The Wii U Just Got A Little Better

An update for the Wii U, bringing the system to v5.0.o, is rolling out right now. If you’re sick of waiting for the console’s menu to load every time you boot up the system, you’ll be happy with it.

It finally implements a “quick launch” menu, which lets you jump straight back into the last few things you were using. It also makes some changes to the way you receive updates and notifications from Nintendo.

Here are the full list of changes/improvements, straight from Nintendo:

Version 5.0.0 U, available via an Internet connection, includes the following improvements:

New Features:

A Quick Start Menu is now displayed when users press the GamePad POWER Button or HOME Button to power on the Wii U
Users can start recently played or newly installed software directly from the Quick Start Menu *1
Wii U GamePad Alerts (special notifications from Nintendo) can be displayed on the GamePad when the Wii U is powered down
Users will be notified with an audio ringtone when a new GamePad Alert is displayed
GamePad Alerts that have been received can also be viewed through the Quick Start Menu*2
Changes to Standby Functions:

System updates will now automatically install after download when the Wii U is in Standby
Changes to the Wii U Menu:

The User Settings screen now displays when users select their User Mii from the Wii U Menu
The design and layout of the Users Settings screen has been updated
This includes the ability to switch the active user from the User Settings screen
Changes to System Settings:

Quick Start Menu options have been added to Power Settings
Wii U GamePad Alert options are located within the Quick Start Menu options
Changes to the HOME Menu

A Notification icon is now available on the HOME Menu, allowing users to launch the Notifications feature from the HOME Menu
Improvements to system stability and usability:

Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
(*1)The Quick Start Menu is only displayed when the Wii U GamePad POWER or HOME Buttons are pressed. Other controllers, such as the Wii Remote Plus and Wii U Pro Controller, will continue to power on the Wii U

(*2)Wii U GamePad Alerts are different from the notifications received via the Wii U Notifications feature. Wii U GamePad Alerts settings can be changed via Power Settings located in System Settings.