Nintendo has announced that the spring update will be going live next week, just in time for the investor meeting and making it inside April.

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As previously mentioned, the new firmware improves load times. It will also let users go straight into Wii mode by pressing the “B” button at startup, provides automatic updates, and a new standby feature that downloads and installs content while the system is turned off.

The Wii U update also marks the official start of the Virtual Console service. Excitebike, Super Mario World, Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. 2, Donkey Kong, Kirby, and Ice Climbers are among the games coming to the service.

Wii U Panorama View available as a free downloadable demo next week.

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Source

Can't wait for it. The improved speed will be nice. I don't have that much of an issue at its current speed but faster will be better. I believe they talked about improved stability. That would be nice since Hulu has frozen my Wii U a couple times lately. Probably have over 20 hard freezes since launch. Reminds me of hosting Black Ops 1 on the Wii (had host freezing problems).

Good. I hope for more information in the Direct, but will there be a Wii U one before the Investors meeting?

Ya, dat ist gut

Any word on TVii for UK?

The source states that the Japanese ND will also cover first party WiiU titles, hinting at New Super Luigi U.

Maybe we'll get some western WiiU news too.

I think Yoshi and NSLU pretty much, i hope they tease X a little too!

Looking forward too it. I've recently purchased Super Mario Galaxy 2, Fragile, De Blob 2, Harvest moon Animal Parade, Little Kings Story, and Wario land shake. SO I've been playing my wii u quite a bit lately. I hope this improves the wii menu load times.

Wii discs should boot directly from the WiiU OS... there's no need to load the intermediate vWii.