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It's that time again, North America, as we go through the download treats on the way to the eShop stores. A certain Wii U retail game is likely to steal the headlines, but there are also some promising new download-only titles and enticing Virtual Console games, along with a few discounts. Let's get to it.

Missed the European Download Update earlier this week? Don't panic! The details are right here.

Wii U eShop

Ittle Dew (Ludosity, $9.99) — Following the adventures of Ittle Dew and her companion Tippsy, this is a top-down adventure with some hints at mature humour. Is draws heavy inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, so much so that the title was once pitched to Nintendo as a game for the iconic series. This will no doubt forge its own identity, and we'll dive in for our review.

Gravity Badgers (Wales Interactive, $4.99) — The first of three confirmed titles from this developer, here we have a gravity physics puzzler somewhat reminiscent of Angry Birds Space, but with a whole load of attitude, mullet rock and even boss fights. It can certainly be fun, and earned a solid recommendation in our Gravity Badgers review.

Wii U Virtual Console

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams (Bandai Namco, $6.99) — Namco's mascot may not have had much love recently, but this Game Boy Advance platformer gets another chance to shine on Nintendo's home console. We were big fans of this title, awarding it 9/10 in our Klonia: Empire of Dreams review.

Wii U Retail Download

Mario Kart 8 (Nintendo, $59.99) — Available from 30th May, the wait finally ends this week. A new Mario Kart is always a big event on any Nintendo hardware, and this Wii U entry is no exception. Gorgeous visuals and presentation are accompanied by refined, exceptional racing, with exciting tracks and new ideas such as Mario Kart TV and anti-gravity thrown in; the online's pretty sweet, too. You can read our recommendation in our Mario Kart 8 review.

Luv Me Buddies Wonderland (O2 Games, $19.90) — This is a collection of mini games targeting young children.

Wii U eShop Permanent Discount

LEGO The Hobbit (Warner Bros., $39.99 from 2nd June, originally $49.99)

3DS Virtual Console

Mega Man Xtreme 2 (Capcom, $4.99) — Mega May draws to a close with the second Xtreme Game Boy Color title, as you take on the role of Mega Man X and Zero in order save the souls of the world — or something of utmost importance, in any case. We'll bring you our review soon.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Pushmo (Nintendo, $4.69 until 13th June, normally $6.99)

Crashmo (Nintendo, $5.99 until 13th June, normally $8.99)


There you have it, North American gamers. Let us know what you're planning to pick up in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (344 votes)

  1. Ittle Dew (Wii U eShop)15%
  2. Gravity Badgers (Wii U eShop)1%
  3. Klonoa: Empire of Dreams (Wii U Virtual Console)9%
  4. Mario Kart 8 (Wii U retail download)38%
  5. Luv Me Buddies Wonderland (Wii U retail download)1%
  6. LEGO The Hobbit (Wii U retail download permanent discount)  0%
  7. Mega Man Xtreme 2 (3DS Virtual Console)7%
  8. Pushmo (3DS eShop temporary discount)2%
  9. Crashmo (3DS eShop temporary discount)4%
  10. Nothing for me this week23%

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