Nintendo of America has issued a statement to clear up some confusion over how users with faulty Wii U consoles can keep their Wii U IDs and digital content. At present, Wii U users are unable to transfer their Network IDs between consoles, or sign in on a different console, as is possible on Xbox and PS3. Nintendo says in documentation that the use of Network IDs on "other devices" will be possible "in the future", but what if your console develops a fault before this unspecified eventuality? Nintendo says you'll need to send your console to them."Nintendo of America's repair process includes the transferring of the Nintendo Network ID to a new Wii U console if a replacement system is needed," an NOA rep told Kotaku.
As the site reports, however, this means that you should not return your faulty system to the retailer for replacement, but to Nintendo, because the firm is unable to recover your account without physical possession of the system on which it was registered.
Users are currently able to create up to Nintendo Network IDs per console.