A ROM is a digital copy of the data from a read-only memory chip—in this case, from a Wii U game disc or a digital download from the Nintendo eShop. A standard Wii U game disc holds up to 25 GB of data (similar to a single-layer Blu-ray), while larger titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X or Super Smash Bros. for Wii U can push closer to 15-17 GB after compression.
: In 2023, YouTuber "The Completionist" famously purchased every single eShop title (866 Wii U games) before the store closed to ensure the digital library was preserved for history. Hardware Q&A | Wii U | Nintendo UK wii u roms
Organizations like and No-Intro are working to catalogue and preserve Wii U ROMs in secure, non-public archives. They argue that copyright law should allow libraries to provide remote access to out-of-print games, similar to microfilm or MP3s. A ROM is a digital copy of the