Wii U Gets 700mb Firmware Update

The Wii U has just got a big firmware update.

Here’s the full list of changes/additions, courtesy of Nintendo:

Version 4.0.0 U, available via an Internet connection, includes the following improvements:

New Features:

A feature to output video and sound to the Wii U GamePad when using Wii Mode¹ 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. Click here for instructions

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 login²

Ability to launch the Internet Browser during gameplay and upload screenshots Added support for viewing PDF files³

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

That first one sounds amazing, but there’s a catch: “Wii software displayed on the Wii U GamePad cannot be controlled by the GamePad. This feature only allows Wii software to be displayed on the GamePad. A Wii Remote Plus or Wii Remote is required to play Wii software titles.”

Sadly, the console’s biggest problem – sluggish menu load times – doesn’t appear any better.