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It's that time again, dear readers, for details of the goodies coming in the North American Nintendo Download Update. The headline is clearly the latest first-party blockbuster on Switch, but we also have a keenly priced puzzle gem and a few download-only options on the system. The Wii U also pitches in with a couple of releases, though the 3DS is limited to demos and HOME Themes this week - let's get to it.

Nintendo Switch Retail Downloads

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo, $59.99 / $79.99CAD) - Nintendo's latest major retail arrival on Switch lands on 28th April, combining all of the original's content - including free updates and DLC - with an all-new Battle Mode. What we're left with, ultimately, is an outstanding version of an already excellent game, and a contender for best-in-class within the franchise. We awarded it top marks in our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review.

Puyo Puyo Tetris (SEGA, $29.99 / $39.99CAD) - Released earlier this week, this is a stylish and enjoyable mash-up of two iconic puzzle styles, with a wide range of modes and variations on each game to enjoy. Throw in decent local and online multiplayer options and you've got an enjoyable title, as we explain in our Puyo Puyo Tetris review; in North America it costs less on the eShop than in stores, too.

Nintendo Switch eShop

Tumbleseed (aeiowu, $14.99 / $19.74CAD) - A project spearheaded by Greg Wohlwend, this is described as a 'rolly roguelike' in which you carefully balance a seed and navigate it through tricky environments. It's colourful, intriguing and full of potential, so we'll see how successfully it delivers in a review; until then you can check out our interview with the developer and our video about the game. Available from 2nd May.

Kamiko (CIRCLE Entertainment, $4.99 / $6.99CAD) - CIRCLE makes its publishing debut on Switch with a retro-style release from Flyhigh Works; the game is based around Japanese Shinto beliefs and promises puzzles and demon encounters on the journey through various stages. We'll let you know what we think in a review.

Over Top (HAMSTER, $7.99 / $9.87CAD) - Another entry in the ACA Neo Geo series, in this case a top down racer that builds on the groundwork laid out by developer ADK's previous racer, Thrash Rally. You can expect various features and goodies as normal for an ACA title, and we'll let you know whether this gets into top gear in a review.

3DS eShop Demos

Parascientific Escape Cruise in the Distant Seas (CIRCLE Entertainment, free)

Blasting Agent: Ultimate Edition (Ratalaika Games, free)

3DS HOME Themes

Kirby's 25th Anniversary

Runbow Pocket Theme Bundle

Wii U eShop

Use Your Words (Smiling Buddha Games, $14.99 / $16.99CAD) - This is a collection of four adult-centric minigames (though there is a 'family filter') that, rather like The Jackbox Party Pack 3 on Switch, utilises phones and tablets as controllers. It's all about multiplayer and others can apparently stream and watch games in action, so the idea sounds promising; we'll see whether the execution delivers.

Absolutely Unstoppable MineRun (Yappa Pie, $3.99 / $5.50CAD) - This is an auto-runner in which the miner is apparently 'out of control'; naturally you jump and double jump to avoid lava and various hazards.


As always Nintendo of America wants you to browse the eShop and check out the official sales and deals website for discount details.

Plenty to choose from this week, so let us know what you'll be downloading in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

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