Nintendo has issued a system update for the Wii U, Digital Spy said.

The firmware refresh, the first of several the gaming giant is planning to roll out in the coming months, will improve stability and performance, Polygon reports.

The update brings the Wii U's software to version 2.1.3 U but does not include the speed update Nintendo has promised to combat the operating system's lengthy loading times.

European users will also have to wait until either April or the autumn to receive the Nintendo TVii television service that is currently available in other territories.

Furthermore, subsequent updates will add a full Virtual Console section in the eShop and support for the web-based and app versions of Miiverse.

The arrival of the update coincides with confirmation that retailers Asda and ShopTo have slashed the price of the Wii U 8GB basic bundle to less than £200.

Other retailers have put pressure on Nintendo to lower prices at their end, and release more 'must-have' software to help boost dwindling sales.