Nintendo has launched the Wii U's spring update, bringing the firmware up to version 3.0.0 U with shiny features including faster menu loading and background downloading. It also has loads of little tweaks which, while not hugely exciting, will make using your Wii U generally more pleasant.

Here's Nintendo's big list of what's new in v3.0.0 U:

• The time required to start the Wii U console, launch built-in applications, exit software and return to the main menu, jump between applications, and jump between software and Miiverse has been reduced.

• While the Wii U logo is being displayed during the system startup, users can directly transition to the Wii Menu by holding down the B Button on the Wii U GamePad.

• Users can install games and applications from the Nintendo eShop in the background while other software is being used.

• When powering off during a download, Wii U will go into a standby mode, then power off when all downloads and installations are complete.

• Users can transfer and copy data between two USB storage devices in Data Management. This allows users the opportunity to upgrade or replace a current USB storage device that is connected to the Wii U Console.

• Users can control the priority of their downloads when downloading multiple items at once.

• Improved account selection when powering on the system now displays Nintendo Network IDs to clearly distinguish accounts.

• TV screen size output can now be adjusted in the System Settings.

• An Undo/Redo button was added to the Miiverse drawing input screen.

The update also paves the way for the Wii U Virtual Console and Wii U Panorama View. Nintendo says the former's launch is "imminent" while the later is due "soon". In Europe they're both due on Saturday, but Nintendo of America doesn't give specific dates.

The update should download and install automatically, but you can force it by going to System Update in the System Settings menu. It may take "an hour or more" for "some users" Nintendo says.