Wii U 4.00 Update Released, Play Wii Games on the Gamepad

Nintendo have released a system update for the Wii U, and it contains with it what a regularly requested features for the system. You can now use the Wii U gamepad as a TV for Wii games. This is pretty huge for those of us with a back catalogue to get through, and although you still will need to use a Wii remote, it’s a step in the right direction.

Also included is the ability to have your Wii U download important apps and demos for you automatically, support for USB Keyboards (which will supplement a variety of changes to the internet browser), and an ability to block use of your Nintendo ID on non-Nintendo products, such as smart phones and PCs.

Although it’s a more than decent update with some interesting features, one thing is definitely missing. For the last year, we’ve been promised an update that will increase speed. We got one earlier this year, and it improved using the Wii U drastically. There was supposed to be another one around now though, and 4.00 has come and gone, with no mention of a faster system.

Perhaps something will come from today’s Nintendo Direct, viewable today at 3PM GMT.

The full changelog:

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