With the Wii U now out worldwide, fans might be wondering why there's a day-one update to access most of the console's online features. Keep in mind that this isn't a paltry 100MB update, but rather, a hefty 5GB download that if interrupted, could "brick" your Wii U.
In an interview with Gamasutra, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime explains why the Wii U required a day-one patch and states this is similar to "other consumer electronic products."
Nintendo developers want to make sure that the very best product is available to consumer…That creates a dynamic where our developers are working on elements until the very last point possible. That's why the system update was required on Day One – and this is quite similar to what's happened with other consumer electronic products.
For those who can't or didn't buy a Wii U yet, Fils-Aime reveals that the firmware patch won't ship with the system pre-installed until sometime in early 2013 or maybe even reach spring. According to Reggie, only after the patch has been on the market for a few months will Nintendo incorporate it into the firmware that ships with the system itself.
So, there you have it. If you can't get a Wii U and you absolutely do not want to download the day-one update, check back around spring next year to get one with the new firmware already pre-installed.
Has any of you bought a Wii U yet? How long did it take you to download the day-one update or has some of you chosen not to connect your Wii U online because of it?
