Smash Bros. the most popular game on the Wii U right now, is also the game with the biggest chance of breaking the Wii U… you know, because so many people have a copy. Users are coming forward, claiming that Smash Bros. has rendered their Wii U’s inoperable. Yes, the Wii brick has returned!
The error in question is error code 160-0103, followed by the message “There is a problem with the system memory. For help, make a note of the error code and visit support.nintendo.com.” While the error message is the same across all Wii Us, the damage seems to vary from person to person. Some claim that only Smash Bros. doesn’t work, others say that the system only operates via the GamePad. Still others say that the system doesn’t work at all.
To attempt to fix this many users have tries to reformat their systems. This, apparently, was a bad idea as in almost 100% of cases, this causes the Wii U to be completely bricked, not even able to turn on. It is highly suggested that you not format your Wii U, or really even turn it off if you experience this problem. Simply leave it in suspended mode if possible.
Nintendo issued a statement to Gamespot saying, “A small percentage of consumers playing Wii U may experience error codes (160-0103 and 60-1710) that could affect the ability of the system to function properly. We are investigating this issue now. Until the solution is available, anyone that experiences these error codes can call the Nintendo contact centre at +44 (0) 345 60 50 247 for help and repair.”
It appears as if the error isn’t actually isolated to Smash Bros. Rather, it’s an error that has occurred with several games before, and people are simply playing their Wii Us more now. Games such as Wind Waker HD, Hyrule Warriors, Mario Kart 8, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D world are also causing the problem.
There are a lot of theories as to why this error is happening. Some say that it’s probably a problem with the way updates install. Some theorize that it happens during the initial installation of Smash Bros. Some say it occurs when people turn their system off or put it into standby during auto-saving. Some say it just comes out of nowhere.
We recommend that you take all the steps needed to assure that your Wii U is operating properly. This means being a little bit more anal about your Wii U operation. Do not shut off your Wii U or put it into standby mode when on any menu other than the Smash Bros. title screen. Actually, it would be even better if you backed out into the Wii U home menu before doing so.
We will bring you more information on this error and how to fix it when it becomes available. For now, well I could recommend that you stop playing Smash , but we know that isn’t going to happen.
Source: GameSpot