Nintendo of America announced on Sept. 30 via NeoGAF that a new system update is available for the Wii U. The latest system update – Version 4.0.0 U – introduces a number of new features to the Wii U, new load screens for the eShop and Miiverse, along with several other stability and fixes.
The biggest addition found in the new Wii U system update is that players can now output video and sound to the Wii U GamePad while in Wii Mode. Basically this means you can now play Wii games on the Wii U GamePad – though Wii software will only be displayed on the GamePad screen. You will still need to use a Wii-mote or Classic Controller to play these titles. If you ever wanted to play Resident Evil 4 or Xenoblade in bed, now is your chance.
Some minor cosmetic changes have been made. You will now find the Friend List icon on the Wii U menu for quicker access to your Friend List. Meanwhile, the eShop and Miiverse have received a minor update in design as both now feature a more stylish loading screen. The eShop has a slot game where you can try to match three slides to form a game icon. Miiverse, on the other hand, has people circling the globe.
You can find the complete breakdown of the Wii U system update below:
New Features:
A feature to output video and sound to the Wii U GamePad when using Wii Mode (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.)
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 keyboardsAn 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.
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 login (Users can delete saved usernames and passwords from the Internet Browser settings.)
Ability to launch the Internet Browser during gameplay and upload screenshots
Added support for viewing PDF files (Sometimes data may not be displayed correctly depending on the size and format of the PDF file. PDF files cannot be saved.)
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
