Getting Started -- how to set up your Nintendo Wii

The first step in connecting your Wii is to decide how you would like the console to rest. The Wii is designed with two options in mind: laying it horizontally (flat), or sitting it vertically on its side by using the included Wii Stand and Stand Plate. When deciding on which position to place the Wii, consider your home entertainment area, and which position allows enough room for the Wii's internal fan to keep the system cool.

Vertical Horizontal

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Placing the Wii Vertically

1. Attach the Wii stand plate to the bottom of the console stand by inserting the prongs into the slots on the bottom of the stand (see illustration above).
2. Firmly slide the stand into the slots until you hear a "click".
3. Place the console stand on a flat surface and place the Wii console into the stand. Lower the Wii console straight down into the console stand rather than sliding it in from the front.

Go to the Next Step (Connecting the AC Adapter) >

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Placing the Wii Horizontally

1. Place the Wii console on a flat horizontal surface.

   

2. Keep the Wii console stand and stand plate for future use in the event you want to switch the Wii's position to a vertical setting.
3. If you plan on playing Nintendo GameCube games with your Wii while it is in the horizontal position, you must remove the controller socket cover to allow the console to lay completely flat.

Connecting the AC Adapter

1. Insert the DC plug on the Wii AC Adapter cord into the DC Input connector on the back of the Wii console.
2. Insert the AC plug into a 120V AC wall outlet.



CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the plug to the wide slot and insert fully into the outlet.

3. Plug the transformer into the wall outlet.

You can place the Sensor Bar either above or below the TV screen. Please read and follow the instructions below to place your Sensor Bar (information on mounting the Sensor Bar in place is also provided on this page).

Connecting the Sensor Bar

1. Insert the Sensor Bar plug into the Sensor Bar connector on the back of the Wii console.

   

2. The Sensor Bar can be placed either above or below your TV screen. Decide which option best fits you and click the image below for additional set up help, including mounting the Sensor Bar and proper alignment.

Mounting the Sensor Bar Above the TV Screen

1. Remove the protective film from the foam pads on the bottom of the Sensor Bar.

   

2. For additional stability, you can add adhesive-backed foam tape from the sheet included with your Wii.
3. Mount the Sensor Bar to the top of the TV

   To ensure the best game play experience, make sure that:

   • The front of the Sensor Bar should be aligned close to the front of the TV.

     

   • The center of the Sensor Bar should be aligned with the center of the TV.

     

   Reception may be improved by mounting the Sensor Bar to the top of the TV with the Sensor Bar Stand. Click here for more information.

Important Note: If you have not already done so, be sure to set the Sensor Bar option in the Wii console's System Setting to "Above TV." This will help ensure an optimal experience.

The AV Multi Out plug that is included with the Wii will allow you to connect the console to most televisions or video cassette recorders (VCR). First, look at the back of your television AND your VCR and see if you have colored holes label "Input". Though most TVs have them, almost all VCRs do as well.

Audio/Video (AV) inputs are located on the front or back of the TV or VCR. They are smooth silver posts with the inside showing a color, usually red, white and yellow. Look for inputs marked Audio and Video IN. The image on the left features stereo audio inputs. Some televisions have only one audio input. Click here for help setting up a mono audio connection. Do NOT connect your system to anything marked OUT.

Connecting to a Television

1. Insert the AV Multi Out plug on the Wii AV Cable into the AV Multi Out connector on the back of the console.

   

2. Insert the RCA plugs on the Wii AV Cable into the input connectors on the TV. Plug the colored connectors into the following inputs:
   
   Yellow = Video Input
   White = Audio Input Left (or Mono)
   Red = Audio Input Right

Interested in playing your games in Dolby Pro Logic II (simulated surround sound)? Click here setup information.

3. Once the cables are inserted and the Wii is powered on, you must find the Input Select for your TV to view the game (it is likely not going to be seen on Channel 3 or 4). Typically this is found by pressing the TV/Video button on the Television's front panel or remote control. If you have more than one input channel, keep pressing TV/Video until you see the display from the Wii.

If you do not have a TV/Video button, then the input could be labeled something different. Some other common input selects to look for on the TV or remote are: Input, Input Select, EXT, AUX, or a channel such as 00 or 99.