Friends, it is time once again to refresh your Wii U console, with Nintendo introducing a whole stack of changes in the latest system update. Among them, the ability to download games in the background!

Wii U Premium console

The changelog, while brief, is packed with goodies. At a glance, it seems the new update has been designed to make the console less annoying. As well as background downloading, version 3.0.0 U adds a nifty standby function, where the console will download and install software while the system is turned off.

Take a look:

• 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

*1 User selection may be necessary.
*2 A similar option has been removed from Nintendo eShop, Miiverse, and the Internet Browser.

Those mysterious “Changes to Miiverse” are pretty exciting, too: The service has now expanded onto web browsers, meaning you can access your friends via your smartphone or your PC. Of course, you will need a Wii U to access the system, but Nintendo is currently working on a 3DS solution for more portable gamers. Want in? Visit the official website!