Mario Tennis N64

It's that time again, North American gamers, for the Nintendo Download Update line-up to tempt you ahead of the weekend. It's a busy line-up this week with a glut of varied releases on the Wii U eShop, the arrival of a classic Mario sports game and the rather impressive 'Epic Indie Sale'; the 3DS is limited to a HOME theme and some discounts this time around. Let's get to it, shall we?

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update details earlier in the week? Fret not, the information you need is right here.

Wii U eShop

KEYTARI: 8-bit Music Maker (Famous Gamous, $7.99) - This is an intriguing title, as it's essentially a virtual keyboard on the Wii U GamePad (it's exclusive to Nintendo's system) which allows you to turn the controller "into an 8-bit jamming machine". You can add backing beats and change the main instrument, while racking up a score 'for fun' which may or may not prompt something to happen if you reach 9999 points. We'll get jamming and bring you a review.

Dare Up Adrenaline (Be Studios, $9.00) - A title that's previously been released as a web game and on smart devices, this is all about wingsuit diving and stunts through various challenges. This Wii U version also includes two player splitscreen and an alternative view on the GamePad when trying to clear stages. We'll dive in for a review.

Land it Rocket (Petite Games, $2.99 / $3.99CAD) - A colourful and potentially tricky game in which you manoeuvre a rocket past plenty of dangers to a landing area; this promises 28 levels (with up to three stars to be earned in each) and an endless mode. We'll dig out our old rocket piloting gear and take this for a flight in a review.

Neon Battle (Helix Games, $1.49) - This appears to be a re-imagining of Shatter, as you move a paddle around a circular rail to bat a ball back and forth, while battling a second player if you so choose. It seems a little slow paced in the trailer, but we'll bash a review into shape and let you know what we think.

DON'T CRASH (RCMADIAX, $1.49) - This is a simplistic experience in which two cars zip around an oval track and you hit A to change lanes and avoid collisions. That's the whole premise and, unfortunately, we were left very unimpressed with the content and value on offer in our DON'T CRASH review.

Asteroid Quarry (Hero Work Studios, $1.00) - This appears to be a rather simple expansion of the core Asteroids game, but with exploration, resource gathering and aggressive pirates to deal with. We'll launch into a review right away.

Santa Factory (Xiness, $7.99) - We're going to try and ignore the fact that this is a festive game coming out in July; perhaps it's a commentary on the modern realities of a capitalist manufacturing process. Or not. This looks like a very basic puzzle platformer designed to teach young children words and the joys of Flash-style visuals. We'll try to get jolly for a review.

Wii U Virtual Console

Mario Tennis (Nintendo, $9.99) - The first entry in this particular spin-off series in which multiplayer played a big part; we recall everyone trying to choose Boo because of his annoying trickshots. With chunky polygons typical of the N64 era nostalgia is certainly strong with this one, but we'll give it a fresh look for review; in the meantime you can check out our Wii Virtual Console Mario Tennis review.

Wii U eShop 'Epic Indie Sale'

The offers in this promotion (60% off each game) are applicable if you already own one or more of these Wii U eShop downloads on your system.

BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2 Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (Choice Provisions, on discount until 23rd July)

EDGE (Two Tribes, on discount until 23rd July)

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams (Black Forest Games, on discount until 23rd July)

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (Drinkbox Studios, €5.59 / £4.79 until 23rd July, normally €13.99 / £11.99)

Mighty Switch Force! 2 (WayForward, on discount until 23rd July)

Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition (WayForward, on discount until 23rd July)

RUSH (Two Tribes, on discount until 23rd July)

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse (WayForward, on discount until 23rd July)

Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party (KnapNok Games, on discount until 23rd July)

Swords & Soldiers (Two Tribes, on discount until 23rd July)

Toki Tori (Two Tribes, on discount until 23rd July)

Toki Tori 2 + (Two Tribes, on discount until 23rd July)

Trine 2: Director's Cut (Frozenbyte, on discount until 23rd July)

Trine Enchanted Edition (Frozenbyte, on discount until 23rd July)

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

Frenchy Bird (Carbon Fire Studio, $0.99 until 16th July, normally $1.99)

TNT Racers - Nitro Machines Edition (Keen Games, $4.99 until 23rd July, normally $7.99)

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (Atlus, $29.99 until 20th July, normally $49.99)

AeternoBlade (Corecell Technology, $7.99 until 5th August, normally $14.99)

Snow Moto Racing 3D (Zordix AB, $3.99 until 23rd July, normally $7.99)

3DS eShop Permanent Discount

Pyramids 2 (Enjoy Gaming, $3.00 from 10th July, was $4.99)

3DS HOME Theme

Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: Story Theme (Atlus)


That's the full North American line-up for this week - let us know what you'll be downloading in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week?