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It's that time, once again, for the Nintendo Download Update details for North America. This week offers up a few interesting choices with a dual release, a sequel to a surprise gem of 2016 and a Virtual Console arrival among the most promising. There are a few options whether you're rocking a Wii U or 3DS, so let's get to it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update? Turn that frown upside down, the details are still waiting for you right here.

Wii U eShop

Plantera (Ratalaika Games, $4.99 or free if you own the 3DS eShop version) - A rather charming 2D title that has previously been released on PC, this one is all about buying and evolving plants and animals for a virtual garden; it looks like a relaxing way to pass some time. Available as cross-buy with the 3DS eShop version, we'll have a review with you soon.

Words Up! Academy (CoderChild, $2.99) - Previously released on 3DS and now making a pitch for the Wii U audience; this word-centric title has six different modes and multiple languages, with the added bonus of online leaderboards. We had some positives to share in our review of the 3DS version.

Y.A.S.G (LSA Games, $1.99) - This looks like an arcade-style release in which you defend your home planet from asteroids and various foes by blasting them to bits. Screens look rather modest, but as always with budget score-chasers the hope is for a simple gameplay hook that's well executed.

BRICK RACE (RCMADIAX, $1.49) - A simple score chaser in which you race a chunky vehicle while avoiding crashes with others; we were rather unimpressed in our review of the New 3DS version.

Wii U Virtual Console

Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo,$6.99) - Mario vs. Donkey Kong pits the Nintendo mascot against his old adversary in a unique twist on the platform genre that made them famous. We had plenty of fun with this when we revisited it for our most recent Mario vs. Donkey Kong review.

3DS eShop

Parascientific Escape: Gear Detective (CIRCLE Entertainment, $5.00) - A follow-up to a bit of a surprise gem from 2016, this seems likely to also incorporate a blend of escape room-style gameplay with a sense of adventure. Your character, Detective Kyosuke Ayana, has the ability to look back in time, but we'll focus on the present and work on a review.

Plantera (Ratalaika Games, $4.99 or free if you own the Wii U eShop version) - A portable version of the title also out on Wii U, and available in cross-buy.

3DS Downloadable Video

Azure Striker Gunvolt: The Anime (Inti Creates, $2.99)


As always Nintendo of America wants you to browse the eShop and official sales and deals website for discounts - confirmed offers this week include Shadow Puppeteer, The Legend of Kusakari and Word Search by POWGI.

That's the line-up for this week's Nintendo Download Update in North America. Let us know what you plan to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

(You can select up to 8 answers)