Nintendo Adds New Features to Wii U

RMN Digital | April 26, 2013 | Americas, Consumer, Games, Regions | No Comments

The next major system update for Nintendo’s Wii U home console after launch is now available for download.

The update delivers a host of new services and enhanced features, such as improved stability and performance, as well as faster load times when switching between applications.

The update also lays the groundwork for the imminent launch of the Wii U Virtual Console service. Wii U owners also will soon see the launch of Wii U Panorama View.

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

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A library of classic games is planned for the Virtual Console on Wii U, with favorites such as 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 and Yoshi on the way soon. Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 games are scheduled to be added in the future.

Each game in the Wii U Virtual Console library has been developed to include off-TV play on the Wii U GamePad controller, customizable controls, Miiverse community support and the ability to instantly save game progress.

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NES games will cost $4.99 to $5.99, while Super NES games will cost $7.99 to $8.99. People who have already downloaded these games to their Wii System can transfer them to their Wii U consoles and play them in Wii Mode at no charge.

To upgrade and take advantage of the improved Wii U features, they can purchase them at the special discount price of $1 for NES games and $1.50 for Super NES games.

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Meanwhile, Wii U Panorama View opens a window to the sights and sounds of some of the world’s most exotic destinations. Wii U owners use the GamePad controller to look in every direction to control an immersive 360-degree video guided tour as these destinations come to life from the comfort of your living room.

Imagine catching all the sights during a tour of London on a double-decker bus or exploring the streets of Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. Wii U Panorama View will be available as a free downloadable demo from the Nintendo eShop and includes a sample of different experiences the application has to offer. The full versions of each individual video tour can be purchased for $2 each. Nintendo made this announcement today, April 26.