Wii U Spring System Update available now

Virtual Console should launch tomorrow

Faster loading times and MUCH more.

The Wii U Spring System Update is now available. The latest update greatly improves loading times and adds a host of new features. Here's an overview from Nintendo's official website:

Version 3.0.0 U available via wireless Internet connection includes the following improvements:

New Features:

• A standby function to download and install software while the system is powered off
• Software purchased from the Nintendo eShop will automatically install in the background once the download is complete
• Holding down the B Button while the Wii U logo is displayed during startup will load the Wii Menu *¹

Changes to System Settings:

• An option to transfer and/or copy between two USB storage devices in "Data Management"
  • To facilitate this feature, you will now be able to connect two USB storage devices to a single Wii U console*²
• The ability to select multiple software titles when transferring, copying, or deleting data in "Data Management"
• The option to adjust screen size is now available under "TV" *³
• "Auto Power-Down" has been renamed "Power Settings"
  • Options for the standby function are located within this menu

Changes to Miiverse:

• Added support for the Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller, and Classic Controller
• Handwritten posts will now also display on the TV screen during creation
• "Undo" and "Redo" buttons are now available when creating a handwritten post
• Removed screen size setting. This option can now be adjusted from System Settings

Changes to Nintendo eShop:

• Software downloaded from the Nintendo eShop will include released updates and will no longer need to be updated after installation
• Removed screen size setting. This option can now be adjusted from System Settings

Changes to the Internet Browser:

• Added support for the Wii Remote and Wii U Pro Controller
• Added the option to change search engines when performing a keyword search
• Added the option to return to the start page from the bookmark menu
• Removed screen size setting. This option can now be adjusted from System Settings

Changes to Download Management:

• Added the option to change the priority of downloads

Improvements to system stability and usability:

• Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience

*1 User selection may be necessary
*2 Only one USB storage device can be used during normal use
*3 A similar option has been removed from Nintendo eShop, Miiverse, and the Internet Browser

The update will take quite some time, with users reporting that the process has taken upwards of 30 minutes. Make sure you do not unplug your Wii U or you might end up with a bricked console. You can read the instructions for performing a System Update on Nintendo's official website via the link below:

How to Peform a System Update - Nintendo.com


As most of you know, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said the Virtual Console is supposed to launch the day after the update. If things go as planned, you should be able to download some classics tomorrow. You can check out a list of confirmed Virtual Console launch day titles here.

 You can watch a before and after load time comparison video after the break.