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After the Nintendo Direct excitement this week we get down to the nitty-gritty of the Nintendo Download Update. It's a busy one this week, with a whole lot of new arrivals on the Switch eShop, while the 3DS / New 3DS also get two massive releases to consider. It's a big update, so let's get to the details.

Switch Retail Download

NBA 2K18 (Take 2 Interactive, $59.99USD) - A welcome arrival of a major sports franchise on the Switch, this promises a feature-rich edition (including the online and career modes) that can also be played on the go. Available on the eShop from 15th September, at retail from 17th October.

NBA 2K18 Legend Edition (Take 2 Interactive, $99.99USD) - Available on the eShop from 15th September, at retail from 17th October.

NBA 2K18 Legend Gold Edition (Take 2 Interactive, $149.99USD) - Available on the eShop from 15th September, at retail from 17th October.

Switch eShop

Quest of Dungeons (Upfall Studios, $8.99USD) - This is a roguelike dungeon crawler that turned out to be very good on the Wii U. This has all the same content along with a new environment, more enemies and tile-sets along with an in-game achievement system. We'll get cracking on a review.

Kingdom: New Lands (Raw Fury, $14.99USD) - This is actually the second game in the series (the first is still coming to Switch), and offers a stylish experience that has been well received on other platforms. You have to rule over a wide range of beasts and facilities while building up your kingdom with careful strategy. We quite liked it, albeit with provisos, in our Kingdom: New Lands review.

Semispheres (Vivid Helix, $9.99USD) - A 2D puzzle game with a lovely synth-led soundtrack by none other than Sid Barnhoorn, you control two protagonists on either side of the screen; the challenge is to safely guide both through the world. We'll let you know what we think in a review.

Robonauts (QubicGames, $13.49USD) - This arcade-style shooter uses gravity to switch up gameplay as you journey off into the unknowns of space. The adventure contains twelve different planetary systems, an array of weapons and the added bonus of solo and local multiplayer. Available from 15th September.

Beach Buggy Racing (Vector Unit, $9.99USD) - An interesting budget kart racer with 15 tracks across six modes. The trailer looks promising, with various characters, vehicles and power-ups shown off. We'll see whether it deserves a place on the podium in a review.

36 Fragments of Midnight (Ratalaika Games, $2.99USD) - A procedurally generated platformer in which each attempt consists of finding and collection 36 fragments, all while dodging various dangers. We'll see if it delivers the moon on a stick in a review.

Spinmaster (HAMSTER, $7.99USD) - A Neo Geo platformer that lets you take control of Johnny and Tom in their quest to rescue Mary and get the five pieces of a mysterious treasure map from an evil organization lead by one Dr. De Playne. While the plot - even by 1993 standards - isn't exactly award-winning, the frantic gameplay and humour certainly was perfect coin-munching material, with a mandatory mine cart section included for good measure.

3DS Retail Download

Metroid: Samus Returns (Nintendo, $39.99USD) - Well, Samus is back. This 2D (though the 3D effect is terrific) entry is a reimagining of Metroid II: Return of Samus from the Game Boy days. It introduces some excellent new ideas, however, and delivers one of the best games in the illustrious history of the series; we explain how in our Metroid: Samus Returns reviewAvailable from 15th September.

3DS Retail Download Update

Yo-kai Watch 2: Oni Evolution Update - Anyone that owns the YO-KAI WATCH 2: Bony Spirits or YO-KAI WATCH 2: Fleshy Souls games can download a free “Oni Evolution” software update starting today. It adds the Yo-kai Watch Psychic Blasters mode with additional bosses to battle against, the chance to befriend new Yo-kai and more fun features. This update also allows players the ability to transfer save data from the YO-KAI WATCH 2: Bony Spirits and YO-KAI WATCH 2: Fleshy Souls games to YO-KAI WATCH 2: Psychic Specters, which launches on Sept. 29.

New Nintendo 3DS eShop

Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition (Mojang, $29.99USD) - It took quite a while, but one of the world's most beloved games is now on the 3DS, albeit the demands of the software mean it's only on New models. We've previously had versions on Wii U and Switch, and we'll now see how this edition stacks up in a review.

Percy's Predicament Deluxe (Maestro Interactive, $5.99USD) - A single player title with a bit of Super Monkey Ball about it, as you roll through a lot of stages to reach the end. We were rather unimpressed with the Wii U original, though.

3DS HOME Theme

Metroid: Samus Returns Samus Aran (Nintendo)

Wii U eShop

Earthlock: Festival of Magic (Snowcastle Games, $9.99USD) - Earthlock is an adventure RPG that takes place in a beautiful world haunted by its past; your task is to join a band of unlikely heroes to rescue scavenger Amon's uncle and uncover the truth behind the Earthkey. 

Wii U Virtual Console

Vigilante (Konami, $5.99) - Another TurboGrafx-16 game for your consideration, this time around it's a side-scrolling beat 'em up. You can go full retro and check out our 2007 review, if you like.


As always Nintendo of America wants you to browse the eShop and check out the official sales and deals website for discount details.

Lots of download options for you this week - let us know what you'll be downloading in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

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