NVIDIA Shield drops by the FCC, gets ready to fill pre-orders

Eager to get your mitts on NVIDIA's first Tegra 4 device? Cast your jealous eyes upon the federal government -- they've already got one. NVIDIA's Shield gaming handheld dropped by the FCC to get its label approved, betraying its original code name, Project Thor, in the processes. Hardly a surprise to see the device passing federal muster, of course, as it's slated for release at the end of next month. Unfortunately, the filings don't reveal any hidden goodies (that is, no cellular radio), just a standard WiFi antenna. Still, if label location drawings and test reports are your thing, check out the FCC link below.

Nintendo updates Miiverse web app, lets users post on the go

When Miiverse first hit the web, Nintendo called it a beta experience. It was an apt description -- the web app lacked the ability to manage friends, tweak user details or create new posts. Today, things are looking a bit better: Nintendo quietly pushed an update for the service this week, adding in all those features and the ability to view most posts without logging in. Users itching to send private messages or share drawings still need to boot up their Wii U. Nintendo hasn't said if this means if Miiverse's web presence is out of beta, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. Now, where's that 3DS support we were promised?

Nintendo Japan announces white 32GB Wii U, Wiimote quick charger

An official extended battery for its Wii U Gamepad isn't the only thing Nintendo Japan posted on its website tonight, as it also added a white option for the Wii U 32GB Premium set, a 30th Anniversary Luigi special edition 3DS XL and quick charging option for the Wiimote. Surveys surfaced earlier this year suggesting a fast charging option on the way for the Wiimote, and in Japan gamers will be able to add the accessory -- consisting of replacement battery / backplate and charging stand, pictured after the break -- starting July 13th for 4,200 yen ($41) , and 2,625 yen ($26) for the battery alone. That should allow not only faster charging, but also longer battery life than Wii gamers have been used to.

July 13th is the same day the white Wii U premium will arrive as well, coming at the same price and packing the same accessories as the existing black 32GB console. Finally, Nintendo listed all the details for the special Luigi edition 3DS XLannounced recently on Nintendo Direct. Of course, none of these are the games that even Iwata admits the Wii U needs, but a few more choices can't hurt, can they?

Official 2,550mAh Wii U GamePad battery announced in Japan, promises up to 8 hours of gameplay

Bummed out about the Wii U GamePad's middling battery life? Nintendo finally has an answer: install a bigger battery. Taking to Twitter these evening, Nintendo revealed has that a new larger capacity GamePad battery will be available in Japan soon, promising between 5-8 hours of battery life. The 2,550mAh battery will cost ¥3,000 yen (about $39) when it launches this July, and will need to be installed manually by the user. There's no word yet on international availability, but it's a welcome band-aid for problem that nagged early adopters. Hungry for all of the (machine translated) details? Check out the official announcement at the attached source link.