Demon's Crest.jpg

It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week brings a few new download-only titles to the Wii U and New 3DS eShop platforms, along with some varied and tempting Virtual Console options. With a couple of themes and a re-branding of an evergreen title also included there are a decent number of options to consider; let's get to it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update earlier in the week? Dry those eyes, you can catch up right here.

Wii U eShop

Teslapunk (klutzGames, $9.99 / CAD$11.99) - This has the look of an old-school vertical shoot 'em up, as you fight off an invasion from Mars "led by Emperor Zangórax, who back on Mars is a popular DJ by night and a frantic invader by day". Fair enough. It looks rather promising, and beyond a six stage campaign it has a survival mode; we'll blast away for a review.

Bridge Constructor Playground (Joindots, $9.99 / CAD$12.99) - It's all in the name, as this game tasks you with bridge building across a variety of challenges. 32 levels are promised, with tutorials to help younger players and achievements (badges) to test veterans; naturally bridges have to be stable enough to handle cars and trucks, too. It seems to do exactly as the name suggests, ultimately.

Wii U Virtual Console

Metroid: Other M (Nintendo, $19.99 / CAD$28.19) - The divisive Wii action title makes its way to the eShop, adopting a 'space-opera' approach to dramatic storytelling while utilising the Wii Remote in a unique setup; you use standard controls for movement, then point at the screen for a first-person view. Some of the design and narrative choices caused a stir when it came out, and now you can relive the controversy; we actually liked it in our review.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (Nintendo, $9.99 / CAD$9.99) - The first entry in the strategy series on DS, and it's also a remake of the very first NES game that didn't make it to the West. Another member of the rich RPG and strategy tradition on the last-gen handheld, we gave this a solid recommendation in our Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon review.

New Nintendo 3DS eShop

GALAXY BLASTER (RCMADIAX, $1.49 / CAD$1.99) - In this one you blast away at oncoming alien hordes from the bottom of the screen, trying to avoid too many misses or allowing any aliens to reach your base.

New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console

Demon's Crest (Capcom, $7.99 / CAD$11.29) - Firebrand the Gargoyle features here, and needs to recover elemental stones before his enemy, Phalanx. It's dramatic stuff, and this SNES action platformer also gives you freedom in stage order along with some ability to explore. We liked it a lot in our review.

3DS Retail Download

Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo (Nintendo, $19.99 / CAD$29.99) - This update to the original game has been available for free for a little while, though the updated retail release (branded with this new name and including the update right off the bat) launches today in North America.

3DS HOME Themes

Mickey & Friends Holiday Season

Disney Tsum Tsum


As always sales and discounts will be on the eShop and Nintendo's official eShop offers page; discounts this week include Brunch Panic, The Keep and Rorrim.

That's everything for this week's Nintendo Download Update in North America. Let us know what you plan to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

(You can select up to 8 answers)