Nintento warned against the Wii U lengthy firmware update being interrupted as the newly released console could be otherwise be damaged.

The 1GB firmware update adds features including access to the Miiverse social network and must be downloaded via the net. During the update process, the Wii U should remain powered on and the process should not be interrupted, Nintendo warned users. There are already reports that that some newly purchased machines became unusable after trying to cancel the lengthy update.

The Japanese games company has acknowledged that the data required "an hour or more" to download and install.

In any case, any frozen machines should be covered by the Nintendo's standard 12-month warranty.

The Wii U launched in the US on Sunday and the first batch of the Wii U already became sold out at many stores. The device has completely sold out at GameStop stores worldwide, while Best Buy, Walmart and Target have very limited supplies, although stores may be holding back for Black Friday crowds.

The games console will launch in Europe in 30 November and 8 December in Japan.

Another significant update coming for the deivce next month, when Nintendo adds its TVii service.