
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week has plenty of tempting options to consider, with four Virtual Console games across Wii U and New 3DS, a major retail release on the portable, a Director's Cut from WayForward, some tasty discounts and more besides. Let's get to it.
Missed the European Nintendo Download Update earlier in the week? Don't panic! The details are right here.
Wii U eShop
Infinity Runner (Wales Interactive, $6.99) - This is a first-person runner title set on a large spaceship that's descended into a nightmare, and you try to escape by running quickly and occasionally turning into a werewolf - with 14 levels it could be rather fun. Our review will be with you this week.
Shantae: Risky's Revenge Director's Cut (WayForward, $9.99) - A re-release of the popular DSiWare title, this aims to recreate the original in HD with some helpful new additions like a warp system for getting around the sizeable map. It'll also look rather shiny in HD; we'll get whipped into shape for a review.
Wii U Virtual Console
Yoshi's Story (Nintendo, $9.99) - Known as Yoshi's Island 64 in the early stages of its development, this entry into the Yoshi canon finally makes its Virtual Console debut. The platforming action here takes place within a pop-up storybook and has an interesting visual style, with pre-rendered 3D graphics used to craft worlds made from materials such as wood, fabrics and cardboard. We'll bring you a review soon.
Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts
Resident Evil Revelations (Capcom, on discount until 29th March)
Ninja Strike: Dangerous Dash (Natsume, on discount from 25th to 31st March)
Skylanders SuperChargers Portal Owner's Pack (Activision, $24.99 until 1st April, normally $49.99)
SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge (Activision, on discount until 20th March)
SpongeBob HeroPants (Activision, on discount until 20th March)
Life of Pixel (Super Icon Limited, $4.99 until 11th April, normally $9.99)
Adventures of Pip (Tictoc Games, $7.50 until 31st March, normally $14.99)
Word Party (Lightwood Games, on discount until 4th April)
Suspension Railroad Simulator (Joindots, $5 until 7th April, normally $7.99)
Maze (TreeFall Studios, on discount until 31st March)
The Perplexing Orb (TreeFall Studios, on discount until 31st March)
Explody Bomb (Alkterious Games, $0.59 until 31st March, normally $0.99)
3DS eShop
Witch & Hero 2 (CIRCLE Entertainment, $3.99) - The first entry was a rather primitive retro-infused experience in which you bump into enemies to kill them, this time around you control a new hero and also the Witch, gathering up monster blood with the latter. We'll jump into the quest for a review.
Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in suburbs #1 Vol.2 (Sonic Powered Co., $3.99) - If you like pretending to drive a train through Japan with fuzzy visuals, this could be the game for you; we were rather unimpressed with the first entry. This one goes from Minoshi Station to Minami Kariyasu Station in Gifu prefecture.
Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in suburbs #1 Vol.3 (Sonic Powered Co., $3.99) - This one goes from Minami Kariyasu Station to Yamada Station in Gifu prefecture.
Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in suburbs #1 Vol.4 (Sonic Powered Co., $3.99) - This one goes from Yamada Station to Hokuno Station in Gifu prefecture.
New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
Donkey Kong Country (Nintendo, $7.99) — One of the all-time classic platformers, this title from Rare made stars of DK, Diddy Kong and Cranky Kong, while using graphical technology that was mind-blowing in the 16-bit era. We argue that it's barely aged a day, as a gaming experience, in our Wii U VC Donkey Kong Country review.
Super Mario Kart (Nintendo, $7.99) - Prior to the 1992 arrival of Super Mario Kart (early 1993 in Europe), the kart racing genre had little relevance in the market. As was typical of Nintendo at the time, it leveraged its IP with some terrific gameplay to establish another smash hit with this title; inevitably it would be copied by rivals in the years that followed, while Mario Kart went on to become one of the big N's most valuable franchises. Small history lesson aside, this is a classic let down a little be the lack of multiplayer on New 3DS.
EarthBound (Nintendo, $9.99) - A title that was raucously received on the Wii U Virtual Console in Summer 2013 now takes its bow in portable form. This much-loved RPG is well known for its witty and quirky script, and for being an all-round terrific RPG experience - we gave this a perfect score in our EarthBound review on New 3DS.
3DS Retail Download
Hyrule Warriors Legends (Nintendo, $39.99) - A game that caused quite a stir when it originally arrived on Wii U, Koei Tecmo has now brought its Warriors / Legend of Zelda mash-up to the portable with extra characters and a new Linkle storyline included; naturally there'll also be a lot of DLC. We gave it a recommendation in our review. Free 3DS HOME Theme with eShop purchases.
3DS / Wii U Retail DLC
Hyrule Warriors: Legends: Legends of Hyrule Pack: 3DS only (Nintendo, US$14.99 / CDN$21.19) - Get four AOC packs as they are released, and a costume for Ganondorf to enjoy now! (Nintendo 3DS only.) This includes the Master Wind Waker Pack (exclusive to Nintendo 3DS), the Link's Awakening Pack, the Phantom Hourglass & Spirit Tracks Pack, and the A Link Between Worlds Pack. Plus, you'll receive the "Wind Waker Robes" costume for Ganondorf as soon as you purchase.
Hyrule Warriors: Legends: Legends of Hyrule Pack: 3DS / Wii U Bundle (Nintendo, US$19.99 / CDN$28.19) - Get a full breakdown of the Hyrule Warriors DLC here.
Fire Emblem Fates: Hidden Truths 1 and 2 (Nintendo, $4.49) – The secret prologue to the world of the Fire Emblem Fates games. Also available in Map Pack 1 ($17.99).
3DS eShop Temporary Discounts
3D Gunstar Heroes (SEGA, on discount until 4th April)
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX (SEGA, on discount until 4th April)
Resident Evil Revelations(Capcom, on discount until 29th March)
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (Capcom, on discount until 29th March)
Stella Glow (Atlus, on discount until 4th April)
Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight (Atlus, on discount until 4th April)
Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley (Natsume, on discount from 25th to 31st March)
SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge (Activision, on discount until 20th March)
SpongeBob HeroPants (Activision, on discount until 20th March)
Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai (Shin'en Multimedia, $6.70 until 14th April, normally $8.99)
Aqua Moto Racing 3D (Zordix AB, $3.99 until 31st March, normally $7.99)
Epic Word Search Collection (Lightwood Games, on discount until 4th April)
Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in suburbs #1 (Sonic Powered Co., $3.99 until 7th April, normally $7.99)
That's your lot for the North American Download Update this week; let us know what you're planning to download in the poll and comments below.
Comments 110
Maybe one of the discounts. I get paid next week.
might have to get yoshi's story i never played much of it myself tho my brother played a lot of it back in the day
These SNES games on NN3DS Virtual Console have me positively giddy!!!
It's not listed, but 3D Out Run and a few more Sega 3D remakes are on sale. Going to pick that up.
RE: Revelations for $5 is a fantastic deal.
Interesting they're selling Earthbound on the new 3ds for $8 instead of the $10 on Wii U
still no my nintendo so still no eshop purchases.
@XCWarrior also no mention of the curve digital sale that started on the 17th on the noa eshop.
Not downloading, but getting Hyrule Warriors Legends in physical form tomorrow.
So getting the Donkey Kong Country trilogy. I already have the Donkey Kong Land trilogy... No way I'm gonna buy Virtual Console games on my Wii U.
Picking up Super Mario Kart and Yoshi's Story, but I'll wait till My Nintendo is up and running.
@dings I bought it on Wii U when it released...it was $15 then. Now I'm buying it again for $8, haha.
They always get me to double dip. I'm not even mad.
It's too bad we didn't get a new Air Traffic Controller entry.
Once again Resident Evil Revelations comes back to tempt me to buy.
I'm still holding off until MyNintendo comes to NA (please be this week). If it did arrive I'll download Hyrule Warriors Legends and Pokken Tournament which is still a hard wait for me.
@Clownshoes You're missing out if you're skipping Woolly World because you didn't like Yoshi's Story. Woolly World is far better than Story. I highly recommend it. I can't defend Story though.
Saw this earlier, thought it was fake because of the THREE Japanese Rail Sims.
Best birthday gift ever apparently?
@Freelance Argh, I know right? I'm happy enough with all these new train games, but I guess we can hope they've an ATC game ready to go like what happened last summer?
getting Hyrule Warriors Legends and maybe on of the discounts, depending on how much cheaper they are (i live in Canada & the eShop deals aren't usually that good here). I still haven't gotten Stella Glow or Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX and I really want those games. Plus I might also getting Donkey Kong Country
Probably going to get Hatsune Miku, but I want it physically.
Put aside an eShop Card for Earthbound three weeks ago, so I'll get that today. I never got it on the Wii U, in the (at the time) vain hope that it would come to the 3DS, and look where we are. Glad my patience paid off, can't wait to play that gem. After my paycheck comes on Friday...I'll definitely get Streets of Rage 2 and Gunstar Hero's, the sale was live last night too and they are $3.99. I'll also probably get DK down the road too...
Me and My sister played Yoshi's Story so very much. So much so that I have the theme song that they sing permanently stuck in my head lol. So much fun . I might get it again to relive some of the memories . I never played Earthbound because didn't have an SNES, decided on not getting it for the Wii U but now since its portable and "pixel perfect", I might get it . Hopefully Miku is at a low price.
I'm getting Earthbound, DKC, and whatever 3D Sega Classics games that are on sale.
I also want Hyrule Warriors but still undecided as to get it on Wii U or this new 3DS version.
(I'm still desperately hoping that Animal Crossing: Wild World will one day land on the North American Wii U eShop.)
Great week overall, I'd say!!
Welp, time to get Adventures of Pip.
Additionally, I'm gettin' me some Risky's Revenge, Earthbound, and hopefully Project Mirai DX.
EarthBound for Sure!
Will get Out Run and After Burner II, finally on sale. Could give a rats ass about My Nintendo.
@Clownshoes: So you judge every other game in the Yoshi series based on Yoshi Story. Yeah, that's ridiculous. From what you've said, you clearly loved the original Yoshi's Island, at least give Woolly World a chance man, it really is the successor we've been waiting for.
@freaksloan Man, those are my two fave SEGA 3D Classics. Enjoy them!
Now that's a good looking week. Probably upgrading Yoshi's Story. All the SNES additons for 3DS are fantastic games, but I've got them all on my Wii U and/ I have the cartridgr for DKC and Mario Kart, so to save money I need to wait, especially with getting HWL and 20 Extra bucks for DLC...can't complain though. Still choosing to get it.
Wow! It's a beast of a week for Nintendo Downloads!! Good ol' SNES nostalgia, I saw a couple of RPGs on discount, AND Hyrule Warriors Legends!
I will probably get Earthbound later, though!
Wow. I never knew people on the internet hated Yoshi's Story so much? Complete and utter trash is a bit of a whiny stretch I think.
@Clownshoes just because you don't like it. doesn't mean that you have to make somebody not get it.
Grabbing Stella Glow while it's on discount, game looks great, but didn't want to pay full price for it with an already extensive backlog.
Just FE DLC and DCK for me. I wanted DKC on the go. Hyrule Warriors is a rip off and I know it.
I probably won't be downloading anything this week because MyNintendo hasn't come out yet, though I am getting the physical version of Hyrule Warriors Legends tomorrow and will probably download the season pass since it won't give me points for MyNintendo anyway though I will try to get Mini-Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge tomorrow.
Well, you guys have an N64 game Europe doesnt have at least.....not a great one but something to keep hostage till Reggie and pals decide to let out Starfox and MK64 at least...
Ill get one of curve digital discounts and maybe explody bomb or a virtual console game besides that nothing else
I've got the map pack for FE so I'll look at the new maps. Will get yoshi's story.
Everyone do yourself a favor and pick up Stella Glow- it is by far my favorite 3DS game thus far; maybe ever. The writing, story, and gameplay are all top notch in my opinion...
Redundancy aside, It's a tactical SRPG.
Ok my two cents are done have a good week
Welcome back, eShop.
@XCWarrior ooh! Thanks for the tip!
@Ralizah Thank you for pointing out that sale price on Resi Evil Revelaitons on 3DS. I wish the sale prices were listed in Nintendo's press releases but they seldom are. I wouldn't have known that game was on sale for that cheap had I not seen your comment. I mean, I could have done some research but I probably wouldn't have.
@dings No guide this time?
@foodmetaphors @Clownshoes @KrakenSoup
Yoshi story is the superior game mechanics wise. You had more control, didn't have baby mario, could aim eggs as you wished. If you shot out your tongue forward and pressed up, it would sweep upwards. You could also crawl, sniff for secrets.
The problem with yoshi story was that it was an easy and somewhat pointless game. You eat 30 fruits to beat a level. Every level had 30 melons to seek out that gave you a higher score and hidden hearts that unlocked new levels.
The game was kinda easy and levels wrapped around with no end... just eat 30 fruit.
Wooly world dropped all yoshi's story's innovations to play more like yoshi's island, but without baby mario. It has multiplayer, collectables similar to epic yarn, and levels have a goal at the end.
While wooly world has collectables, they aren't really necessary. The point in levels in wooly world is to reach the end.
The point in yoshi story is to explore levels get high scores and unlock new levels by finding the hearts.
Nothing for me this week. It's weird that Earthbound is only $7.99 on the N3DS eshop, but $9.99 on the Wii U. I suppose I don't really have room to complain as I got Earthbound on Wii U at a discount during the Winter Warm-up Sale. XD Still, I hope that a price adjustment comes to the Wii U version.
Nothing for me this week.
Nuthin...
Definitely getting Yoshi's Story, haven't played it since I was a kid but I remember it was a lot of fun and the style was just so delightfully weird! I get it's not everybody's cup of tea but I think a few of you need to simmer down a little.
Also, I read somewhere that the SEGA 3D classics were all on sale but I haven't checked yet. Is that over already?
Witch and Hero 2 for me. I enjoyed the original
@Pahvi Whoops, thanks for the heads up.
Adventures of Pip for half off! Other than that, I'll have to purchase the Fire Emblem DLC and Earthbound. Not too bad of a week!
I'll add Yoshi's Story and HW Legends to my wishlist. I'm not spending a cent until they confirm a Western release for My Nintendo.
@Manjushri Both systems have the same resolution, so the only difference is that the pixels are larger on the XL compared to the smaller one.
Personally, I would buy it on the XL since these games were originally made to be played on a larger screen.
This might be the time to finally pick up Earthbound.
Everything seemed so small on Super Mario World on my XL.
Hyrule warriors legends for mii, but I'm gonna wait for My Nintendo to come before I buy it, want those coins.
@foodmetaphors Don't listen to these idiots! Yoshi Story is DIFFERENT from Super Mario World 2, and has an innovative approach to level unlocking and selection that changes the way you play the game every time! I used to rent this and play it all the time and loved it more every time I plopped that cartridge into my Nintendo 64! BUY IT NOW, or you're a pleb just like these losers who didn't get it!
Wish they released more than one game on the VC this week, bleh
-_-
@GreenX1 And the game's shortness, lack of longevity doesn't justify the 10 dollar price tag IMHO.
Not getting anything till My Nintendo comes out!!
Yoshi's Story, Earthbound, Super Mario Kart, and Donkey Kong Country for me this week. Also the Twilight Princess Background from last week.
Wow, with tax Earthbound is about $16 CAD, and I don't have enough funds on my 3DS for it (which sucks because I was really excited for it)
@ThomasBW84 The NA eShop has been updated and Earthbound for New 3DS XL is now $10
Also, for anyone wanting to get Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX (and also be aware that this is coming from someone who isn't a huge vocaloid fan) I really can't recommend it enough. There is a unbelievable amount of content, the soundtrack is great and it is so damn cute!
How does Earthbound look on 3DS?
@bezerker99 No problem. It's a great deal. It's not often you see super-steep Steam-like discounts like this on the eshop.
How's Adventures of Pip? Think it's worth $7.50?
@GreenX1 fully agree!! Yoshi's Story is BRILLIANT!! It is difficult if you play it as a completest and only eat the lucky fruit and try to collect everything
@TheActualGold Huh, weird. The Nintendo site originally had it for $7.99. In fact it's still saying that. Are you sure it's $9.99 on the New 3DS?
@ThomasBW84
it is $9.99 on the 3DS Eshop. i just checked the Eshop not too long ago just now so you might want to edit this article with the actual correct price.
i do have a NEW 3DS XL myself here in USA.
Well, Yoshi's Story will be a pick up for my kids (it's an easy game for them to play). Will pick up RE Revelations for Wii U and will pick up Adventures of Pip at the discount. Other than that, I'll still be waiting for more N64 games that weren't already released on the Wii Virtual...here's to hoping that we get some of the other N64 titles...(Rocket Robot On Wheels, Glover, Mario Party 1 and 3, Daiktana, Knife Edge, Conker's Bad Fur Day...probably never, Jet Force Gemini, Goemon's Great Adventure, Mischief Makers and for some reason Earthworm Jim 3D). It would be nice to play some of the other developers titles...hopefully on the next nintendo console more will come.
My Nintendo will probably go live in exactly a week (31st March).
@Grumblevolcano i'm gonna be honest with you, i don't know how much longer i can hold off buying anything on the 3DS Eshop before My Nintendo may show up here in NA, especially when there are some things on the 3DS Eshop that i want to get.
@CUBANEWYORKER Well we know it's coming out in March and there's only a week left of March.
Witch and Hero 1 was pretty fun, I'll definitely pick up 2 when it goes on sale, and maybe before then. Annoyed that the only two SNES games I really want are in the last wave. Gimme my Metroid and Zelda already! Well, at least MyNintendo should be out by the time I can DL them.
@CUBANEWYORKER Righto, I just needed a second check. As you can see, even NoA thinks its $7.99! http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/earthbound-3ds
Anyone else notice the "Just for You Offers" in their My Menu section on the eshop? Is that new for the My Nintendo stuff coming up or have I just not realized that it has been there all along?
@ThomasBW84 well this is weird. that's not what the NA 3DS Eshop is telling me on my NEW 3DS XL. it says $9.99 over there.
it could very well be a typo. the question is where? lol.
Not a bad week... except, I have no money
Donkey Kong Country looks gorgeous on the 3DS.
@Clownshoes horrible yes but its a ticking time bomb of nostalgia and is like the face of child friendly gaming.
Nothing until My Nintendo drops (they're running out of March to drop it in), and nothing this week looks to be worth a purchase anyway.
Also, Resident Evil: Revelations is an outright steal at that price. It was that low around Halloween last year, too, so if anyone misses out, I bet it will return to that price point again in the future.
Here's hoping Yoshis Story comes to Europe.
Yes!! The game we've all been wanting!!
Witch and Hero 2! I'm so excited!
(cough cough sarcasm cough)
Gunstar Heroes AND Project Mirai on discount? Sega does things right once in a while.
Well this makes my waiting until My Nintendo finally shows up a little easier. The only thing that looks slightly interesting is Yoshi's Story, but I've heard it isn't that great.
@bezerker99 if you have the n3DS then Legends is the superior version, it's got more content, portability, better gameplay and apparently even a more stable frame rate than the WiiU game.
Witch and Hero 2 is something i'm excited for. NintendoLife should really redo the review for the original game, it's quite awful, i didn't care for the game at first as i didn't understand why i wasn't "attacking" nor the mechanics of playing it properly but once i figured it out i ended up loving it. It being rated 2 stars out of 10 is just a horrendous review, many people love this games and suggesting it's "Terrible" and players should "Avoid this miserable specimen of a game at all costs. Any manner of game breaking faults may have contributed to a game being awarded a two, suffice to say this game is not for you. Move on, there is nothing to see here." is a travesty and embarrassment. Look at the comments, you can see after some people got a chance to play it very many people strongly disagreed with the review. It's just sad that people will see the review and not get a very enjoyable game because of it, 2 stars is just wrong. It may not be for everyone, and it's fine for one person not to get it i guess, but it's pretty clear that it's an opinion that isn't very popular or representative of most gamers.
@ThomasBW84
Not sure if I'm tripping or not but some discounts might be missing there. 3D Gunstar Heroes isn't the only 3D Sega game on sale. There's Shinobi 3, the Streets of Rage games and I believe 2-3 others I can't remember.
Bummer, Europe got Star Fox 64 this week, we get--Yoshi's Story...
What an excellent week. Getting Hyrule Warriors legends, Earthbound, Super Mario Kart, and the Fates DLC!
nothing for me this week
If SNES games weren't overpriced I'd probably get DK and Earthbound. And it's kind of outrageous that they're still charging $10 for Earthbound.
Nintendo if you want my VC money you're gonna have to do better. As it stands, I'll get Super Metroid, but that's it.
Was looking for something to get with the spare $5 from my $20 eshop card (saving the other $15 for afterbirth), and Gunstar Heroes for $4 is too good to pass up.
Yoshi! My son is going to flip! That'll be an upgrade fee for us lol
I'll probably grab Gunstar too.
Damn I went to buy Hyrule on the eShop and it isn't available until tomorrow (you can just pre-purchase it still)
@Giygas_95 10 dollars is outrageous? Have you seen how much a used copy for that game goes for on Amazon or eBay? No? That's what I thought.
@mikegamer I see your point, but this is a rom we're talking about. Not an actual physical copy.
I wish they'd just do one big priced Rail Sim instead of doing it in volumes. Why
So excited to play yoshis story again
Wished that free theme came with physical preorders of HWL... The sacrifices I make for an art book. Lol
@Giygas_95 Even so, the actual game itself on eBay goes for what, a couple of hundred dollars new, it's highway robbery, but yes, the VC needs some major price adjustments. Like five bucks for a game that lasts less than 30 minutes, pfft, screw that.
@mikegamer That's basically why I think games should be priced on content. I don't mind five dollars for something like SMB3, but that price for something like Ice Climbers or Balloon Fight?
With that logic I suppose it makes sense for Earthbound to be a little more expensive though. Still like you said...major price adjustments.
Nothing of interest for me this time except Adventures of Pip. Too bad I already bought it on Xbox One.
No downloads for me. I've got Hyrule Warriors Legends coming via Amazon tomorrow, though. I can't pass up that 20% Prime discount.
@TimeGuy I also got my Hyrule Warriors Legends plus the collectors guide which is also discounted via amazon. Can't find too many places with 20% off for new games
@HyrulePrince Had no idea the price for the guide was so low. Just got it ordered.
@Giygas_95 Too bad NOA sucks so bad at managing the VC.
@mikegamer Indeed. NoE did a two per week SNES release schedule and had the buy get one half off, but NoA did nothing of the sort. Kinda also bugs me that Europe got Super Metroid weeks ago but we get it April 14th. Our release schedule is weird.
Stella Glow, been waiting for this to get discounted.
@Mr_Trill_281
lol you never see anything you like for games.
@Clownshoes Yoshi's Story is unique. It stands out from other Yoshi games and is really cool, I think. I love it. There are very few games in the world that are as bad as ET. Yoshi's Story is underated and is NOT garbage.
Yoshi's Story for me! Finally we get another N64 game on Wii U VC that I like. Actually, it's been a while since North America's gotten an N64 game on Wii U VC.
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