Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

Wii U Virtual Console Live in North America

This article is over 11 years old and may contain outdated information
image

Take your pick of eight NES and SNES games now available on the Wii U.

When Nintendo said the Wii U Virtual Console launch was “imminent,” it wasn’t kidding. Just a day after the release of a load time-reducing system update, the Wii U now has its own Virtual Console, complete with a handful of retro favorites from the 8-bit and 16-bit days. NES games currently available on the Wii U are Ice Climber, Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong Jr., Excitebike, Kirby’s Adventure, and Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream; they’re joined by Super NES titles F-Zero and Super Mario World. The Nintendo titles go for $4.99, and the SNES games will set you back $7.99.

That’s not a whole lot of games, but as Satoru Iwata announced during the most recent Nintendo Direct, more are on the way, most notably Earthbound. The beloved RPG was released for the SNES almost 20 years ago, and fans have been clamoring for a Virtual Console release since the Wii launched in 2006.

Even with the lack of old-school titles currently available, it’s nice to finally see the Wii U Virtual Console live. Maybe it shouldn’t have taken five months, but better late than never… right?

Recommended Videos

The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy