What is Wii Game Code? Each Wii / Virtual Console game has a unique game code that you need to know in order to use a game save from another user (unless you get a compressed file with the folder structure already in-tact).
The game code is used in the folder structure that goes onto your SD card so your wii can recognize which game it is.
The folder structure is \private\wii\title\GAMECODE\data.bin
Game Code Structure: 1st letter = System (R = Wii) (N = N64)
2nd letter = Game Name (Z for Zelda)
3rd letter = Game Name (D for Zelda)
4th letter = Language (E = English)
A full, working game code is made up of 4 characters. Using just the above 3 characters as your game code will not work.
Here's a full example code for Zelda: RZDE
R = Wii
Z = Zelda
D = Zelda
E = English
The 4th character (RZDE) is a region identifier (see below).
Region Identifiers E - USA
J - Japan
P - PAL Region
So a Japanese Zelda save would be RZDJ instead of RZDE
You can't use a foreign save on your Wii console. This means, for example, that someone with a Japanese Wii wouldn't be able to use a PAL or USA game save. Unless your Wii console is modded.
You don't have the game code for my game! How can I find it? Look at the back of your game case or directly on your game disc, you'll see a small ~10 character code. It may look something like RVL RZDE USA. The RZD part is the game code.
While in game, can I just load the save straight from the SD card? No, you must transfer the save from the SD card to your Wii internal memory in order for the game to recognize it.
How do I backup / transfer my saves to an SD card from my Wii? From your Wii main menu: Wii Options > Data Management > Save Data > Wii. You'll see all of your Wii saves that are currently on your internal memory. Select the save you want to backup / transfer and select 'Copy' (you need to have an SD card in).
The save is now on your SD card.
How do I use someone else's save? After downloading a save, you'll either get a data.bin or a zip file.
If you have a data.bin, you have to place it in a folder structure using your computer on your SD card like so: \private\wii\title\GAMECODE\data.bin (replacing GAMECODE with it's corresponding game code from the thread).
If you get a zipped file, it most likely has all of it's folder structure in tact, so all you have to do is extract it to your SD card so it shows up like the above folder structure.
Once you have the file in place on your SD card, you can then put the SD card in to your Wii and go to your saved game(s) on your SD card (Wii Options > Data Management > Save Data > Wii > SD card tab), select the saved game that you want and select Copy. Keep in mind that if you already have a save on your Wii that you're trying to replace, it wont overwrite it, so you'll have to backup your save, then delete it off your Wii internal memory to be able to transfer the new one on.
I'm looking at my /private/wii/title/ folder and I don't know which game is which!
Just refer to the Game Thread where you got your save file from!
Game Identifiers: 1st letter = System (R = Wii) (N = N64)
2nd letter = Game Name (Z for Zelda)
3rd letter = Game Name (D for Zelda)
4th letter = Region Identifier \ Language(E = English \ North America)
I did all that and it doesn't work!
Check and make sure your 4 letter game code is correct in your folder structure. If everything still looks correct, then it might just be a bad save.
Can I share Virtual Console saves too? Yes, but it doesn't work for all VC games. It's on a game-to-game basis.
