3DS VIrtual Console News, 3DS VIrtual Console Features

Hitting North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

After tweeting over the weekend to promise that the Shantae 3DS Virtual Console release was all set for confirmation, WayForward has posted a new blog entry (curiously dated 17th May) confirming that the title will land in all regions on 20th June. The news was confirmed in the studio's own...

Check back on Monday, WayForward fans

It says much for how highly some gamers regard Shantae on the Game Boy Color that its arrival on the 3DS Virtual Console can attract serious attention. One of WayForward's original IPs, it combines exploration with action platforming to keep a lot of gamers happy, with the subsequent DSiWare sequel and...

The quest begins on 30th May

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons were recently confirmed for the 3DS Virtual Console, certainly welcome news for fans of the Game Boy Color double-act. Nintendo had also confirmed that the link capability of the originals — which back in the day would have set gamers...

Columns, Sonic and Shining Force all inbound

We've not seen many Game Gear releases for the 3DS Virtual Console lately, but thankfully it has been confirmed during today's Nintendo Direct broadcast that the situation will be changing soon. It's taken quite some time, but the following Game Gear games will be hitting the western 3DS eShops in the...

Super inexpensive Metroid, scares, soldiers, retro classics and more

It's that time, North America, and you've undoubtedly got a particularly meaty lineup this week. All three Virtual Console services have new content, and the region gets a special retro Mario offer on the Wii U. There's also a stone-cold classic for 30 cents, along with quite a...

The harvest is ready

Since it was announced earlier this year, and subsequently arrived in Europe at the end of March, a few North American download updates have had at least one polite enquiry along the lines of "where's Harvest Moon?" We haven't had an answer, but thankfully Natsume has confirmed that the Game Boy Color title will hit the 3DS...

Spooky starships, retro classics, free scares, juicy discounts and more

It's a dreary Monday morning but fear not, Europe, Nintendo Download salvation is at hand. We now know what treats are coming this week and, we hope you'll agree, it's a pretty strong lineup. Only Wii misses out, and there are new, old and discounted offerings to chew over;...

NES sporting title gets an OFLC rating

Crash ‘n the Boys: Street Challenge — part of the famous Kunio-kun series in Japan — has been given an OFLC rating, which would suggest a 3DS Virtual Console release very soon. Known in its native homeland as Bikkuri Nekketsu Shin Kiroku! Harukanaru Kin Medal, Crash ‘n the Boys: Street Challenge is a...

Balloons don't float forever

In Balloon Fight you manipulate a little fellow who can flutter through the skies thanks to a pair of balloons strapped to his back and vigorous arm flapping. The world is a dangerous place for the intrepid defier of gravity, particularly when it comes to jealous birds — also illogically equipped with balloons — who...

Moving Minis, an adventurous starship, a commando, retro goodies and more

It may be a Bank Holiday in some parts, but the European Nintendo Download waits for no-one, with this week's update being a fairly meaty offering featuring every current platform. We have some high-profile arrivals on the 3DS eShop, an assortment of retro treats and even a...

Retro goodies, discounts galore, rabbits, tanks and much more

It's that time again, North America, for more Nintendo Download goodies to grace your systems, with all but the Wii being treated to something new this week. There's a lot to get through, so let's not waste too much effort on this pre-amble. Wii U eShop: Kung Fu Rabbit (Neko...

Virtual Console goodies, discounts, a game developer's dream and more

So we're back to normal with our Monday morning Nintendo Download fix here in Europe. We're treated to a host of classics in the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Consoles this week, along with a small batch of new portable offerings and some discounted pinball on both platforms. Let's get to...

Big in Japan

Naxat Soft's Recca seems destined for a 3DS eShop release in the west. The game — which is a vertically-scrolling shooter from 1992 — has just been given a rating by the Australian Classification Board. Also known as Summer Carnival '92: Recca thanks to the fact that it was used in Naxat Soft's "Summer Carnival" shooting game...

Free Rayman, Mega Man, a colourful commando and more

It's that time, Nintendo Download fans in North America, when you can cast your gaze over the downloadable treats coming your way. After last week's somewhat epic list, this week we have a much smaller range of options to chew over. One of them is a free part of a rather awesome looking Wii U...

Whip your hair back and forth

Shantae is a Game Boy Color title, we suspect, with some very keen fans that are anxious to play it again. It's the debut title of one of WayForward Technologies best-loved IPs, with DSiWare follow-up Shantae: Risky's Revenge being critically acclaimed and, for a spell, regularly gracing the DSi Shop's chart when it...

An awakening, various adventures, a Kung Fu rabbit and more

As it's a Monday, Nintendo of Europe once again gives gamers in the region something pleasing to get the week started. This time around we have new and old games for Wii U, 3DS and DSi, with some rather decent discounts being added to the 3DS eShop for good measure. Let's get right to it...

Under thresher

The Harvest Moon series has always promoted the ideals of hard work and patience over the instant gratification found by more recent prods at gaming agriculture like Farmville. This attitude is even more apparent in Harvest Moon on the Game Boy Color than other iterations, as the handheld game crops the series down to its very roots...

Time to go green

Update: 2nd April - OK maybe this article is telling a few porky pies! :) As the "Year of Luigi" gets into full swing, it appears that the younger member of the Mario Bros. is set to appear in a number of additional titles in the coming months, giving them his own twist in the process. We understand that there are plans to...

Rhythm heroics, mastering rivers, racing and a price revelation

It's Nintendo Download time once again, North America, and this week is all about 3DS. Wii U, DSi and Wii all have a week off, though there's a mix of the old, the new and the even older to enjoy on the 3DS eShop. Let's get to the details. 3DS Download Software: HarmoKnight...