Axiom Verge.jpg

Well, it's later than normal thanks to Nintendo holding off until after its Direct broadcast, but here are the North American Download Update details. It's a whopper of a week, with a surprise retail download (though it's technically eShop-only) on 3DS, a Legend of Zelda Virtual Console title and a whole load of new download-only games. Some high-profile titles are up for grabs, and there's also some DLC, StreetPass games and discounts. Let's get to it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update details earlier in the week? It's ok, don't panic, the info you need is still right here.

Wii U eShop

Axiom Verge (Tom Happ, $18 until 8th September, then €19.99) - A title that draws inspiration from numerous classics and that caused a splash on other hardware, Axiom Verge finally comes to its 'home turf' (in Tom Happ's words) on Wii U. An exploration adventure with some handy usage of the GamePad is certainly worth a look; we considered it to be outstanding in our Axiom Verge review.

140 (Double Fine Productions, $7.99) - This has a minimalistic aesthetic for its blend of puzzle platforming. Developed by Carlsen Games / Abstraction Games this seems to be oozing style, and has a nice soundtrack to boot. We'll see whether it all adds up well in our review.

Alice in Wonderland (Brave Rock Games, $5.00) - This appears to be a narrated visual novel with some illustrations as you read along and listen. We'll see whether it does a classic book justice in our review.

PANDA LOVE (RCMADIAX, $1.49) - The latest budget-priced release from this studio, PANDA LOVE offers up to be 20 levels+ of single screen platforming stages; you collect coins and then head for a warp point. We didn't rate this particularly highly in our PANDA LOVE review.

Tallowmere (Chris McFarland, $4.99) - A "2D action roguelite platformer" that also supports multiplayer, this one's all about exploring dungeons and seeing how far you can get. It could potentially be fun for dip-in play; we'll let you know what we think soon.

Piano Teacher (Skunk Software, $39.99) - Yep, that's the price! This app aims to teach you how to play piano from beginner to advanced levels; you can learn piano theory while also using a real instrument, or play some songs on a virtual piano. We'll see whether it's in tune for a review.

Free Balling (Skunk Software, $9.99) - A slightly odd one, it appears to be a simple drawing tool in which you scribble lines as a 'track' on the screen using the Wii U GamePad, and then you can release balls that roll around those lines. We'll let you know whether it's worth a roll in our review.

Games for Toddlers (Skunk Software, $3.99) - As promised this has games for toddlers to play, four minigames in fact. They all look pretty simple and use the Wii U GamePad; we'll be sure to get the views of a toddler when assessing this one.

Super Hero Math (Skunk Software, $7.99) - It appears to be a simplistic endless flyer in which a super hero dodges obstacles, collects coins and answers simple mathematical questions on the go. We'll let you know whether it saves the day in our review.

Skunky B's Super Slots Saga #1 (Skunk Software, $14.95) - That's a heck of a name for what's ultimately a collection of virtual slot machines.

The First Skunk Bundle (Skunk Software, $24.99) - Includes a range of games: Haunted Hotel, Snake Classic, Catchy, Bomb Blaster and Zombie Epic.

Wii U Virtual Console

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo, $19.99) - This Wii title celebrated the IP's 25th Anniversary, and is also the earliest entry in the series timeline. It makes extensive use of Wii MotionPlus and adopts a paint-like art style; we absolutely loved it in our original review.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

DuckTales: Remastered (Capcom, on discount until 6th September)

FreezeME (RNC, $7.99 until 15th September, normally $13.99)

Angry Bunnies: Colossal Carrot Crusade (Cypronia, on discount until 25th September)

Color Zen (Cypronia, on discount until 25th September)

Rock 'N Racing Off Road DX (EnjoyUp Games, $4.99 until 22nd September, normally $7.99)

Run Run and Die (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 6th October)

Unepic (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 6th October)

Chubbins (Dakhu Creations, on discount until 30th September)

Soon Shine (Dakhu Creations, on discount until 30th September)

Test Your Mind (Xeno Horizon, $0.99 until 15th September, normally $2.99)

STEEL LORDS (nuGAME, $7.50 until 28th September, normally $14.99)

Astral Breakers (Intropy Games, on discount until 5th September)

Emojikara: A Clever Emoji Match Game (Intropy Games, on discount until 5th September)

Wii U Demo

Word Logic by POWGI (Lightwood Games, free)

Wii U & 3DS DLC

Hyrule Warriors / Legends - The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Pack (Koei Tecmo, $6.99 or part of season pass)

3DS eShop

Picross 3D Round 2 (Nintendo, $29.99) - Fresh out of the Nintendo Direct, this sequel to the much-loved Picross 3D finally makes its way to the region. It includes improved visuals over its DS predecessor, naturally, and also throws in amiibo support; we'll put the pieces together and bring you a review.

Adventure Labyrinth Story (CIRCLE Entertainment, $5.00) - A spin-off from Adventure Bar Story, this is a rogue-like RPG in which you set off into a randomly generated dungeon with the goal of retrieving legendary treasure. You start with nothing and try to build your way up as you explore, but if you die you revert back to level one and simply start again. We gave this a modest recommendation in our Adventure Labyrinth Story review.

Ping Pong Trick Shot (Starsign, $1.99) - Slightly odd, as this is a video game version of throwing a ball into a cup. There are different modes (Score Attack, Time Attack and so on) and promises of wacky things like portals that'll shake this up. We'll work on our aim and bring you a review.

3DS StreetPass Games

Complete the StreetPass Mii Plaza update to choose one of Slot-Car Rivals or Market Crashers for free. The others can be purchased for $2.99 each or $8.99 for all four.

Slot-Car Rivals

Market Crashers

Ninja Launcher

Feed Mii

Mii Trek

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Capcom, on discount until 6th September)

Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan (Atlus, $9.99 until 12th September, normally $29.99)

Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! (Shin'en Multimedia, $2.24 until 22nd September, normally $2.99)

Snow Moto Racing 3D (Zordix AB, $3.99 until 8th September, normally $7.99)

Tappingo (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 22nd September)

The Legend of Dark Witch (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 22nd September)

2 Fast 4 Gnomz (QubicGames, on discount until 22nd September)

AiRace Speed (QubicGames, on discount until 22nd September)

Angry Bunnies (Cypronia, on discount until 25th September)

Color Zen (Cypronia, on discount until 25th September)

3DS eShop Demo

Picross 3D Round 2 (Nintendo, free)

Word Logic by POWGI (Lightwood Games, free)


That's everything for the North American Nintendo Download Update this week - let us know what you're planning to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

(You can select up to 22 answers)