Yoshi Commercial

It's Nintendo Download update time, North America, and this week brings you a major retail release on 3DS, some retro treats and three new download-only games on 3DS. There are also some tasty discounts, including one of the must-have eShop releases from 2013; you can check out all of the details below.

Missed the European Download Update earlier this week? Worry not, just click here for all of the details.

Wii U Virtual Console

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Nintendo, $4.99) — We suspect many of you know a little about this game's history, in that it was the 'real' sequel to Super Mario Bros. on the NES that was released in Japan, before eventually making its way to the West. It's classic 8-Bit Mario that's also very, very challenging; we gave this a strong recommendation in our recent Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels review.

3DS eShop

Cube Tactics (Teyon, $4.99) — This is a tactical war game, with the twist that the battlefield appears to be constructed of destructible cubes that you can place yourself. It includes over 25 single player missions and online play, in which you can take on up to three others. We'll strategise our way to victory and bring you a review soon.

Lola's ABC Party (BeiZ, $3.99) — We have a lot of time for the Lola series here at Nintendo Life, as to date it's successfully made learning a colourful and relatively fun experience for new gamers. This latest entry is focused on those 3-6 years old, teaching word construction, spelling and improving memory; we'll share our thoughts on it soon.

Bubble Pop World (Cypronia, $4.99) — Cypronia reminds us all that we have AR cards with this real-world match 3 puzzle game. Your goal is to clear 3D objects by pointing at the AR card, while mini-games are also promised alongside a level builder and the ability to share your creations as QR codes. It's arrived earlier than expected in North America — today's announcement said April! — so we'll hunt out our AR cards for a review.

3DS Virtual Console

Galaga (Namco Bandai Games, $4.99) — There are a number of classic old-school NES titles doing the rounds, with this perhaps being the grand old patron to which all other shoot 'em ups pay respects. It's single screen action with a focus on racking up high scores, which actually sounds perfect for a quick commute with your 3DS. We had kind words to say about this in our Wii U Virtual Console Galaga review.

3DS Retail Download

Yoshi's New Island (Nintendo, $39.99) — Available from 14th March. Over 18 years after Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, a direct sequel arrives for the iconic Super NES title — though other releases have perhaps qualified as sequels too. Yoshi has come a long way since those days, and makes his début on Nintendo's latest handheld with various abilities and transformations to aid you in your quest to rescue Baby Luigi. You can see what we think of it in our Yoshi's New Island review, and you can also check out our interview with producer Takashi Tezuka.

Madagascar 3 & The Croods Prehistoric Party Combo Pack (D3Publisher, $29.95)

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

SteamWorld Dig (Image & Form, $4.50 until 16th March, normally $8.99)

Star Wars Pinball (Zen Studios, $3.49 from 17th-31st March, normally $6.99)

Marvel Pinball 3D (Zen Studios, $3.99 from 17th-31st March, normally $7.99)

Zen Pinball 3D (Zen Studios, $3.49 from 17th-31st March, normally $6.99)

3DS eShop Demo

Wakedas (CIRCLE Ent, free)


In addition there is DLC content for Star Wars Pinball and CastleStorm on the Wii U eShop to consider.

So there you go, North America. Let us know if you're planning to pick any of these up in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (294 votes)

  1. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Wii U Virtual Console)17%
  2. Cube Tactics (3DS eShop)3%
  3. Lola's ABC Party (3DS eShop)1%
  4. Bubble Pop World (3DS eShop)2%
  5. Galaga (3DS Virtual Console)5%
  6. Yoshi's New Island (3DS retail download)10%
  7. Madagascar 3 & The Croods Prehistoric Party Combo Pack (3DS retail download)  0%
  8. SteamWorld Dig (3DS eShop temporary discount)17%
  9. Star Wars Pinball (3DS eShop temporary discount)4%
  10. Marvel Pinball 3D (3DS eShop temporary discount)1%
  11. Zen Pinball 3D (3DS eShop temporary discount)2%
  12. Just the free Wakedas demo for me5%
  13. Nothing for me this week34%

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