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We've already seen the launch lineup for the Virtual Console, but with today's system update going live we now have confirmation of the titles, and prices, that'll hit the European eShop. We expect the North American details to be largely the same and to arrive soon. A key fact for those of you that have bought these titles before on the Wii Shop but want the improved Wii U versions, is that upgrading a NES title will cost you just €/£0.99, while a SNES upgrade is €/£1.49; the prices below are for first-time purchases, and all titles are available from 27th April.

Wii U Virtual Console

Super Mario World (Nintendo, €7.99 / £5.49) — Widely regarded, including in our own staff votes here on Nintendo Life, as the best Super NES title and the finest of Mario's 2D adventures. Whether you agree with that or not, most will happily admit that this is classic platforming from start to finish. This is the 60Hz US version of the game.

Ice Climber (Nintendo, €4.99 / £3.49) — Reminiscent of a time of more simplistic, arcade-style titles on the NES, this is a franchise that's been dormant for a long time, though the characters have become famous in Smash Bros. In truth this one can feel loose and awkward to play, so is perhaps for die-hards only. __This is the 60Hz US version of the game._

Mario's Super Picross (Nintendo, €7.99 / £5.49) — We've become largely accustomed to playing Picross on the go, so this is a relatively rare home console version from the Super NES. There's little to say apart from the fact that it's a well executed version of the game, as you fill out pictures on a grid by following the numbered cues; certainly one for fans of the genre to strongly consider. This is the Japanese version of the game.

Donkey Kong Jr. (Nintendo, €4.99 / £3.49) — Rather like Ice Climbers, this harks back to arcade-style origins, in this case with single screen action puzzle solving. A notable twist is that Mario is the villain in this game, and in short bursts can be fun, but up against some of its rivals it can feel like a clunky, flawed experience. This is the 60Hz US version of the game.

Excitebike (Nintendo, €4.99 / £3.49) — This bike racer has seen recent life as a free 3D Classic, but it arrives on Wii U in its original NES glory. It's simple but iconic racing fare with a modest number of tracks, but the track editor should give it some extra life. This is the 60Hz US version of the game.

Punch Out!! (Nintendo, €4.99 / £3.49) — This one has already been in the Famicom Anniversary celebrations at €0.30 / £0.30 for a limited period. If you did miss out this is your second chance, albeit at a much higher price, to pick up one of the true iconic classics of the NES library. You can see what we thought of the experience on Wii U in our Punch Out!! review. This is the 60Hz US version of the game.

F-Zero (Nintendo, €7.99 / £5.49) — Another title that's been available at a bargain price until recently, this is one of the finest futuristic racer you'll find, and still stands up today. High speed action with terrific visuals and music, you can read all about it in our F-Zero review. This is the 60Hz US version of the game.

Wii U eShop

Wii U Panorama View (Nintendo, €1.99 / £1.79 per virtual tour) — Originally shown off extensively at preview events before the system launched, this app takes you on fixed tours where you move the GamePad at any angle to see a "window" into a 360 degree view. A free preview will be available to download, or you can choose from four full tours to purchase.


So that's your first Virtual Console fix, and we'll be working on Wii U specific reviews for those not yet covered under the Famicon Anniversary promotion. Let us know which of these downloads is top of your weekend list in the poll and comments below.

Which of these games will you download first on Wii U? (218 votes)

  1. Super Mario World57%
  2. Ice Climber1%
  3. Mario's Super Picross6%
  4. Donkey Kong Jr1%
  5. Excitebike  0%
  6. Punch Out!!  0%
  7. F-Zero2%
  8. Wii U Panorama View11%
  9. Nothing for me21%

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