Wii Black Screen of Death: How to Resolve Guide

[Netix]

There have been many reports of users experiencing a sudden black screen while using their Nintendo Wii consoles. This black screen is similar to Microsoft Windows' "Blue Screen of Death". Yes, the Wii has a Blue Screen of Death too, but instead of blue, it's black, no Wii error codes, any button you press on the Wii or Wii Remote won't work, and sometimes the Wii makes a strange abnormal start-up like sound. The usual cause of this is commonly called a "Black Screen, No Connection" error, this usually means that there was a connection problem between the Wii and the Wii Remote. However, providing there are no technical hardware issues, there are simple ways to get around this. Below is a list of reasons for the black screen and how this problem can be resolved.

Issue #1
Launch Wii Channel connection failure

The most common cause of the black screen is because of a connection error between the Wii and the Wii Remote while launching a Wii Channel (Wii Shop Channel, Internet Channel, a Virtual Console Channel, etc). Have you noticed the Wii Remote's blue light go off while launching a Wii Channel and then come back on after the launch of the channel? It's checking the connectivity. If it fails, the Wii will freeze during the launching step (the black screen) because the Wii Remote couldn't find the connection with the Wii.

Issue #2
Lost of connection while playing Wii games, mainly WiiWare and Virtual Console games

Another common problem is while playing mainly a WiiWare or VC game and using a Wii Remote or classic controller. Sometimes the Wii Remote will suddenly lose connection with the Wii and result in a black screen due to a connection failure between the Wii and the wireless accessory. This also applys to other Wii Channels such as the Internet Channel, Wii Shop Channel, etc.

Issue #3
Overheats

If the Wii is used a lot or left on a lot, it can suddenly shut off without warning, resulting in the black screen. Unplug it from the outlet and wait anywhere between one hour to one day., then plug it back in.

Issue #4

Hacks and hardware failure
If a Wii is hacked or defected, this will many times result in a black screen error. The only way to resolve this is to contact Nintendo for repairs or purchase a new Wii.


In issue #1 and #2, the blue light on the Wii Remote will usually shut off or start blinking several times when you press a button, this is usually how you can recognize that the Wii had a connection failure.

How to Resolve

Solution #1
Reduce wireless interference

Because the Wii Remote is wireless, outside interference like cell phones, computers (when there are online and connected to the Internet wirelessly), radios, wireless keyboards, and other devices can cause interference. Turn off those devices and/or disconnect any computers from the Internet.

Solution #2
Use a wired Nintendo GameCube controllor

When playing games on the Wii that support the Nintendo GameCube controllor, use that instead of the Wii Remote and classic controllor. Before you start the game, plug in the GameCube controllor in the Wii's GameCube controllor ports (if your Wii is standing up, open the lid on the top of the Wii to see the GameCube controllor ports). Once you start the channel, the Wii will recognize the controllor.

Important Note: This only works with wired GameCube controllors.

Solution #3
Black screen, no connection solution

Another solution to this probelm is as follows

1. Eject the game disk (if there is one).
2. Unplug the wii from the back.
3. Wait 1 minute.
4. Plug it back in.
5. Turn it on from the Wii Remote.
6. Press reset if it does not come on.
7. Hold down the power button to shut it off.
8. Turn it on again.

Solution #4
How is the setup between the Wii and the Wii Remote?

Problems can occur if your Wii is not set up properly, especially with the Wii Remote. Please read this FAQ about the Wii for more information on how to probably set up your Wii for maximum performance.

Solution #5
Do you hack your Wii?

If you hack your Wii, then this can cause major internal damage to the Wii and may result in the Black Screen of Death. The only difference however, is that this is not because of a connection problem, but because the Wii had suffered a fatal error. The only way to resolve this is to contact Nintendo for repairs...



In conclusion, there are ways to get around the Black Screen of Death without having to contact Nintendo (unless there are severe hardware issues), just like there are ways to get around the Blue Screen of Death.

[Candice]

Hmm.... Good Job, Netix!

Edit: I got error from Animal Crossing: City Folk disc.

[Netix]

At what point did this happen, while starting it up or during gameplay? Was there an error code or was it the Black Screen of Death?

Please tell exactly what happened so you can get a better response.

[Friik]

Gud 2 know bout this
(φ.Φ)

Now I know what could have happened 2 my last Wii.
Lousy Hax!!!

[Jake]

Very, nice Netix now I will have to tell my friends about it because my other friend he had 3 wiis before this one and they all had ,the Black Screen Of Death: So all of them he even called Nintendo they said they did not know what happend so then he just through it out in the trash all of the 3 wiis and I forgot if we got him the wii he has now or if he bought it himself.


My, Wii never did this and I am happy that it did not do this because I don't want that Black Hole Of Death: and I hope I never get it!!! Don't you think Nintendo should no how to fix this problem because when my friend called in then they said that they did not know how to fix this problem so then he just like through it in the trash but I think he brought it to some game stores also and he said "Nobody knew how to fix it" So we just went with what he was doing.


-Jake

[Fyree the Spirit God]

I've gotten the "black screen of death" MANY times..
but I just hit the reset button, or power button--and it eventually re-connects....

[Pro-Shooter]

Nice Guide

I have experience this problem as well on my wii, but it doesn't happen that often, but if the problem continues to get worse then i come back here for help.