In addition to the ability to play Wii games on the Wii U Gamepad, the latest Wii U firmware update includes a host of new features for Nintendo fans. At approximately 700MB, the update takes a significant amount of time to download, but comes with a number of improvements, including several Internet Browser updates, as well as the ability to plug a headset into the gamepad for chats. Here is a list of the major new features of the latest update:

Wii-only software can be played on the Wii U gamepad with the use of a Wii remote

Trial software (including demos) can be automatically received from Nintendo

USB keyboard support

Smartphones and other devices can be used to manage Nintendo Network ID

Dolby Pro Logic II supported by Wii software

View friends list from the Wii U menu

A headset can be connected to the Wii U gamepad and used for chats

Several updates to Internet Browser, including saving passwords and capturing images from games

.pdf files can be read from the Wii U