Wii U Changes Coming: Virtual Console, Updates, Games & A New Pikmin!

Wii U Changes Coming: Virtual Console, Updates, Games & A New Pikmin!

While the latest Nintendo Direct broadcast was aimed mainly at the 3DS, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata did take time to mention some key changes coming to the Wii U.

The System Update has Almost Arrived

Mr. Iwata announced that the much anticipated Wii U system update will be out next week.  The new update will improve loading times and add a number of new features to the console.

First of all, the new update streamlines how the Wii U downloads and installs software.  With the update applied, downloads will be able to install while games are running and while the system is turned off.  Future Wii U updates may even be found, downloaded and installed all while the Wii U is switched off.

The new update will also allow players to access Wii mode faster.  Pressing the B button while the Wii U is starting up will cause the console to automatically switch to Wii mode, providing users with a streamlined way to access original Wii games and content.

Finally, users will be able to copy files between two plugged-in USB devices using the Wii U console.

The Virtual Console is Back

The Nintendo President then declared that the Wii U Virtual Console will be available one day after the system update.

Currently there is no complete list of which games will be available upon the Virtual Console’s release.  Mr. Iwata did however mention a couple of titles, some of which are already available.  It is believed that the following titles will be available upon the Virtual Console’s release:

  • Super Metroid (SNES)
  • Kirby’s Adventure (NES)
  • F-ZERO (SNES)
  • Punch Out!! (NES)
  • Excitebike (NES)
  • Super Mario World (SNES)
  • Mario’s Super Picross (SNES)
  • Ice Climber (NES)

Also, due to popular demand, Nintendo has announced that the NES game Earth Bound will be coming to the Wii U Virtual Console before the year is out.

All Virtual Console games will come with the option to play using Off-TV Mode, a feature which displays the game on the screen on the Wii U’s controller.

More News on New Super Luigi U

Mr. Iwata added further details about New Super Luigi U, the recently announced downloadable add-on for New Super Mario U.

The new add-on will replace the levels of the original game with all new levels and make Luigi the main playable character.

In the add-on, players will have to take advantage of Luigi’s different abilities and characteristics.  Luigi can to jump higher than Mario and temporarily hover.  But, the green plumber does have a tendency to slide after dashing.

Courses in the new edition of the game will have a 100 second timer, making the game fast paced and potentially more challenging.

New Super Luigi U will be available for download in the coming months.

Pikmin 3

Finally, the Nintendo President announced that Pikmin 3 is only a couple of months away.  Mr. Iwata revealed that the new game will contain a new type of Pikmin: the Winged Pikmin.  This type will be able to fly, cross streams, and attack aerial targets.

So, are you excited to see the Virtual Console come to Wii U or how about the release of New Super Luigi U?  Are you a Pikmin fan?  Let us know below!


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Nic is a freelance writer who enjoys covering cool products, games and ideas. If there’s anything weird, interesting or new, it’s fair game.

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