My Wii Won't Turn On

If you’re pressing the “Power” button on your Nintendo Wii and the console refuses to turn on, you’ll have to troubleshoot your system. Modern video game consoles are full of complex parts that occasionally break and fail, but that isn’t usually the case when you experience Nintendo Wii power problems. Wii power issues usually stem from the AC adapter, which you can fix by yourself.

Disconnect any accessories, such as GameCube controllers or SD cards.

Unplug your Nintendo Wii AC adapter from the wall outlet and from the back of your Nintendo Wii. Leave the adapter disconnected for two minutes. Reconnect the adapter to the console and plug the outlet end straight into a wall outlet, not a surge protector.

Remove the AC adapter from the wall outlet again. If the Wii has yet to turn on, the problem may lie within your electrical outlet. Plug a lamp, nightlight or something electrical into the outlet the AC adapter was connected to. If the outlet appears to work, then you’ll have to test the AC adapter itself.

Run your fingers along the AC adapter cable and visually look for any damage, such as frayed wires or a cracked piece of cable. Also look for the model number “RVL-002” and “Wii” on the adapter. If you don't see the “RVL-002” model number and “Wii” on the adapter, then you are using an unlicensed adapter, which can cause instability and power failure. If the adapter has incurred any damage, you will likely have to buy a new adapter.

Spray air to clean out the vents on the back of the Nintendo Wii. If your Wii has been sitting for a long time, then dust and dirt may have built up around the vents, preventing the console from cooling itself. If the console cannot cool itself, it overheats and shuts down.

Click "Start," "Internet Explorer" and visit the Nintendo repair page (see Resources) to open a repair claim. If you tried the above steps and your Wii has yet to power on, your system probably needs professional repair.