Nintendo has just rolled out a new firmware update for the Wii U that brings your system up to version 5.1.0. The biggest addition is that you can now perform a system-to-system transfer of all your content — so if you were to purchase a special edition Wii U, for example, you can move all your data without having to ship both systems to Nintendo. The 3DS received this functionality within the first year of its release, so it's a wonder it took so much longer for the Wii U or why it wasn't there to begin with.
Similar to how the 3DS transfer works, you'll need an Internet connection and an SD card with enough space to store your Wii U data for the move. The original Wii U gets completely formatted, while any existing content on the target Wii U is deleted and replaced by the content from the old Wii U. The exception is Wii data in Wii mode, which actually gets merged with whatever already exists on the target hardware. Finally, any Nintendo Network ID you had linked to the target Wii U can be relinked, and software you had purchased with that ID can then be redownloaded from the eShop. Read the full details on that here.
In addition to the transfer function, you can now use the Wii Remote, Wii Classic Controller, or Wii U Pro Controller to navigate the eShop. No longer are you forced to use the GamePad to make online purchases.
Version 5.1.0 U, available via an Internet connection, includes the following improvements:
New Features:
Wii U to Wii U System Transfer
Users can now transfer (move) all software and data from one Wii U to another
A “System Transfer” option has been added within System Settings
Click here for additional information on this feature
Changes to Nintendo eShop:
Users can now navigate the Nintendo eShop using a Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller, or Classic Controller
Improvements to system stability and usability:
Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience
