Nintendo has just pushed the Wii U’s v5.0.0 update onto the servers, allowing for the download of the moderately sized patch.
This is the latest major update for the console, adding a couple new features that Nintendo fans have been requesting since launch. Most noteworthy of these additions are a quick start option, allowing for fast opening of software, and GamePad alerts.
Below are the official patch notes:
New Features:
A Quick Start Menu is now displayed when users press the GamePad POWER Button or HOME Button to power on the Wii U
Users can start recently played or newly installed software directly from the Quick Start Menu *1
Wii U GamePad Alerts (special notifications from Nintendo) can be displayed on the GamePad when the Wii U is powered down
Users will be notified with an audio ringtone when a new GamePad Alert is displayed
GamePad Alerts that have been received can also be viewed through the Quick Start Menu*2
Changes to Standby Functions:
System updates will now automatically install after download when the Wii U is in Standby
Changes to the Wii U Menu:
The User Settings screen now displays when users select their User Mii from the Wii U Menu
The design and layout of the Users Settings screen has been updated
This includes the ability to switch the active user from the User Settings screen
Changes to System Settings:
Quick Start Menu options have been added to Power Settings
Wii U GamePad Alert options are located within the Quick Start Menu options
Changes to the HOME Menu
A Notification icon is now available on the HOME Menu, allowing users to launch the Notifications feature from the HOME Menu
Improvements to system stability and usability:
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
The Wii U is really beginning to catch its stride this month with the impactful arrival of Mario Kart 8, this update, and apparently some neat surprises in-store at E3.
