Nintendo has released a major system update which promises Wii U owners numerous improvements, most notably faster boot times, load times and task switching. The highly repairable console has been criticized for its long loads and sluggish performance, prompting Nintendo's president to publicly address the issue several months ago.

Nintendo is also touting a host of new services, enhanced features and stability improvements. Here's the list of advertised changes:

  • 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 being 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.

Nintendo's Virtual Console feature though – an addition promised this spring – is missing from the list of changes. Virtual Console will allow Wii U gamers to purchase and enjoy classic NES and SNES titles offered by Nintendo's official digital store for $5 to $6 and $8 to $9, respectively. The company says that Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance titles will also be made available in the future.