Wii U consoles equipped with Hynix NAND chips are indeed facing significant reliability issues, with many reports indicating a higher likelihood of system failures and "bricking" compared to those using other memory manufacturers like Samsung or Toshiba.
Key Findings:
Memory Chip Issues: The Hynix eMMC chips, particularly those from early 2012 to mid-2013, are associated with a notable number of failures. Reports suggest that these chips are leading in terms of system failures among Wii U consoles, while those equipped with Samsung or Toshiba chips have been largely unaffected23.
Bricking Risks: Many users have experienced bricking, which often occurs after prolonged periods of inactivity. This has led to speculation that the Hynix chips are more prone to failure under such conditions, rather than simply being left unplugged23. Some community members have noted that while many Hynix-equipped consoles are failing, not all units will necessarily experience issues. For example, several users with 2013 Hynix chips report no problems4.
Preventative Measures: To mitigate risks, users are advised to keep their Wii U consoles powered on periodically and avoid long-term storage without use. Regular use and backing up data can help prevent potential data loss if issues arise12.
Community Insights: The homebrew community has been actively investigating these failures and has established databases to track affected consoles. They have found methods to restore functionality in some cases, such as using external storage solutions23.
In summary, while there is a significant risk associated with Wii U consoles using Hynix NAND chips, especially older models, not every unit will inevitably fail. Regular maintenance and usage can help prolong the lifespan of these systems.