Click image to watch Nintendo Direct “10.1.2013” video.
Nintendo’s been relatively quiet in recent months for their newest console the Wii U. Today they held their Direct conference, which Global President Satoru Iwata handled duties of hosting the web event. Fresh from the release of their digital version of the flawless remake, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, the big “N” is trying to make one last stride into persuading the general public into purchasing Wii U consoles before Microsoft and Sony clutter the market next month.
The biggest news from the event, was Sonic splashing the system with Mario & Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games, then returning in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U next year. After the jump, you can watch the 30-minute Nintendo Direct 10.1.2013 presentation; revealing some upcoming titles like Super Mario 3D World, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, Wii Party U, and among others.
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Nintendo constantly aims to improve the functionality of its systems and services in order to provide the easiest, most user-friendly experience possible. As a part of these efforts, we are making Wii U™ system updates available for download via the Internet.
Your Wii U system and software are not designed for use with any unauthorized device and/or any unauthorized software. Please note that the Nintendo warranties do not cover any defects to or defects caused by unauthorized devices, software, modifications and/or non-licensed accessories. Furthermore such use may cause performance issues and/or damage to your Wii U system and related services. Nintendo (as well as Nintendo licensees or distributors) is not responsible for any damage or loss caused by the use of such devices, software, modifications or non-licensed accessories.
IMPORTANT: After the Wii U system is updated, any existing or future unauthorized technical modification of the hardware or software of your Wii U system, or the use of an unauthorized device in connection with your system, may render the system permanently unplayable. Content deriving from the unauthorized modification of the hardware or software of your Wii U system may be removed. Failure to accept the update may render games unplayable.
Wii U system updates can be received automatically when connected to the internet. When the download is complete, you will receive a dialog on the Wii U Menu detailing the steps to install the update.
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
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