It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week is a busy one, with plenty of varied options on the Switch eShop, two retail 3DS titles (accompanying the New 2DS XL), in addition to various downloads across the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores. There's plenty to cover, so let's get to it.
Nintendo Switch eShop
Namco Museum (Bandai Namco, $29.99 / $34.99CAD) - A much anticipated release, this features 11 games and even the surprising inclusion of Pac-Man VS., which requires two Switch systems to play. Features in this iteration include online leaderboards and the ability in some games to hold the Switch vertically for an 'arcade cabinet' feel. We'll get cracking on a review soon. Available from 28th July.
Namco Museum (Pac-Man VS. Free Multiplayer-only Ver.) (Bandai Namco, free) - This is a nice surprise, a free download that lets you get into multiplayer sessions of Pac-Man VS. Available from 28th July.
Overcooked: Special Edition (Team17, $19.99 / $26.79CAD) - A title that's been rather popular on PC and other platforms, the Switch gets to join in with various DLC add-ons included and HD Rumble as a feature. It's all about chaotic solo, co-op or versus cooking at high speed, dashing around various kitchen settings to prepare wacky dishes in tough circumstances. We'll fire up the oven to bring you a review soon.
Ultra Hyperball (Springloaded, $9.99 / $12.99CAD) - With retro-style visuals, this pitches itself as a 'party game experience' in multiplayer while also offering a single-player story mode. It looks like rather chaotic fun, and on Switch this game also supports touch screen and motion controls; we'll check it out in a review. Available from 28th July.
Super Sidekicks (HAMSTER, $7.99 / $9.87CAD) - The ACA Neo Geo series continues and we go back into sports this time around. This 1992 classic started a series of soccer titles on the format and is famous for its quick and compelling gameplay, punctuated with high-quality 2D artwork which pops up at key moments during each match.
Qbics Paint (Abylight, $4.99) - As the weeks pass more genres are being ticked off for the Switch eShop, and here is an early example of a creative app. You 'sculpt digitally' with 3D blocks, with various modes and options to help you along (such as going freestyle or constructing set figurines), with easy sharing to social media then possible through the system's standard capture button.
3DS Retail Downloads
Hey! Pikmin (Nintendo, $39.99 / $49.99CAD) - This 2D spin-off for the much-loved series introduces the cute little critters to a new audience, while using both screens in a portrait setting. It's an easygoing and pleasant time, which is just lacking a little spark and creativity in our view; we gave it a modest recommendation in our Hey! Pikmin review. Available from 28th July.
Miitopia (Nintendo, $39.99USD / $49.99CAD) - Another title to accompany the launch of the New Nintendo 2DS XL, this is an RPG-lite entry in the series of games that put Mii characters to work. It's designed to be accessible for gamers of all levels, but we certainly became enamoured with its charm and wit in our Miitopia review. Available from 28th July.
3DS eShop
Kid Tripp (Four Horses, $3.99 / $4.49CAD) - A retro-styled 'high octane' platform autorunner that features 20 levels across 4 themed worlds. This 3DS version aims to deliver silky smooth 60fps gameplay with stereoscopic 3D; it looks like fun and we'll give it a go for a review.
New Nintendo 3DS eShop
SWIPE (RCMADIAX, $1.49 / $1.99CAD) - In this score chaser you try to avoid black dots while collecting crystals.
Wii U eShop
Cubeshift (Jace Voracek, free) - On the surface this looks like a very basic game, with your task being to guide a falling square through an "infinite arcade puzzler".
Wii U Virtual Console
Victory Run (Konami, $5.99) - A TurboGrafx title that is very much in the same vein as titles like Rad Racerand Out Run, we gave this a whirl for a Wii Virtual Console review back in the day.
Air Zonk (Konami, $5.99) - Another arrival from the TG-16, this is a "horizontally scrolling shoot-em-up with the cuteness factor cranked up to 10". You can go fully retro with our Wii Virtual Console review if you like.
Ninja Spirit (IREM, $5.99) - It's the TurboGrafx once again, in this case a stylish side-scrolling action title that certainly made waves when it was originally released; you can check out our Wii Virtual Console Ninja Spirit review for the full lowdown.
As always Nintendo of America wants you to browse the eShop and check out the official sales and deals website for discount details.
Plenty of choices in this week's update - let us know what you'll be downloading in the poll and comments below.
Comments 102
Miitopia! Can't wait!
None of the above.
$30 for the namco games?
Meh
Sad doe that WiiU still gets VC games and Switch is still getting spammed with Neo Geo Garbage.
I'm getting overcooked and a physical copy of miitopia.
@Samus7Killer I know. Who even wants to play those terrible neo geo games?
Getting Hey! Pikmin and Miitopia next month
I'm definitely grabbing Namco Museum and Miitopia down the line.
Namco Museum and Overcooked here!
Don't forget about the Ekoro DLC for Mighty Gunvolt Burst that comes out today too.
It's all about Namco this week
@Samus7Killer Yep those Neo Geo games are so awful I've bought 7 of them and will be buying an 8th tonight. Dreadful they are!
@Kirbyfan there's maybe 2 good ones and the rest are spammed releases cause they know Nintendo killed the Virtual Console.
R.I.P. Virtual Console💀 2006 - 2017
@w00dm4n 7 Namco classics plus Pac-Man Vs. for $30 sounds like a good deal to me.
I'm probably picking that up. Maybe Overcooked too, but I already have that on PS4...the portability is tempting. I'll play with coworkers in the break room, haha.
Yay TG-16! But its not Castlevania! I want Namco Museum, but I don't $30 want it. I have a birthday MyNintendo coupon I have to use before the month ends. Probably gonna get Paper Mario Color Splash!
uhhh why isn't Infinite Golf listed here?
$30 seems very steep for that Namco collection. I'll wait for a sale
Overcooked for Switch !!
Okay, Let's do some Wookie Wookie on Nintendo Switch, Machoman is still playing Wookie Wookie on Nintendo Switch, Mumsilibaba Mumsilibaba...
Oopsie...
@Anti-Matter Such a good game. I'll be passing on it for a couple weeks, but Overcooked will certainly find its way onto my Switch soon. It's the perfect multiplayer party game, in my opinion - even for people that don't normally play games.
@roadrunner343
I remembered when I tried Overcooked for first time on PS4 version, it was quite hard to do Solo play. My Onion Soup got burned easily due to a bit panic situation. Well, I will try harder when I got the Switch version because I will keep the PS4 retail copy as a Guarantee and not be played anymore once I got the Switch version. Pretty ps4 betrayal, hehehe....
The free Pac-Man Vs. works even if no one owns it, or does one system need to own the Namco collection?
I thought Kid Tripp was coming to Switch. Is it going to be on both platforms? I was looking forward to trying to finish it since I don't have my iPad anymore.
Pretty excited about Overcooked. That looks like a hoot and a holler.
Nice rebound from last week for the Switch
Is Namco Museum available at retail?
@Mando44646 developers said Nintendo still hasn't approved the game.
I'm interested in Namco Museum, but I'd much rather have the physical version.
Will probably buy Ultra Hyperball
@Adam Kid Tripp will be on Switch later in the year, I only just got my dev hardware yesterday!
I might have to upgrade my Wii AirZonk.
Gamestop has a deal from today to next Wednesday buy $50 eShop card and get a free $10 eShop card. It's better than nothing right?
Overcooked is on my wishlist when I time to buy and play in the future.
@Anti-Matter Yeah, it is quite difficult to control multiple characters at a time in single player. Luckily, the game pace is much slower for single player. This game really shines in Multiplayer though - I played through it in it's entirety with my wife, which was fun, but it was even more fun when we played through again with another couple. An absolute blast if you can find a couple friends to play with.
@audiobrainiac: I wonder if the physical version is still in the works....
Overcooked showed up at like 2am under "view all" and not recently released - a little ahead of time. Actually had trouble with it - it seems way more robust in story than I was expecting which is cool. Loading times seemed a little long in it though. Not horrible, but longer than they should be.
I'd get Hyperball if it had an online element to it. Namco...super tempted for Splatterhouse, even though I know it's totally financially irresponsible for me to purchase it.
@Dang69 rolling thunder 1&2 don't hurt either lol
@JJ286 unfortunately no. Otherwise I'd grab it at Best Buy and get the 20% discount!
@joey302 I think I'm confusing another game I used to play on NES with Rolling Thunder...something like Gogo 13. Maybe I need to take another look at Thunder.
Pacman VS REQUIRES two Switch systems? I thought I read earlier that there is an option to play single player...
maybe hyperball...the other don't interest me because well...they are mostly multiplayer games.
@Dang69 both great games! Rolling Thunder was an original arcade game while part 2 was exclusive to the Sega Genesis- which I was really surprised to see included in this collection! Made me start to wonder why Namco didnt toss in Splatterhouse 2&3 as well- also both Genesis exclusives! hopefully will see a Vol 2!
Anybody know if overcooked is getting physical?
Getting Miitopia. I wish 3DS got TG-16 games, and more for the Vita would've been nice...
I shouldn't be this pleased that Wii U is still getting VC releases and Switch still doesn't have it's poop together.
@joey302 I'll check 'em out. If they're appealing enough I'll buy it.
@SteveW I think it's just one of the close up views when you do it solo.
@joey302 thats exactly why I ask. Damn it, dirty bastards!!!!
Downloaded Overcooked. It's 30fps. What an incredible letdown. Mario Kart runs 60fps, and this fun yet visually 'not so good' game runs at 30 -_-
Nothing for me at the moment. Probably won't get anything until Sonic Mania.
@Samus7Killer a lot of those neo geo games are quite good
Got to review Kid Tripp some days ago, Swipe uses the same exact Unity assets as 1/4th of Crollors Game Pack, and I got Ultra Hyperball.
I'll be gettin' Namco Museum and I'll see about Overcooked.
Sweet, 3 TG games! Guess Konami's really going out to match either the Japanese selection (The best they can anyway) or the Wii line up. Late, but better late then never....
That's gonna be an expensive week for me... Which is actually good since I'll have more games to play on the switch!
Namco Museum, Overcooked and Miitopia for me this week!
@faint Not only are many of those Neo Geo games good, I hope I lot more companies (Capcom, Konami, etc) followed SNK's footsteps and released their entire back catalog of awesome games.
@HeroOfCybertron Thanks mate, I knew I was forgetting something!
@Freelance Japan got PCE on 3DS but only four games, years ago, and not even one of them was the mascot Bonk. No updates since.
Konami at least was polite to give them the US version of R-Type after years of, even on VC, being scammed into paying twice for the Japanese version.
@JJ286 ridiculous- America is lazy man! Nobody wants to jump in the car and go to the store lol!! Physical games are always the better choice imo! Especially if your a collector!
What I wouldn't do for TG16 on Switch
Overcooked for myself and my Wife (love local coop on switch)!!
Namco museum is very tempting for pac man vs. You can play 1-3 players on SAME switch system (all as ghosts chasing pacman). You can only play as pacman (system 1 - with full game purchase) vs ghosts x 3 (system 2 - with DL free pacman app) if you have TWO switch systems (due to privacy of screens).
Namco Museum is definitely the highlight for me.
@Samus7Killer That's your opinion. I personally enjoy me some Neo Geo games on the Switch.
Namco Musuem for sure. Might pick up Miitopia as well since I liked the demo.
Nice games this week.
How would feel for people that live in NA and EU countries, that are actually able to walk into a store and buy those 3DS and Switch games on their day 1 and get back home after a long day to play?
Unfortunately I'll never know :/
waiting to find out how long miitopia is, don't want to spend $40 on a 15-hour game (or even a 30-hour rpg)
not sure if the gunvolt burst DLC is making its way over to the US this week or not, but definitely getting it when it does
Regardless some of the NEO Geo games are good they're still spamming their releases.
You left off the newest Parascientific game from the list.
OH SNAP! Konami what are you doing! I loooooooove Ninja Spirit!!! Sold.
I want miitopia but I ordered get pikmin instead and it's too late to cancel the preorder ..... on a side note. Switch systems are in stock at amazon.ca .... not sure how hard these are to come by ....
@TruenoGT based on what they said, I imagine the Switch VC will essentially be that subscription service starting next year that will give you access to a catalog of classic games. You may be waiting indefinitely for an announcement because that may be the new VC with a different name and, if so, they likely won't ever say anything more on the matter. In any case, it's unlikely they're gonna say much about it this year so if you're waiting for such an announcement, it probably won't be within the next 5 months or so.
Why haven't they released the tg16 3ds VC outside Japan? The 3ds VC has been dry for over half a year (longer if like me you own an original 3ds). Honestly they'd stand to make more money on VC on 3ds over wiiu at this point.
@GameOtaku It may have to do with Konami (the owner of the TG16 library) as much as it has to do with Nintendo.
I am glad however that the Wii U is still getting something. At this rate, I may be able to find a Switch in the wild where I live. So far, it is has been like trying to find a NES Classic or the soon to be released SNES classic. There is evidence that they exist, but only empty shelves (or horribly rigged bundles) to be found.
@bluedogrulez I'm starting to wonder...
You need two Switch systems to play Pacman Vs? Guess I'm not buying that game after all.
MiiTopia!
@Samus7Killer Hmm, I haven't seen any garbage games. Maybe you don't like retro titles? Don't think that makes them trash. I'm loving it. Easy to ignore though. You want fewer games without wide dev support? I thought we wanted that now that the Switch is selling.
I'll be getting the Ekoro DLC for Mighty Gunvolt Burst.
Love ya, Inti Creates. <3
Why has NintendoLife stopped reviewing every single game that comes out on a Nintendo system? They used to go so far as to review all RCMADIAX shovelware but now reviews of the smallest games are almost non-existent. I'm still waiting on reviews of forma.8, Butterfly, and Drancia Saga.
@joey302 err, no, RT3 was Genesis exclusive--Rolling Thunder 2 was on System 2 then ported to Genesis.
@ECMIM well I never recall seeing RT2 in the arcade or reading about it so I guess I stand corrected- but I really was referring to exclusivity to Genesis among the home consoles...
Going with Pac-Man VS free, Miitopia, and Hey! Pikmin this week.
Disappointed the far superior Ms. Pac-Man is not included in the collection. With the original and VS getting spots, I honestly would've really considered picking this up had it been included as well. Ah well.
In case anyone is (like me) waiting for Infinite Minigolf, it's apparently coming on July 28th.
https://twitter.com/zen_studios/status/890633806046085120
@WoottWinds they need to hold back some for a second outing, alas.
@Darknyht
Still doesn't explain the silence the 3ds VC has had in the last year or 2.
@Fooligan thanks for the info on the game stop deal. Best but had that deal last week, but it only lasted 1 day. I snagged it twice and was wishing I had done it a few more times
For anyone who likes card games, physical contact: speed also hit today and it looks like infinite mini golf hits tomorrow along with Ultra Hyperball and the Museum so overall a very good week for the Switch- Retro city Rampage bumped to Aug 3rd so let's hope they keep it going!
Going to look into Air Zonk and Ninja Spirit, but Namco Museum is way too expensive for what it's worth. Should be $15.
Seriously, NintendoLife? @Dazza wrote one of the most scarcely-detailed reviews for Air Zonk I've ever seen here. 289 words and I got less out of that than I feel like someone may get from my 209-word, hastily-written review of Drancia Saga.
@brandonbwii Drancia Saga can be a surprisingly addicting pick-up-and-play RPG beat-em-up where if you die, you start back from the beginning at level 1 (less frustrating than it sounds). Your main form of attack is running into enemies weapon first and with each upgrade, your weapon gets slightly bigger, allowing for greater reach. Avoiding enemies is important because the higher your killing streak, the more money you'll earn per kill, which means faster level ups. Each character (that I've unlocked at least) has the same basic "run into enemies" attack, but your attack stat matters greatly for the size of your weapon (along with all your other stats), as does your character's actual weapon (like a knight's sword vs mage's staff). Special attacks differ too, like screen clearing flashes and horizontal line beams.
Game can technically be beaten in less than half an hour, but the difficulty ramps up nicely and took me between 6-12 times to beat it with one Continue. Doing it in one life will take a bit more practice/finding the right character to use for your play style.
8/10. Game needs more variety in player attacks and bosses are cakewalks, but definitely solid. I'd do more, but I'm not getting paid for this.
@SteveW the original on gamecube required seperate game boy advances/sps and adapter cables per player, i own the game from a 2 game bundle and have never played it
@leo13 You're welcome man. That's what i do here. I try to tell others about deals or games on sale that either I like or got pretty good reviews.
I will be buying Namco Museum.
@Kilroy
Thanks for the review. I'm familiar with it myself (on mobile at least). I'm just speaking more on @nintendolife itself and it's lack of proper review coverage of an abundance of games.
Kid Tripp ftw
@Fooligan many if us appreciate it.
@Marioman64 @
Here is what I read...
"It appears that the game can be played in single-player (a first for the game) "
https://www.nintendolife.com/forums/news/pac-man_vs_has_a_trailer_for_switch?start=
@Samus7Killer It's all according to their plan..they likely mean one every week.
https://twitter.com/HAMSTER_Corp/status/837545034962485248
from Bing translation: "ACEA CA NEOGEO" series started in Nintendo Switch!
This will release one after another.
Please enjoy the NEOGEO classics in Nintendo Switch! http://www.hamster.co.jp/arcadearchives/switch/ …
@Kirbyfan "Who even wants to play those terrible neo geo games?"
A bunch of people, in fact. 200,000 downloads by May 2, and who knows where we are after 4 months? (I don't know exactly how many people that is because those that are into them seem to download more than one game.)
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/05/the_aca_neo_geo_series_has_gobbled_up_plenty_of_loose_change_on_the_switch_eshop
@brandonbwii We don't cover every single eShop game because the traffic simply isn't there to support it.
That was previously our aim in the past but some reviews were getting so few hits it simply wasn't worth the effort; when you think that you have to spend hours playing the game and then write the review, it wasn't a good investment of time for our very small team.
Now, we pick and choose the biggest titles to review instead.
@Kilroy @brandonbwii @Damo yeah, to add to that, it's not just the biggest titles but the ones we feel the community most wants/needs to know about - there are certain games many people are on the fence about and we'll focus on that.
As for the Air Zonk review, to be fair to @Dazza that was written 10 years ago, long before the site was in the shape it is now!
Thanks for replying, that is appreciated!
@antdickens Fair enough about the review, it was just reminiscent of the Ghost Blade HD review you guys posted back in March, which had even less info than Air Zonk's. I guess I won't hold my breath for a review whenever a shmup comes out, anymore.
Reviews were one of the reasons I initially came to this site for back in the day, so to see that go by the wayside has me particularly sad. I'll still come here for the news, though. The personality that you guys give your articles is something to look forward to and not seen on many sites.
I don't know if it came out during this bout of online content or not, but RPG Maker Fes's DLC is now available for North America.
@Damo @antdickens
The community didn't want to know about Butterfly and forma.8? The latter you gave plenty of coverage to so I imagine the average reader would've been decently excited. Also forma.8 got a good review over at PushSquare. At least stick to avoiding the obviously bad ones that you KNOW would get less traffic.
@GameOtaku No, I would imagine sales numbers may have more to do with that.
@Darknyht
That VC sales were better than some of the newer games? Obviously there's demand for the content (as evidenced by the nes and snes minis) so why has it been so quiet?
@masterLEON oh. I didn't realize people liked those games.
@Samus7Killer maybe they will bring it back? (Probably not)
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...