EU - Major Wii U update features new services and faster performance (update/VC/Panorama talk)

26th April, 2013 – The next major system update for Nintendo’s Wii U home console is now available for download. The update delivers a host of enhanced features, such as improved stability and performance. As well as faster load times when switching between applications, the update also lays the groundwork for the imminent launch of the Wii U Virtual Console service which allows Wii U owners to relive some of their favourite games from classic home consoles, as well as the launch of Wii U Panorama View.
Below is an overview of what the system update delivers:

Addition of Standby Functions Feature
This feature enables data for purchased software, system updates and software updates to be downloaded and installed automatically even after the console has been turned off.

Updates to Miiverse
Controls using the Wii Remote, the Wii U Pro Controller, and the Classic Controller are now supported.

The input screen for handwritten posts is now also displayed on the TV.

The input screen for handwritten posts now features an undo/redo button.

Updates to the Internet Browser
Controls using the Wii Remote and the Wii U Pro Controller are now supported.

It is now possible to switch search engines when performing a keyword search.

It is now possible to navigate to the start page from bookmarks.

Update to Nintendo eShop
When purchasing downloadable software, any available updates for that software will be downloaded at the same time.

Updates to Download Management
It is now possible to reorder downloads.

Newly purchased downloadable software will automatically install once the download completes.

Updates to Parental Controls
The "Viewing Distributed Videos" restriction has been changed to "Entertainment Excluding Games". A screen requiring parental consent will be displayed before the first use of any non-game software (including video-viewing software) or other new service.

Enabled Direct Opening of Wii Menu
When the Wii U logo is displayed after turning on the console, holding down the B Button on the Wii U GamePad will open the Wii Menu directly. (If no default user has been selected on the console, the user-selection screen will be displayed, and a user must be selected.)

Updates to System Settings
Under Data Management, two USB storage devices can now be connected to move and/or copy data. You can move and/or copy data between the system memory and a USB storage device or between two USB storage devices. (Up to two USB storage devices can be connected when moving, copying or deleting data. In all other cases, only one USB storage device can be used at a time.)

Under Data Management, you can now move, copy or delete data for a selection of software titles.

The TV option now includes the option to adjust the screen size of the display on the TV. (This replaces the similar options previously available within Miiverse, Nintendo eShop, and the Internet Browser, which have now been removed.)

The "Auto Power-Down" option has been renamed to "Power Settings", which now includes both the auto power-down setting and the new standby functions feature.

Improvements to System Stability and Convenience
Improvements have been made to system stability and convenience for greater user enjoyment.

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.

On 27th April additional features are scheduled to be released including:

Virtual Console

A library of quality classic games from NES and Super Nintendo are scheduled for the Virtual Console service on Wii U, with favourites such as Super Mario World, Excitebike, Mario’s Super Picross, F-Zero, Ice Climber, Donkey Kong Jr. and Punch-Out!! available at launch. Many other gaming classics such as Pac Man, Super Metroid and games from the Mega Man, Street Fighter and Super Mario Bros. series will be available soon, while popular Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 games will also be added in the future.
Each game in the Wii U Virtual Console library has been developed to include Off-TV Play on the Wii U GamePad, customisable controls, Miiverse community support and the ability to instantly save game progress. NES games will cost £3.49 while Super NES games will cost £5.49. 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 £0.99 for NES games and £1.49 for Super NES games. Please visit our Support section for more information about Wii to Wii U system transfers.

Wii U Panorama View

Wii U Panorama View opens a window to the sights and sounds of some of the world’s most exciting 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. Four individual video tours are offered for €1.99/£1.79 each on the Nintendo eShop. An interactive preview is also available for download allowing you to taste the different experiences of the individual tours for free. Find out more about the available Wii U Panorama View experiences.