A new System Update is available for the Nintendo 3DS  which improves system performance and better functionality to it’s current feature-set.

One of the biggest changes is that the Nintendo eShop can now run while the 3DS is in sleep mode — you still need to have the eShop app up and running but at least it stays active to download things even after you’ve closed the lid.  The list of changes are as follows:

Version 5.0.0-11U available via wireless Internet connection includes the following improvements:

• Nintendo eShop improvements*
• Users will no longer need to close the Nintendo eShop application to ensure the “Download Later” feature works while the Nintendo 3DS is in Sleep Mode.
• Other improvements to usability have been made, including the ability to download software update data in the background.

Improvements to system stability and usability

• Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience.
• *System menu versions 5.0.0-0U through 5.0.0-10U do not include these improvements.
• The following, which were included within previous system updates, are not included with system menu versions 5.0.0-0U through 5.0.0-4U:
• New features for the Nintendo 3DS Camera
• New content for StreetPass Mii Plaza
• System Transfer between two Nintendo 3DS systems
• The following, which were included within previous system updates, are not included with system menu versions 5.0.0-0U through 5.0.0-1U:
• Addition of Internet Browser
• Addition of Nintendo eShop
• System Transfer from a Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system