While the Wii U isn't out yet, we do know the console will require a day-one update once people get it. If you're not planning on connecting it online, that's fine, but just don't expect to use the Miiverse, TVii and Wii U Chat among other things. If and when you want to use these features and more, expect a rather hefty 5.5GB firmware update (via Geoff Keighley).
Speaking of firmwares and updates, it seems having the console accidentally turned off while it's updating will result in the unit to be "bricked!" If you're unfamiliar with the term, "brick" is what people coin technological devices that have no use or can't be used for their intended purpose. Hence, the term.
This unfortunate fact was realized by L.A. Times reporter Ben Fritz in a series of tweets you can see below.
So is there some secret way to hard reset a Wii U? Cause mine is totally busted
Warning: don’t unplug your Wii U during the 2 hour plus software update or the console stops working.
Since the console is bricked, my Wii U tryout party has turned into a “Predator” viewing party.
seriously. I never played a single game and now as far as I can tell its unusable.
While every console/device will warn you not to turn the unit off when an update is happening, most console manufacturers do have a contingency plan in place if and when something like that happens. Take Sony for example; if the console is accidentally powered off while updating, the PS3 will retry the update once the console is turned on again.
There is an easy solution to the Wii U's problem though: just don't turn it off. Quite easy, no? Of course, the fact that you might have a $350 paperweight should somehow compel you to make sure it doesn't get bricked. Add in the fact that the firmware is a hefty 5GB, and well, I can see some people getting frustrated already.
Should people be worried about this or is this even a non-issue? And has this affect your preference in buying a Wii U?
Thanks, GamingVogue