What other features did the Wii U system update add?

With the latest Wii U system update, the console received reduced load times when starting the console, launching apps and system settings, opening Miiverse, exiting software, switching apps and software, and returning to the main menu. Though the times are still far from ideal, they are an improvement.

That's not all that the Wii U update offered. It also delivered new services and enhanced features. The other features included in the update are:

• 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.

About the update, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's president and COO, said, "Wii U continues to grow and evolve with new features that make it a better experience for everyone. Now owners can navigate to their favorite games and services even faster, or play some of their favorite classic games."

Probably the best feature included in the update is the first one: by pressing and holding B while the Wii U logo is shown, you can directly go to the Wii Menu. So if you want to play a Wii game you own, it's that much easier to start up now. I also like that the Wii U will automatically go into standby mode when it's downloading a title and will turn off automatically when it's done.

Of course, since the system has little harddrive space of its own, easier transferring of data between USBs is a welcome feature.

All in all, it's a pretty good update. Nintendo is giving Wii U owners what they've been asking for; now all they have to do is get more Wii U owners. Nothing will do that better than big titles.

Additional features are scheduled to be rolled out after the update. Wii U owners can soon expect more classic titles for the Virtual Console on Wii U. These include:

• Balloon Fight
• Donkey Kong
• Donkey Kong Jr.
• Excitebike
• F-Zero
• Ice Climber
• Kirby's Adventure
• Kirby Super Star
• Mario Bros.
• Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
• Super Mario Bros. 2
• Super Mario World
• Super Metroid
• Yoshi

Each game in the Wii U Virtual Console will include off-TV play on the GamePad, customizable controls, Miiverse community support, and the ability to instant-save your progress. NES prices will be $4.99 to $5.99; and Super NES game will cost $7.99 to $8.99. If you've already downloaded these games to your Wii System, you can transfer them to your Wii U and play them in Wii mode with no charge. However, if you want to take advantage of the Wii U features on these games, you'll have to purchase them again, but at a discounted price of $1 for NES games and $1.50 for Super NES games. Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 games will also be added in the future, which I personally can not wait for.

Meanwhile, the Wii U Panorama View will be available as a free downloadable demo from the Nintendo eShop and includes sample experiences. Full versions of each individual video tour — from the streets of Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, to touring London on a double-decker bus — can be had for $2 each.

You can follow Senior Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, movies, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com