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Another week begins with the European Nintendo Download Update, and this time around there's a bonanza of Virtual Console games and 3DS HOME Themes to consider along with some discounts; we're lacking new downloads beyond smaller retail games, though. Without further pre-amble let's get to it.

Wii U Virtual Console

Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones (Arc System Works, €4.99 / £3.49) - This appears to be the Virtual Console debut for this series entry that's perhaps more famous for its 'Bimmy' typo than its actual gameplay. It has more of the classic beat 'em up action albeit with a punishing system of characters replacing lives; there's little scope for error. We'll make liberal use of restore points and bring you a review.

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (Koei Tecmo, €4.99 / £3.49) - The second part of the NES series that — in all likelihood — left young gamers curled up in a ball muttering "game over" repeatedly, it now arrives on the Wii U Virtual Console with all important save state functionality. While it is fiendishly difficult, it's also a fun action platformer that arguably brings notable improvements over the original with switched up moves and power ups; we gave it a strong recommendation in our 3DS Virtual Console Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos review.

Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom (Koei Tecmo, €4.99 / £3.49) - The three NES games in this series represent some of the toughest action-platforming challenge of the 8-bit era, sure to test the abilities of any dedicated player. This final entry in the original trilogy made some tweaks to the formula while staying true to its roots, and is an excellent part of the series; you can check out our 3DS Virtual Console Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom review for the full lowdown.

The Adventures of Bayou Billy (Konami, €4.99 / £3.49) - This completes the glut of NES arrivals on the Wii U this week. In an era of dumb action flicks this seems to be a dumb action game, with sequences combining beat 'em up, driving and shooting across the campaign; the NES Zapper support is replaced with Wii Pointer support in the shooting sections. We'll find a bandana or silly hat and get into the action.

Wii U Retail Download

Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends (Little Orbit, €29.99 / £24.99)

Monster High New Ghoul in School (Little Orbit, €29.99 / £24.99)

3DS Retail Download

Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends (Little Orbit, €29.99 / £24.99)

Monster High New Ghoul in School (Little Orbit, €29.99 / £24.99)

Fireman Sam To The Rescue (Avanquest, €29.99 / £24.99) - Available from 27th November.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai (Shin'en Multimedia, €6.70/ £5.70 until 17th December, normally €8.99 / £7.66)

Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D Download Version (Zordix AB, €4.99 / £4.49 until 3rd December, normally €9.99 / £8.99)

Toys vs. Monsters (EnjoyUp Games, €0.99 / £0.99 until 17th December, normally €3.99 / £3.99)

Atlantic Quest (Joindots, €5.59 / £3.99 until 10th December, normally €6.99 / £4.99)

Undead Bowling (Joindots, €5.59 / £3.99 until 10th December, normally €6.99 / £4.99)

3DS HOME Themes

Splatoon: Squid Sisters (Nintendo, €1.99 / £1.79) - Available from 27th November

Yoshi's Woolly World: Yoshis on Parade (Nintendo, €1.99 / £1.79) - Available from 27th November

Hello Kitty: Merry Christmas (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89) - Available from 27th November

Hello Kitty: Crystal Princess (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89) - Available from 27th November

Hello Kitty: Gingerbread (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89) - Available from 27th November

Hello Kitty: Ice Skating (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89) - Available from 27th November

Hello Kitty: Once Upon a Time (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89) - Available from 27th November

Hello Kitty: Sweet Winter (Sanrio, €0.99 / £0.89) - Available from 27th November

Hello Kitty Bundle (Sanrio, €3.99 / £3.59) - Available from 27th November

3DS Demos

I Love My Pony (Bigben Interactive, free)

Johnny's Payday Panic (Create Office, free)


In addition Nintendo of Europe is promising details later this week of its own Cyber Deals that will run from 27th to 30th November, "with up to 40% discount on popular Nintendo titles". We'll report those when they're confirmed.

In the meantime let us know what you plan to pick up from this list in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week?