Wii U system software 3.1.0 released, next update due by Oct.

Nintendo released the latest version of the Wii U system software, version 3.1.0 U, today, offering improvements to the console's standby functions and overall system stability. According to release notes, the next noteworthy system update will come to Wii U owners by early October.

The Wii U's updated standby functions will now "regularly connect to the Internet when the Wii U is powered down to check for available SpotPass data or software and system updates," according to the Nintendo support website. Software updates will be installed while the Wii U is powered down, Nintendo says, and system updates will be installed the next time the Wii U is powered on.

Nintendo promises that overall system stability and "other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience."

A more substantial update that improves Wii U system functionality — the second of two key system software updates promised by Nintendo president Satoru Iwata in January — is planned for release sometime between the end of September and beginning of October. Nintendo had previously outlined a summer release window for the update.