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It's that time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. We'll be so bold as to say it's a decent week - there's an excellent retail arrival on 3DS, a high-profile mobile release, two TurboGrafx-16 games on Wii U, and also some interesting download-only offerings on both eShop stores. Let's get to it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download details? Don't submit a complaint to a media watchdog just yet, the information is still right here.

Nintendo Mobile

Fire Emblem Heroes (Nintendo / Intelligent Systems, free to start) - Nintendo's second mobile 'game' (if you treat Miitomo as a social app), it brings the popular turn-based strategy IP to your phone and tablet. We're currently engaging in battle and will bring you some guides and a review soon.

3DS Retail Download

Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World (Nintendo, $39.99) - Good-Feel's cozy 2D platformer comes to the 3DS seeking the portable's expanded audience. Changes include the addition of auto-running Poochy stages, the ability to desigh your own Yarn Yoshi, a Yoshi Theatre full of lovely animations and more. We're big fans of this in our Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World review. Game available from 3rd February.

New Nintendo 3DS eShop

Lifespeed (Wee Man Studios, $5.99) - In the works since 2015, this New 3DS exclusive focuses on high speed action as you race / fly your way through futuristic courses. We'll get up to speed with a review.

3DS eShop

Legna Tactica (KEMCO, $9.99) - KEMCO has brought a number of RPGs to the handheld, often ports of smart device releases. In this case it's a strategy RPG; the title may have tipped you off. These releases are typically solid if unremarkable, but we'll see how this one shapes up.

Wii U eShop

Star Splash: Shattered Star (Snails Animation, $3.49) - You play a courageous dolphin that needs to reconstruct and save the Mother Star, which is dramatic. Beyond that this looks like an auto-scrolling runner style of game, with more than 30 levels and a two player mode on offer.

Lucentek Beyond (Lucentek, $3.99) - A first-person RPG with time-based battle mechanics, this appears to be a spiritual successor to the rather disappointing Lucentek - Activate. This one looks visually simplistic (arguably poor in those terms), so we hope looks aren't everything and that its gameplay leads the way.

I C REDD (RCMADIAX, $1.49) - Another score-chaser, in this case you're manoeuvring through an endless tunnel while dodging red walls and obstacles.

Wii U Virtual Console

Bomberman '94 (Konami, $6.99) - It's a TurboGrafx-16 title on the Wii U system, which is a welcome turn of events. This entry in the iconic series is colourful and a lot of fun, and could be a good warm-up for Super Bomberman R on Nintendo Switch; we enjoyed it a lot in our original Bomberman '94 review.

Gradius (Konami, $6.99) — A second TurboGrafx-16 arrival in today's update. This Konami shooter was integral in the evolution of side-scrolling shooters, and we'll check this out in comparison to its NES compatriot for a review.


As always Nintendo of America is keen for you do check out discounts on the eShop and the official sales and deals website; confirmed discounts this week include Swap Fire, Soccer Up 3D and Cup Critters.

Also, don't forget that there are new My Nintendo Rewards to check out.

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

What will you be downloading this week?

(You can select up to 9 answers)