Wii U Update News: The Wii U Spring update allows gamers to take advantage of new features and improvements that Nintendo has introduced for the console.
The first of two big Wii U updates set to hit in the next few months is now available for download, Nintendo announced today. The Wii U Spring update delivers a host of new services and enhanced features, such as improved stability and performance, as well as faster load times when switching between applications. To begin downloading this update simply go into your system settings on your console and scroll to the right until you see system update. The update also lays the groundwork for the imminent launch of the Wii U Virtual Console service.
“Wii U continues to grow and evolve with new features that made it a better experience for everyone,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s president and COO. “Now owners can navigate to their favorite games and services even faster, or play some of their favorite classic games.”
The Wii U system updates delivers the following:
- The time required to start the Wii U console, launch built-in applications, exit software and return to the main menu, jump between applications, and jump between software and Miiverse has been reduced.
- While the Wii U logo is displayed during the system startup, users can directly transition to the Wii menu by holding down the “B” button on the Wii U GamePad.
- Users can install games and applications from the Nintendo eShop in the background while other software is being used.
- When powering off during a download, Wii U will go into a standby mode, then power off when all downloads and installations are complete.
- Users can transfer and copy data between two USB storage devices in Data Management. This allows users the opportunity to upgrade or replace a current USB storage device that is connected to the Wii U console.
- Users can control the priority of their downloads when downloading multiple items at once.
- Improved account selection when powering on the system now displays Nintendo Network IDs to clearly distinguish accounts.
- TV screen size output can now be adjusted in the System Settings.
- An Undo/Redo button was added to the Miiverse drawing input screen.
In addition to all of those new features and improvements, a library of classic games is planned for the Wii U Virtual console. Favorites such as Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Excitebike, F-Zero, Ice Climber, Kirby’s Adventure, Kirby Super Star, Mario Bros., Punch Out! Featuring Mr. Dream, Super Mario Bros 2, Super Mario World, Super Metroid and Yoshi! are on the way soon. Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 games are scheduled to be added in the future as well.
Each game in the Wii U Virtual Console has been developed to include off-TV play on the Wii U GamePad. They will also have customizable controls, Miiverse community support and the ability to instantly save game progress. NES games will cost $4.99 to $5.99, while Super Nintendo titles will cost $7.99 to $8.99. People who have already downloaded these games to their Wii system can transfer them to their Wii U consoles and play them in Wii Mode at no charge. To upgrade and take advantage of the improved Wii U features, they can purchase them at the special discount price of just $1 for NES games and $1.50 for Super Nintendo titles.
The final item that becomes available soon thanks to this update is the Wii U Panorama View. Wii U Panorama View opens a window to the sights and sounds of some of the world’s most exotic destinations. Wii U owners use the GamePad controller to look in every direction to control an immersive 360-degree video guided tour as these destinations come to life from the comfort of your living room. Imagine catching all the sights during a tour of London on a double-decker bus or exploring the streets of Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. Wii U Panorama View will be available as a free downloadable demo from the Nintendo eShop and includes a sample of different experiences the application has to offer. The full versions of each individual video tour can be purchased for $2 each.
Have you had a chance to download this big Wii U update yet? What feature or improvement is your favorite? Which Wii U Virtual Console title are you looking forward to playing on the GamePad?
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