But there's a catch
It's official: Nintendo's 3DS Virtual Console service is getting Game Boy Advance games. However, they will not be available to anyone who buys a console after the 3DS price drop on 12th August. Here's the deal. Any North American 3DS owner who picked up the console before 11th August and accessed the eShop will be classed as an...
Say "ahhh"
Japan's about to come down with a fever, and Dr. Mario is the cure. The medicinally-minded Game Boy puzzle game comes to the console next week for 400 Yen. DSiWare fans might already be familiar with the game from Dr. Mario Express, but interestingly this is the first time we've seen the original released on Virtual Console — the NES...
3D Classics Xevious is here!
Now everyone's had their fill of the first game in the 3D Classics series, the NES favourite 3D Classics: Excitebike, it's time to kick it into second gear with the next instalment. Elsewhere there's a 3DS VC game and a trio on DSiWare, though WiiWare and the Wii Virtual Console take the week off. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics:...
Some light at the end of the tunnel
Disappointed that Mega Man Legends 3 is cancelled? You'll still get to try some Mega Man goodness on your 3DS this year at least, as the ESRB has rated Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge. While of course age ratings aren't cast-iron release confirmations — PEGI rated Mega Man Legends 3: Prototype Version after all —...
Another game rated
What do you mean you don't remember Game Boy puzzle game Catrap? Well, the Australian ratings board doesn't want you to forget, as it's just announced a rating for the cutesy block-pushing game — also known as Pitman in Japan — with a 3DS Virtual Console release looking likely. Game historians might be interested to know the...
Will you pick up Picross?
North America is revelling in a delight of digital downloads today, but let's see what European Nintendo fans can spend those funds on this week. 3DS Virtual ConsoleMario's Picross (Game Boy, Nintendo, £3.60/€4) — Mario's first foray into the world of picture crosswords, this is developed by Jupiter, the team behind Picross on DS so certainly has quality going for it..
Pixels and Netflix!
3DS gets its first "proper" downloadable application today in the very red form of Netflix. If you want something just a bit more interactive, there's plenty of new games to download too, as you'll read in the beautifully formatted list below. 3DS eShopNetflix (free) — The streaming video app comes to 3DS, and is free for any Netflix members on an unlimited streaming..
A strong week?
Another one-two punch of 3DS Virtual Console games this week, as well as a mixed bag of DSiWare and a little musical entertainment on WiiWare. Let's do this. 3DS Virtual ConsoleFortified Zone (Jaleco, Game Boy, $2.99) — Guide a male and female soldier through the fortified zone in this top-down shooter. It may not be the most well-known game from the Game Boy era, but we'll give it..
A double 3DS delight
Frustrated that Japan is getting all the 3DS Virtual Console games before Europe? The comeback starts here, with two games released on the portable's download retro service this week, as well as a pair of DSiWare games and even a WiiWare adventure too. Read on. 3DS Virtual ConsoleFortified Zone (Jaleco, €3/£2.70) — A spot of run-and-gun action in this third-party 3DS..
Your upcoming treats
Nintendo of Europe just sent out an updated release schedule for the next three months, and there are a few pleasant surprises on there. 3DS eShop frequenters will be able to download Mario's Picross next month, alongside the next in the 3D Classics range Xevious. The eShop will also get its first genuinely new content in the form of Let's Golf! 2 from Gameloft, though no other..
This doesn't suck
Long-awaited Virtual Console games are where it's at today, with Wii and 3DS both receiving quality titles just in time for July. Wii Virtual Console: Final Fantasy III (Super NES, 800pts) — The wait is finally over as another 16-bit Square epic reaches Virtual Console in North America. Check out our Final Fantasy III review to...
A dreamy download
This week it's fairies, vampires and dreams on the European Nintendo Download, including the first outing of a famous and beloved mascot from the Big N. What games are you dreaming of downloading? 3DS Virtual Console: Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy, UK: £3.60, EU: €4) — Kirby floats onto the 3DS with his first dreamy adventure,...
Grey and green with envy
3DS owners in the West can expect to suck up some Kirby's Dream Land today, but over in Japan they're racing ahead with the number of Game Boy games available to download from the eShop. Yesterday saw Golf and Gargoyle's Quest loaded onto the service, with Pac-Man confirmed for release next week. At the moment, the number of...
No Sonic in sight
Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, but Europe's not getting into the spiky spirit in the eShop at least. Nintendo has just sent over the list of games you can expect to play form this weekend, so let's see what lucky European guys and girls can download. 3DS Virtual ConsoleDouble Dragon (Game Boy, €3) — Join Billy and Jimmy in this portable conversion..
Anyone for Tennis?
Over in little old London, the Wimbledon Championships are ongoing, so Nintendo is looking to capitalise on it with its 3DS Virtual Console release this week. Let's see what else is available. 3DS Virtual ConsoleTennis (Game Boy, $2.99) — A simplistic but moderately enjoyable portable rendition of the sport, this should tide you over until we get the Game Boy Color version of..
No promises, though
Shantae: Risky's Revenge introduced countless handheld owners to the hip-shaking half-genie, but those who've tried to track down the game's Game Boy Color prequel will have had quite a shock, its price on auction sites reaching hundreds of dollars. Developer WayForward often gets asked whether it's planning to bring the GBC romp...
Another 3D Classic on the way?
Masahiro Sakurai's long-awaited Kid Icarus: Uprising is coming to 3DS around Christmas this year, and impatient gamers are looking towards Pit's previous outings to plug the gap. Wii owners can already play Kid Icarus on Virtual Console, but will 3DS owners get a downloadable slice of Pit too? A recent IGN interview with Masahiro Sakurai pitched readers' questions to..
What's new today?
The European Nintendo Download is now live too, so let's see what's ready and waiting for you right now. 3DS Virtual ConsoleDonkey Kong (Game Boy, UK: £3.60, EU: €4) — The classic story of a gorilla and a plumber retold once again in this Virtual Console revisitation of the game also known as Donkey Kong '94. Expect our review very shortly. DSiWareThe games below are..
Everything you need to know about the 3DS eShop, internet browser and DSi transfer functionality
For those who bought their 3DS on launch day there was some disappointment. The eShop, internet browser and the ability to transfer DSiWare games and data were unavailable, promised in a ‘late May’ update. The update slid to early June, but it's...
An appetiser
Nintendo's new eShop took up a small portion of the company's overall E3 showing, with the announcement that The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX is available now in North America, though European and Australian 3DS owners will have to wait a little longer, we understand. Here's a short video to give you an overview of some of the content that will be available to download in the..
