Wii U's Latest Update Allows System Transfers, Wii Remote-Enabled Shopping

The latest system update for Nintendo's Wii U is now available, and its primary addition is support for system transfers between Wii U systems.

The 5.1.0 U update offers three (documented) changes. The new system transfer feature allows you to move any software and data--including save games, Nintendo Network IDs, and so on--located on your console to a different Wii U system. This process erases any data stored on the Wii U being transferred to, so you'll need to back any such data that you intend to keep. Also adding to your workload: If there is a USB storage device attached to the target Wii U, you'll have to format it afterward before it works with the Wii U again. More details on how the process works are available on Nintendo's support site.

This feature's appeal is, no doubt, limited; many people will never have a need nor desire to transfer their data to a new Wii U. But for those who do--like those who want to move to a special edition Wii U, like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker one above from last year--this will be very welcome. Prior to this, there was no official solution for transferring data without contacting Nintendo support.

Also new in this update are new controller options for browsing the eShop: the Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller, and Classic Controller can all now be used to look around and make purchases on Nintendo's digital store.

Lastly, there is the unexciting, yet obligatory-in-every-update "system stability" improvements. Nintendo also notes that "other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience," but doesn't specify what these might be.

Wii U's last system update, the 5.0.0 U update, was released in early June and added the system's quick start menu and GamePad alerts.

Do you plan to make use of the new system transfer function? What features do you still want to see implemented in a future Wii U update? Let us know in the comments.