Wii U System Update 5.0 Adds Quick Launch Feature

As promised in previous Nintendo Direct videos, Nintendo has just pushed patch 5.0 to Wii U owners to add the new “quick launch” feature. This addition allows players to quickly skip the main menu of the console and load recently played or installed software instantly.

On top of the “quick launch”, the patch also added a new notification system to the console. The Wii U GamePad Alerts (special notifications from Nintendo) will be displayed on the GamePad when the Wii U is powered down, and also in the “quick launch” menu

Lastly, the console will now update on its own while in standby mode. The Wii U uses the least amount of power in standby mode, so don’t be afraid to leave your console plugged in for these updates. 

You can read the full patch notes below:

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.