the battery.
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Reconnect and reinstall the battery following Nintendo’s procedure.

This is not an electrical battery test. It only checks whether reconnecting it resolves the charging or power issue.

6. Check charging time and battery condition

A normal charge can take up to 2 hours 30 minutes. Nintendo gives an ideal charging temperature of 10–35°C. An ageing battery can lose runtime.

A swollen battery must be replaced according to Nintendo’s manual.

When to replace the adapter or seek service

If the orange light still does not appear after checking the adapter, socket and connections and reconnecting the battery, Nintendo says the issue concerns the GamePad or adapter. Physically damaged components must be replaced.

The consulted US Nintendo page says Wii U hardware repairs are no longer available there. Availability may vary by country.

Key points

• Use the official WUP-011 adapter and a working wall socket.
• Check the plug orientation and full insertion.
• The orange light means the GamePad is charging.
• Reset the adapter for at least 90 seconds if the light stays off.
• Reconnect the WUP-012 or WUP-013 battery following Nintendo’s procedure.
• A swollen battery must be replaced.