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The time has come, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week has a range of promising download-only releases on both the Wii U and 3DS, while some high profile demos also nudge their way into view. Throw in some discounts (including some that feature a certain Blue Blur) and you have quite a lot to consider, so let's get to the details.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update earlier in the week? Don't sweat it, the information you need is right here.

Wii U eShop

Buddy & Me: Dream Edition (Sunbreak Games, $4.99) - This is a hugely colourful and charming endless runner that was previously released on smart devices; naturally the Wii U edition has some enhancements to suit the home console. It looks like a lovely game, and you can learn more about it in our interview with the developer.

Defend Your Crypt (Ratalaika Games, $2.99) - With retro-style visuals and a full stage view, this is a twist on real-time strategy and defence as you set traps to prevent treasure hunters stealing your gold. The concept certainly has potential, so we'll dig into a review and let you know what we think.

Hot Rod Racer (ZeNfA Productions, $2.54) - The second title from ZeNfA, this adopts a top-down view for some pacy racing, with some customisation options also available to boost your vehicle. We'll hit the roads and bring you a review.

Humanitarian Helicopter (Peaceful Games, free) - A rather primitive looking title in which you fly your helicopter through tricky 2D environments to rescue and assist people in need. We can only assume this will have in-app purchases as opposed to being given away for free; we'll see whether it's worth a flight of fancy in a review.

Wii U Virtual Console

Pokémon Ranger (Nintendo, $9.99) - A DS game that launched a sub-series, this has you play as a Pokémon Ranger who uses wild Pokémon to help overcome various obstacles and protect the Fiore Region, and Pokémon within it, from the Go-Rock Squad. Temporary capture of these Pokémon is done by circling them on the DS's touch screen, or in this case the GamePad touch screen. We gave this a modest recommendation in our Pokemon Ranger review.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (SEGA, on discount until 28th July)

Word Search by POWGI (Lightwood Games, $5.99 until 28th July, normally $7.99)

Rock 'n Racing Off Road (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 18th August)

Island Flight Simulator (Joindots, on discount until 28th July)

Wii U eShop Demos

Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins + Training Demo (Nintendo, free) - Includes the full animated short movie.

Star Fox Guard Special Demo (Nintendo, free)

3DS eShop

Ninja Smasher! (PUMO, $3.99) - A side-scrolling action title with a cute aesthetic, you play as a rather athletic ninja that can use a variety of weapons to dispose of foes; it could certainly be fun, and we'll check it out in a review.

Defend Your Crypt (Ratalaika Games, $2.99) - The same game as on Wii U, but available on the go.

New Nintendo 3DS eShop

Wind-up Knight 2 (Unity Games, $5.00) - This is a runner in which you swing your sword, jump, roll and use your shield to survive; titles of this type can potentially be enjoyable, of course, and as a New 3DS release this is also one of the standard-bearers for the Unity engine on the portable. We gave the Wii U version a modest recommendation in our review, and will see how this one fares on the handheld.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (SEGA, on discount until 28th July)

Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (SEGA, on discount until 28th July)

Word Search by POWGI (Lightwood Games, $5.99 until 28th July, normally $7.99)

Aqua Moto Racing 3D (ZordixAB, $3.99 until 28th July, normally $7.99)

Soccer Up Online (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 18th August)

3D Game Collection (Joindots, on discount until 28th July)

Classic Games Overload: Card & Puzzle Edition (Telegames Inc, $14.99 until 8th August, normally $29.99)

3DS HOME Themes

The Legend of Dark Witch 2 – Franzer

Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Swimming in the Sea


That's everything for the North American Nintendo 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?

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