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If you are looking at buying a Wii U console you are probably wondering if you should buy the Wii U 32 GB console (black) or the Wii U 8 GB console (white). The first difference you will notice between the two consoles is price. The 32GB version is usually around $50 more expensive than the 8 GB version.

Other than a couple of extras that come with the 32 GB console, both the 32 GB and 8 GB consoles come with the same basic accessories to get you up and running. So how can you decide if you should spend approximately an extra $50 dollars for the 32GB version? To answer that question you need to think about how you intend to use the Wii U.

Memory

According to Nintendo, the 8 GB console will have approximately 3 GB of usable memory. The remaining memory is taken up by the operating system and pre-installed software (similar to how it would work on your home computer). This unit is ideal for people who plan on buying physical copies of their games in retail stores. The Wii U 8 GB console has enough available memory to store save data for large numbers of games along with a limited amount of download activity. If you plan on using it to download entire games you will probably run out of memory and need to purchase an additional hard drive. These hard drives can be $100 or more. So if you know prior to buying your Wii U that the 8GB version won’t give you sufficient memory you will probably be better served by spending the additional $50 and purchasing the 32GB model.

If you have already taken the plunge and purchased an 8GB Wii U only to find you you need additional memory, here are some external hard drives that have been tested and are recommended by Nintendo:

Buffalo

1 TB: HD-LB1.0TU3-US

2 TB: HD-LB2.0TU3-US

Seagate – Backup Plus Desktop Drive

1TB : STCA1000100 (US)

2TB: STCA2000100 (US)

Seagate – Expansion Desktop

1TB : STBV1000100 (US)

2TB : STBV2000100 (US)

Toshiba

1 TB: HDWC110XK3J1

2 TB: HDWC120XK3J1

The 32 GB console has approximately 25 GB of usable memory and is ideal for people who will be anticipating more download activity. Not only can the Wii U 32 GB console accommodate the save data for your games, but you also have enough room to download entire games on your console. Even with this larger amount of available memory, it is still possible to run out of space if you download enough games to your console. In those situations, you will eventually need to look at some of the external hard drive options mentioned above.

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What’s in the box

Other than the differences in memory both versions of the Wii U come with:

Wii U GamePad
Wii U GamePad Stylus
Sensor bar
Wii U console AC adapter
Wii U GamePad AC adapter
HDMI® cable

The Wii U Deluxe 32 GB console comes with the following extras that the 8 GB version does not:

Deluxe Digital Promotion (which can help save you money on games and content downloads)
Wii U GamePad Stand
Wii U GamePad Cradle
Wii U Console Stand

Conclusion

So if you plan on doing lots of downloading the Wii U Deluxe 32 GB video game console is probably the one for you. Most game manufacturers are trying to encourage customers to purchase and download their games online so they don’t have to share the profits with a retailer. Even if you don’t plan on buying games for download be aware Nintendo has given out games for free in the past. For example, when Mario Kart 8 was released in 2014 you could download a free game if you purchased Mario Kart 8 soon enough. So you might end up downloading games on your Wii U without ever making a purchase.

On the other hand, if you know that you don’t intend on downloading games then the Wii U Basic 8 GB video game console should suit your needs just fine – for a lower price.