Pokken Tournament.jpg

It's time for another North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week brings a few notable releases. We have a big-name fighting title on Wii U, Mario & Sonic competing in the Olympics, cross-buy goodness from Renegade Kid and more besides. Without further pre-amble let's get to it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update earlier in the week? Fret not! The details are right here.

Wii U eShop

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge (Renegade Kid, $9.99 or 15% off until 16th / 17th April for those with Mutant Mudds on the same NNID or the E3 Nindies@Home demo, or free if you already own the 3DS version on the same NNID) - Following the success of the original and the 'Deluxe' versions, this follow-up in the break-out Renegade Kid series ramps up the challenge with tough level designs and bosses to tackle. We gave this a big recommendation in our review.

Bird Mania Party (Teyon, $1.99) - A follow-on to the budget runner (or 'flyer') games on 3DS, the party aspect for this HD version comes from some multiplayer options. Two players can tackle the game together in co-op or there's a party competitive mode for five players, with extra competitors using Wii Remotes. We'll fly into a review.

U Host (Bear Box Media, $12.99) - An interesting idea for party hosts with a Wii U, as this promises the ability for you to create your own quiz show either using 1000 pre-loaded questions or by creating your own. We'll tidy up our hair, whiten our teeth and present our review to you soon.

Wii U Retail Download

Pokkén Tournament (Nintendo, $59.99) - This Bandai Namco-developed fighting game began life as an arcade in Japan, before popular demand was met and this Wii U version was announced. With some unique modes and an upcoming tilt at the competitive gaming scene this Wii U entry could be a vital release this year. You can see what we think of this latest major Wii U release in our review. Available from 18th March.

Wii U Virtual Console

Dig Dug II (Bandai Namco, $4.99) - This retro sequel from the NES days moves the action from underground up to the surface. It's certainly quite different from its predecessor and had the neat design point of allowing you to target quick and easy clearances or longer, tougher routes for greater points - we gave it a modest recommendation in our Dig Dug II review.

City Connection (HAMSTER, $4.99) — Another NES title makes its way to the Wii U, with this one very much part of the early 8-bit generation of simplistic, single screen experiences. In our opinion this isn't a retro gem, as you can see in our City Connection review.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

OlliOlli (Curve Digital, in discount until 31st March)

Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones (Curve Digital, in discount until 31st March)

Never Alone (E-Line Media, $4.99 until 24th March, normally $14.99)

Blocky Bot (Mobot Studios, on discount until 7th April, normally €2.69 / £1.89)

Paper Monsters Recut (Mobot Studios, on discount until 7th April, normally €2.69 / £1.89)

Island Flight Simulator (Joindots, on discount until 31st March)

Hold Your Fire: A Game About Responsibility (Alkterios Games, $0.99 until 7th April, normally $1.99)

3DS eShop

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge (Renegade Kid, $9.99 or 15% off until 16th April for those with Mutant Mudds on the same NNID, or free if you already own the Wii U version on the same NNID) - The same as its HD brethren, but rather than a shiny resolution it will have 3D visuals perfectly suited to the layered gameplay, and it's worth remembering that with cross-buy you can own both versions from just one purchase. Our review of this 3DS version is right here.

3DS Retail Download

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo, $39.99) - It's the portable iteration of this Olympian face-off that arrives first, which includes amiibo support and sports new to the Olympics such as rugby and golf. We'll go for gold in a review. Available from 18th March.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker (Atlus, $29.99 until 28th March, normally $39.99)

SmileBASIC (Smileboom, $4.99 until 21st March, normally $9.99)

OlliOlli (Curve Digital, in discount until 31st March)

Rytmik Ultimate (Cinemax, $9.99 until 31st March, normally $17.99)

Ninja Battle Heroes (Tom Create, on discount until 31st March)

Runny Egg (Tom Create, on discount until 31st March)

Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D Download Version (Zordix AB, $4.99 until 24th March, normally $9.99)

Parking Star 3D (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 31st March)

Quell Reflect (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 31st March)

Johnny's Payday Panic (Office Create, $1.99 until 31st March, normally $3.99)

3D Game Collection (Joindots, on discount until 31st March)

3DS Retail DLC

Fire Emblem Fates New DLC Map – Royal Royale (Nintendo, $2.49)

3DS HOME Themes

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Light & Twilight


That's your lot for the North American Download Update this week; let us know what you're planning to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

(You can select up to 12 answers)