Wii U system software
Developer | Nintendo |
---|---|
Written in | C, C++ / PPC |
OS family | Nintendo proprietary |
Working state | Discontinued |
Source model | Closed source |
Initial release | 1.0.1 / November 18, 2012[1]- January 31, 2017[2] |
Latest release | 5.5.6 U (North America only) 5.5.5 E (Europe only / August 29, 2022 |
Available in |
|
Update method | Direct download Wii U Optical Disc |
Platforms | Wii U |
Default user interface | Wii U Menu |
License | Proprietary |
Preceded by | Wii system software |
Succeeded by | Nintendo Switch system software |
Official website | en-americas-support |
The Wii U operating system also known internally as Cafe OS[3] is the official firmware version and system software for the Nintendo's Wii U home video game console. Nintendo maintains the Wii U's systemwide features and applications by offering system software updates via the Internet. Updates are optional to each console owner, but may be required in order to retain interoperability with Nintendo's online services. Each update is cumulative, including all changes from previous updates.
The system's official integrated development environment, named MULTI and published by embedded software engineering vendor Green Hills Software, is intended for use by Nintendo and its licensed developers in programming the Wii U. Details of the operating system's internal architecture have not been officially publicized.[4]
The Wii U Menu is the main dashboard of the system, acting as an application organizer and launcher. It is a
Like the original Wii, discs can also be hot-swapped while in the menu. The Wii U Menu may also be used to launch applications entirely beyond just gaming: the
Wii U Menu
WaraWara Plaza
The Wii U Menu is directly integrated with Miiverse and the Nintendo Network. When the Wii U powers on, the television screen shows the WaraWara Plaza in which user status and comments on Miiverse are shown. Each user is represented by their respective Mii and was associated with a Miiverse community.[6] Users could save any Mii on the WaraWara Plaza to their personal library, like their posts (with a "Yeah!"), write a comment, and send a friend request. Since Miiverse is discontinued, the WaraWara Plaza now only shows the built-in tips from Nintendo usually meant for offline users.
Home Menu
The Home Menu (stylized as HOME Menu) can be accessed during any game or application through the user pressing the Home Button on the
Pre-installed software
Nintendo eShop
The Nintendo eShop is Nintendo's online
Unlike past Nintendo digital stores, such as the
The Nintendo eShop supports user software reviews. Users can submit a review with "stars" ranging from one to five, representing its quality in a crescent order. It is also possible to categorize the software on whether it is suitable for
The ability to purchase content through the Nintendo eShop was discontinued on March 27, 2023.[11]
Miiverse
Miiverse (
On April 25, 2013, Miiverse also became available on web browsers for internet-enabled smartphone, tablet and PC devices.[13] It later became available for the Nintendo 3DS in December 2013. It was discontinued on November 8, 2017, along with Wii U Chat.[14]
Internet Browser
Internet Browser allows users to browse the web on the Wii U GamePad and/or the television screen. It functions as a multitasking application on the Wii U, so it can be used while another game or application is suspended in the background.
Nintendo TVii
Nintendo TVii was a free television-based service which allowed users to find programs on
Each user had their own personalized settings on Nintendo TVii, such as favorite shows and sports teams, their personal Mii, and any social network account integration. Users could then interact with friends and the community by sharing and commenting on reactions to live moments on the current show, on social networks such as Miiverse, Facebook, and Twitter, through the GamePad while the show played on the television screen.
Nintendo TVii was made available with the Wii U's release in Japan on December 8, 2012.[21] It was released in North America on December 20, 2012[22] and was scheduled to be released in Europe sometime in 2013,[23] but was never fulfilled. Nintendo UK later issued an apology and stated to expect further announcements in the "near future".[24] However, on February 14, 2015, Nintendo Europe officially confirmed that they had cancelled plans for the service's release in European countries "due to the extremely complex nature of localising multiple television services across a diverse range of countries with varied licensing systems".[25]
It was discontinued in the US on August 11, 2015, and Japan on November 8, 2017, along with Miiverse and Wii U Chat.[26]
Other streaming service apps
Nintendo worked with
Wii U Chat
Wii U Chat was Nintendo's online
It is no longer available from November 7, 2017, along with Miiverse and TVii.[35]
Wii Street U
Wii Street U was a built-in
for the Wii U. During a Nintendo Direct, Satoru Iwata revealed that Google Maps would be integrated with the panorama feature of the Wii U. The player could choose any place from around the globe to look at, use the street view feature and can use the Wii U GamePad.This application was available on Wii U eShop as a free download until October 31, 2013, after which it became a paid app. Nintendo discontinued the app on March 31, 2016.[36]
Wii Karaoke U
Wii Karaoke U was a built-in
The app requires an Internet connection for players to access new songs to download. Buying tickets for songs from the Nintendo eShop, players rent the songs they want to sing for a limited period (from 24 hours to up to 90 days) from Joysounds's song library. Choosing a stage to perform on, players are able to select their own Mii characters to represent themselves. Players are also able to adjust options such as echo, key and speed of the song, and other players can use their Wii Remotes to accompany the singer by playing instruments such as cymbals and maracas. The game includes a lesson mode which trains and quizzes players on tone and rhythm.
It was released as a free app, titled Wii Karaoke U by Joysound, on the Nintendo eShop in Europe, on October 4, 2013.[37]
It was closed on March 31, 2017.[38]
Wii Mode
Wii Mode is a fully virtualized Wii system, relaunching the Wii U to entirely become exactly like a Wii until it is relaunched into native mode. When a Wii game disc is inserted into the Wii U, an appropriate launchable icon appears on the Wii U Menu. Alternatively, the Wii U may be powered on while holding the B button. As with a native Wii system, the Wii Mode's internal storage memory is limited to 512 MB, and the SD Card Menu can utilize a card up to 32 GB in size.
There are a few slight differences between the Wii U's Wii Mode and a native Wii system. The data management settings are accessible, but the Wii System Settings are not. The Wii Shop Channel is fully available for the purchase of Wii software; however, its Netflix, Hulu Plus, and YouTube applications cannot be used. The system must be relaunched into Wii U mode, in order to utilize the native versions of these applications.
Other software
- Health & Safety Information
- User Accounts
- Wii U optical disclauncher
- Activity Log
- Parental Controls
- System Settings
Multitasking applications
In addition to running one primary game or application, the Wii U is capable of simultaneously opening select system applications. Once a primary application has been launched from the Wii U Menu, the user can then push the HOME button to temporarily suspend that application. One of the following applications may then be launched, and may possibly interoperate with the primary application, such as screenshots and game scores.
- Miiverse
- Nintendo eShop
- Internet Browser
- Nintendo TVii
- Notifications
- Friend List
- Download Manager
History of updates
The Wii U launched with its system software at either version 1.0.1 or 1.0.2.[1] An update released on the same day added a web browser, Miiverse, a method of transferring data from a Wii, and a sandboxed way for owners to play Wii games, but not GameCube games.[39] On April 25, 2013, a major new update at version 3.0 improved system loading times and added automatic installation of downloaded software.[7] Version 4.0 released on September 30, 2013, added further features such as the ability to plug a headset directly into the GamePad for Wii U Chat, the ability to take screenshots and upload them through the web browser during gameplay, and support for USB keyboards and surround sound for Wii games.[40] On June 2, 2014, another major update with version number 5.0 was released, with added abilities to display a Quick Start Menu and Wii U GamePad Alerts in addition to other changes.[41] The version that immediately followed (5.1.0) added the support for Wii U to Wii U System Transfer.[42]
See also
Other gaming platforms from Nintendo:
- Wii system software
- Nintendo Switch system software
- Nintendo 3DS system software
- Nintendo DSi system software
Other gaming platforms from this generation:
- PlayStation 4 system software
- Xbox One system software
- PlayStation Vita system software
Gaming platforms from the seventh generation:
- PlayStation 3 system software
- PlayStation Portable system software
- Xbox 360 system software
References
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- ^ https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/4/23902615/wii-u-nintendo-3ds-online-shut-down#
- ^ https://wiiubrew.org/wiki/Cafe_OS
- ^ "Green Hills Software's MULTI Integrated Development Environment Selected by Nintendo for Wii U Development" (Press release). San Jose, CA: Green Hills Software. March 27, 2012. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
- ^ "Social networking comes to Wii U, Miiverse will interface with PCs and phones". VentureBeat. 2012-06-05. Archived from the original on 2012-06-09. Retrieved 2012-06-12.
- ^ "Wii U Official Site - Built-in Software". Nintendo. 2012-11-01. Archived from the original on 2012-11-28. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
- ^ a b Martin Gaston (April 26, 2013). "Wii U spring system update now live". Gamespot. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ "Wii U System Update 5.0.0 Now Live, Adds Quick Start Menu And GamePad Notifications". Nintendo Life. 2014-06-03. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
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- ^ "Wii U - Nintendo eShop" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Archived from the original on July 31, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
また、ほかのプレイヤーの評価や『Miiverse』に投稿されたコメントを見ることもできます(予定)。
- ^ "Say Goodbye to The 3DS & Wii U eShop, They're Officially Closed For Good". Twinfinite. 2023-03-28. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- ^ JC Fletcher on (June 7, 2012). "Miiverse messages will be subject to moderation before posting". Joystiq. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
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- ^ "Wii U Internet Browser Functionality Detailed - News". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012."The Wii U web browser's HTML5 gaming capabilities". Gamasutra. December 9, 2012. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
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