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Wii U MacRumors members reviews.

Wii U 4.0 Firmware

So just installed, love the wii games on the wii u controller feature. Mario Galaxy 2 and Zelda Skyward Sword look amazing on the smaller screen, they appear cleaner with a kind of anti-aliasing that makes them look truly great for their age.

Still look like pixelated oversized Jpg's on my TV though, but hey ho.


Other than that, I haven't noticed any other speed improvements for the UI generally.
 
The update is pretty stellar the release notes are below:

I especially love surround sound support for Wii games and off-TV play - I'll be using that quite a bit - especially for Wii Fit until Wii Fit U comes out.

I'm also really glad that audio output can go through RCA cord instead of HDMI - my projector setup forced me to either choose good audio or video - now I can have both (a few weeks late as I just upgraded my receiver to take care of that issue)

The fact that the Wii mode can see the GamePad controls - but doesn't allow them to do anything gives me hope that Nintendo is working on that - overall very impressed with this update

------------------------------
New Features:

* A feature to output video and sound to the Wii U GamePad when using Wii Mode
* Users can choose to output to the TV and GamePad, or just the TV
* A feature to automatically receive recommended software and demo titles from Nintendo using SpotPass
* Support for USB keyboards
* An option to disable use of a Nintendo Network ID on non-Nintendo hardware, such as PCs and smartphones
* Support for Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound when playing Wii software

Changes to Wii U Menu:

* Added a friend list icon to the Wii U Menu for easier access to the Friend List

Changes to System Settings:

* An option to automatically receive recommended software is now available under "Internet"
* A setting to select which cable outputs sound is available through "TV"
* Users can choose to output sound through an HDMI cable, non-HDMI cable, or both cables at the same time
* A setting to adjust the hourly interval in which standby functions are performed is available under "Power Settings" when standby functions are enabled

Changes to Wii U Chat:

* Added the option to view a friend's profile on Miiverse when sending or receiving a chat request
* Users can now chat using a headset connected to the Wii U GamePad

Changes to Internet Browser:

* Pressing the R or L Buttons on the Wii U GamePad will skip video playback forward/back a small amount of time
* Holding the R Button will speed up video playback
* Ability to save username and passwords for websites that require login
* Ability to launch the Internet Browser during gameplay and upload screenshots
* Added support for viewing PDF files
* Added features intended for website developers that allow the user to enable developer tools and set user agent

Improvements to system stability and usability:

* Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
------------------------------
 
MacRumorUser said:
Wii U 4.0 Firmware

So just installed, love the wii games on the wii u controller feature. Mario Galaxy 2 and Zelda Skyward Sword look amazing on the smaller screen, they appear cleaner with a kind of anti-aliasing that makes them look truly great for their age.

Still look like pixelated oversized Jpg's on my TV though, but hey ho.


Other than that, I haven't noticed any other speed improvements for the UI generally.
Click to expand...

Playing games on the Wii U controller is a great feature!

BTW, what resolution is your TV? I assume 1080...my old Sony CRT refuses to die, so my wife and I keep plodding on in ol' 640x480 "glory"...:eek:
 
blesscheese said:
Playing games on the Wii U controller is a great feature!

BTW, what resolution is your TV? I assume 1080...my old Sony CRT refuses to die, so my wife and I keep plodding on in ol' 640x480 "glory"...:eek:
Click to expand...

Yeah the Wii U is connected in my bedroom to a LG 42" Led Full HD & 3D and WiFi / Smart features... :)
 
MacRumorUser said:
Yeah the Wii U is connected in my bedroom to a LG 42" Led Full HD & 3D and WiFi / Smart features... :)
Click to expand...

I have been dreaming of ways to accidentally spill liquid on it...:D

The reality is, I'm happy with running my Wii U on my computer monitor, in my home office. I get interrupted a lot less often.

Although with Wind Waker HD coming out, if we had the Wii U in the living room, my wife and I could play it together, like we did back in 2003 with the original.

Nahhh, on second thought, I think I'm better off having the Wii U in my "man-cave." :D
 
Hey Guys

I am thinking of using a WII U as my only game console apart from the Mac. I have been a long Playstation fan, but this years PS4 seems to open up many questions like the cost of paying a online subscription and the lack of new technology in the PS4 like HDMI 2.0 and the 4k blu ray drive as well as the codecs.

I am thinking of skipping the PS4 for the time being and continuing to use my WII U with Wind Waker HD coming out soon, Sonic Colors next up and Super Mario Bros 3D world in late november the WII U is looking more brighter.

I have always been a big fan racing games on the PS4 like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo, an area nintendo lags. But if I require playstation plus subscription, I see it pointless as i will not be buying much games on it.

If i can play launch titles games like need for speed rivals lets say offline it might change my decision.
 
mrmarts said:
I have always been a big fan racing games on the PS4 like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo, an area nintendo lags. But if I require playstation plus subscription, I see it pointless as i will not be buying much games on it.

If i can play launch titles games like need for speed rivals lets say offline it might change my decision.
Click to expand...

That's a little bit a sad story for the U until now, the new NfS won't be released on the U and the promising Project Cars hasn't even a release date.

But I think that if one has a computer, only wants to have one console and likes the Nintendo 1st party titles: Wii U is the way to go!
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is excellent, though. I you haven't got it, I'd definitely buy it for the fix!
 
mrmarts said:
Hey Guys

I am thinking of using a WII U as my only game console apart from the Mac. I have been a long Playstation fan, but this years PS4 seems to open up many questions like the cost of paying a online subscription and the lack of new technology in the PS4 like HDMI 2.0 and the 4k blu ray drive as well as the codecs.

I am thinking of skipping the PS4 for the time being and continuing to use my WII U with Wind Waker HD coming out soon, Sonic Colors next up and Super Mario Bros 3D world in late november the WII U is looking more brighter.

I have always been a big fan racing games on the PS4 like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo, an area nintendo lags. But if I require playstation plus subscription, I see it pointless as i will not be buying much games on it.

If i can play launch titles games like need for speed rivals lets say offline it might change my decision.
Click to expand...

Need for Speed: Most Wanted U is a solid title - in general there aren't a ton of those games quite yet for Wii U. Kart racers are solid like Sonic All Star Racing Transformed and the new Mario Kart 8. If all you are doing is playing realistic racing games there may be better platforms for you. But, if you are looking for a variety of genres with a solid game in each genre then the Wii U is perfect.

COD Black Ops 2 is fantastic on Wii U, NFS Most Wanted U is great, the list goes on. There are some really fantastic third party titles and many can be now had for $15 to $30 since they are older titles.
 
twietee said:
Have you tried Splinter Cell: Blacklist? If not, go and check it out, it's friggin' awesome!
Click to expand...

It is on my list of games to get - have too large of a backlog now to pick it up - but will get it at some point

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gkarris said:
How do you play Wii games on the Gamepad when you are supposed to be waving the controller around?
Click to expand...

I think most people over estimate how much "waving" is necessary - they are small movements that can be done while laying in bed with a bean bag pillow propping up the GamePad.

There is a Sensor Bar in the GamePad and it does a great job - played Pikmin 3 that way on release. You don't need to turn all Wii games into an exercise game to have fun with them :)

(Here is my setup for the GamePad in bed - http://instagram.com/p/e8r-UsEo0C/ )
 
musicpenguy said:
There is a Sensor Bar in the GamePad and it does a great job - played Pikmin 3 that way on release. You don't need to turn all Wii games into an exercise game to have fun with them :)

(Here is my setup for the GamePad in bed - http://instagram.com/p/e8r-UsEo0C/ )
Click to expand...

I have Pikmin 3 and play it with the regular Wii contollers - using the Gamepad the controls are like on the GameCube - unless I'm missing something...

BTW - Love the pillow holder - Zelda Gamepad, eh?
 
gkarris said:
I have Pikmin 3 and play it with the regular Wii contollers - using the Gamepad the controls are like on the GameCube - unless I'm missing something...

BTW - Love the pillow holder - Zelda Gamepad, eh?
Click to expand...

You can use the Wii Remote for Off TV play on Pikmin 3 - works remarkably well - (loving the Zelda GamePad - a beautiful design)
 
I picked up a Wii U yesterday, and I'm really happy with it. The system is very unfairly bashed online. The gamepad is actually a clever idea, not annoying like I thought it'd be. Definitely give it a shot if you're on the fence.
 
shinji said:
I picked up a Wii U yesterday, and I'm really happy with it. The system is very unfairly bashed online. The gamepad is actually a clever idea, not annoying like I thought it'd be. Definitely give it a shot if you're on the fence.
Click to expand...

Which games did you get? Glad you like it!
 
shinji said:
I picked up a Wii U yesterday, and I'm really happy with it. The system is very unfairly bashed online. The gamepad is actually a clever idea, not annoying like I thought it'd be. Definitely give it a shot if you're on the fence.
Click to expand...

Ditto ^ above, glad you like it, let us know what games you like--it may give us some ideas!

Yeah, don't get me started about the "unfairly bashed online thing." It's one thing for Sony and M$ to put out marketing crap, it's another thing for people, journalists, and bloggers to buy it hook, line, and sinker (without trying it out for themselves, and making up their own minds).

Ok, back to WindWaker !
 
twietee said:
Which games did you get? Glad you like it!
Click to expand...

So far I only have New Super Mario Bros U and Zelda Wind Waker HD.

Considering Pikmin 3, too. Is the control scheme for it decent with the gamepad or it gets in the way?

I'm planning to buy the new Sonic game coming out, Super Mario 3D World, and in February Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze.
 
shinji said:
So far I only have New Super Mario Bros U and Zelda Wind Waker HD.

Considering Pikmin 3, too. Is the control scheme for it decent with the gamepad or it gets in the way?

I'm planning to buy the new Sonic game coming out, Super Mario 3D World, and in February Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze.
Click to expand...

For Pikmin 3 I would really recommend a Wii Remote/Nunchuck combo - it is absolutely killer. I used the GamePad in that game set to the side for maps etc.

If you were comfortable with GameCube controls for the original Pikmin then the controller should be fine, but Wii Remote is leaps and bounds faster and easier to control.
 
Ok Sonic Lost World's is annoying. You can clearly see great potential and yet controls and the enemy lock on is next to useless.....
 
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