Wii U update now live, can take up to an hour to download, full details

Update: Nintendo confirms that the update can take up to an hour to download. We’ve also posted the full firmware details below.

Nintendo has just launched the long-awaited Wii U update. It’s the first of two big firmware upgrades planned for the system. A second update will be released for the Wii U sometime this summer.

A number of improvements and features are added through today’s firmware release. Most importantly, system load times have been dramatically improved. It is also now possible to copy save data and boot straight to Wii mode by holding down the “B” button when turning on the console.

Released: April 25, 2013

• 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”
  • 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”*²
  • “Auto Power-Down” has been renamed “Power Settings”
• Changes to Miiverse
• Changes to Nintendo eShop
• Changes to the Internet Browser
• Changes to Download Management
• Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience