New System Update lets you play Wii games on Wii U GamePad

Nintendo has released a new firmware update for their new console which makes a ton of changes. The best new feature is the ability to play Wii games on the Wii U GamePad's touchscreen, something gamers have been begging for since the new controller was revealed. Here's the full list of enhancements, improvements, and changes, straight from Nintendo's website.

New Features:

• A feature to output video and sound to the Wii U GamePad when using Wii Mode
• Users can choose to output to the TV and GamePad, or just the TV
• A feature to automatically receive recommended software and demo titles from Nintendo using SpotPass
• Support for USB keyboards
• An option to disable use of a Nintendo Network ID on non-Nintendo hardware, such as PCs and smartphones
• Support for Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound when playing Wii software
• Changes to Wii U Menu:
• Added a friend list icon to the Wii U Menu for easier access to the Friend List
• Changes to System Settings:
• An option to automatically receive recommended software is now available under "Internet"
• A setting to select which cable outputs sound is available through "TV"
• Users can choose to output sound through an HDMI cable, non-HDMI cable, or both cables at the same time
• A setting to adjust the hourly interval in which standby functions are performed is available under "Power Settings" when standby functions are enabled
• Changes to Wii U Chat:
• Added the option to view a friend's profile on Miiverse when sending or receiving a chat request
• Users can now chat using a headset connected to the Wii U GamePad
• Changes to Internet Browser:
• Pressing the R or L Buttons on the Wii U GamePad will skip video playback forward/back a small amount of time
• Holding the R Button will speed up video playback
• Ability to save username and passwords for websites that require login
• Ability to launch the Internet Browser during gameplay and upload screenshots
• Added support for viewing PDF files
• Added features intended for website developers that allow the user to enable developer tools and set user agent
• Improvements to system stability and usability:
• Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience

Wii U System Update 3.0.1 available now

Nintendo has issued another system update for the Wii U. This latest update brings the firmware to version 3.0.1. Here's the official description:

Version 3.0.1 U

Released: May 20, 2013

Further improvements to overall system stability and software compatibility.

As you can see it simply improves stability and doesn't appear to add any new functionality. As always, don't unplug your Wii U during the update 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

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.

Rumor: Wii U System Update coming Monday, April 21st (UPDATE: Firmware 3.0.0 is now available )

Virtual Console appears to be set for launch Tuesday

Update - 4/25/2013: The Spring System Update is now available. Click here for details.

Update - 4/22/2013: It appears that the update is not coming tonight. It is 11 PM Eastern Time and the update is not live yet. Also, the page for Excitebike has been removed.

Original Story

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has stated that the Wii U System Update intended to improve loading times and add a host of new features is coming sometime this week, and he also said that the launch of the Virtual Console for the system would take place the following day. It appears that the company may have unofficially confirmed the timing of both events.

The official website of the Big N has listed Tuesday, April 23rd as the release date for the NES classic Excitebike, which would imply that the System update is set for release on Monday, April 22nd. It looks like Wii U owners will have plenty to look forward to in the next few days, with shorter loading times and a number of retro favorites to revisit.

Here is a list of games that have been confirmed for the Wii U Virtual Console. Some of them, which were featured in the 30 cents for 30 days promotion, are already available. However, Nintendo has not yet confirmed the release dates for many of the titles on the list. The re-releases will support Off-TV Play, restore points, custom button layouts, and Miiverse functionality.

NES

Balloon Fight:

Donkey Kong Jr:

Excitebike

Kirby's Adventure

Punch-Out

Ice Climber

Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA)

Mario Bros.

Yoshi

Mega Man 1

Wrecking Crew

Yoshi's Cookie

SNES

F-Zero

Super Mario World

Kirby's Dream Course

Kirby's Dream Land 3

Kirby Super Star

Super Metroid

EarthBound

It's also worth noting that Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 games have also been confirmed for the system, although no timetables have been set for their arrival.

Wii U System Update coming next week. Shortens loading times and adds new functions.

Faster loading times and MUCH more.

Satoru Iwata has confirmed that the next Wii U System Update will be released next week. The update will drastically shorten loading times, add the ability to transfer games from one hard drive to another, install software while playing other games, and automatically download software updates without having to start up each piece of software. The update will also add a new standby function that lets players download and install software when the system is off.

In addition, gamers will be able to access Wii Mode quicker with a simple press of the B button during startup, which will make it much more convenient to revisit games made for Nintendo's previous console.

You can check out the system update segment of the Nintendo Direct presentation in the video after the break. It starts at the 17:30 mark.

Wii U firmware 2.1.3 update is now available

An update is now available for the Wii U which will upgrade your firmware to version 2.1.3. Here is a brief description from Nintendo:

Version 2.1.3 U available via an Internet connection includes the following improvements:

Further improvements to overall system stability have been made.*

*The previously announced system update, which adds new features and further improvements to the user experience, will be released in April.

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

Wii U System Update - Guide Video

As most gamers know, the Wii U requires a system update before you can access Miiverse, Wii U Chat, the eShop, and TVii. One YouTube user has put together a video which walks viewers through the process. You can watch it after the break.

Iwata says Wii U slow loading times will be addressed

Update: Nintendo PR says the update Iwata was referring to is for Dragon Quest X, not the Wii U system. Click here to view the story on Engadget.

Original Story

In a Japanese Nintendo Direct, president Satoru Iwata acknowledged that loading times on the Wii U are still somewhat long even after the latest firmware update and said that the issue will be addressed. However, he did not say when users can expect a fix to become available.

He also apologized for the shortage of Wii U Premium Sets in Japan, but it looks like consumers will simply have to wait for more stock to arrive.

Source: Engadget

Video of Wii U running Wii mode

After downloading an update, the Wii U can play Wii, WiiWare, and Virtual Console games. One YouTube user has recorded some footage of his new console running "Wii Mode." He plays some Super Mario World, Mega Man 2, Donkey Kong Country, and Punch Out!!, after which he heads back to the Wii U menu. You can watch it after the break.

Wii U firmware update 2.1.0 is now available

The second firmware update, version 2.1.0, is now available for the Wii U. According to IGN, this new update "offers improvements to overall system stability, as well as other minor adjustments to improve the Wii U experience." The update is said to be 593 MB in size, and can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to download, depending on how fast your Internet connection is. IGN's readers are reporting that the operating system appears to run faster afterwards, with load times being significantly shorter.

Here is the official announcement from Nintendo of America. Make sure you read the warnings so you don't end up with a bricked console.


Important Information From Nintendo:
A new system update is available now for your Wii U. Please read the following important information on updating your system.

If this is the first time you are updating your system:

The update can take up to an hour to download. The new system update may take an extended amount of time to download. Depending on the speed of the Internet connection used, it could take an hour or more to download and install. Please be patient.
During the update, the progress bar displayed on the Wii U GamePad may take a while to start moving. This is normal.

Do not unplug your system while the update is downloading or installing. If the system update is interrupted by unplugging the system, you may damage the system.
If you have downloaded the previous system update (before December 4) and are now downloading the latest update:

If your system is connected to the Internet, it will automatically download the system update in the background, which allows you to use your system while the update is downloading. You can check the status of the new download through the Download Manager screen. (How To)

The update can take up to an hour to download. The new system update may take an extended amount of time to download, even if you have already performed the previous update.

If the download is happening in the background, it is okay to power off the system using the power buttons of the system or the GamePad. The update will resume when the system is powered back on.

Do not unplug the system while the update is downloading or installing. If the system update is interrupted by unplugging the system, you may damage the system.


Source: Wii U System Update - Nintendo of America

Wii U update will be pre-installed on consoles sometime in 2013

In an interview with Gamesutra, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said that the day one update for the Wii U was necessary, and compared the console to other electronic devices which also require updates for optimal performance.

“Nintendo developers want to make sure that the very best product is available to consumers. That creates a dynamic where our developers are working on elements until the very last point possible. That’s why the system update was required on Day One – and this is quite similar to what’s happened with other consumer electronic products.”

While the update typically takes longer than an hour to install, it is required to access many of the system's features including Miiverse, Wii U Chat, TVii, and the eShop. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently apologized for the massive update, but it appears consumers won't have to deal with it in the future. Reggie told Gamasutra that after the patch has been on the market for a few months, the update will come pre-installed on the hardware, meaning every one of the console's features should be accessible right out of the box. Gamasutra says it should begin "sometime in early (and perhaps spring) 2013."

Source: Gamasutra