Sonic 2, Urban Trials, More Speed Onto Nintendo eShop

It's almost exclusively 3DS love on the Nintendo eShop this week as a handful of titles make their way to the extra-dimension-enhanced handheld and only a single new game appears on its big brother, the Wii U.

We might as well start with the Wii U this week, so as not to bury its sole new game release under all of the 3DS content. Vegas Stakes arrives on the Wii U home console this week and, as you might have inferred from the name, it's a grilling simulator set in the City of Sin...Oh, that would be “steaks,” you say? Then it probably has to do with gambling instead.

Now that that's out of the way, let's take a look at what's arriving for the 3DS this week. First up is the Sega hit, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Introducing Sonic's BFF, Tails, to the series, the furry duo must sprint through level after level while taking out Dr. Eggman's evil machines in order to save their animal friends. It's classic Sonic action, and now it can be enjoyed on your portable console.

Also arriving on the 3DS Virtual Console this week is Spelunker, the underground exploration game. When I say underground, I mean you'll actually be exploring miles of subterranean caves, not playing as the member of a struggling punk band.

Over on the 3DS eShop, a pair of new games should also appeal to speed freaks and RPG fans. Urban Trial Freestyle straps you on a motorbike and tasks you with mastering more than 40 dynamic levels in either speed or trick runs. There's also a level editor available, allowing the player to create their own diabolical courses. Also, between now and 9 a.m. on July 4, Urban Trial Freestyle will be marked down by 20 percent as a launch week special, costing just $5.59.

Finally, the long awaited second demo to mash-up strategy RPG, Project X Zone is now available, giving players a second taste of the game's unique blend of story, combat and glorious fan service. This “Ghost” demo will be available on July 2, giving players a sampling of the title's 50-character roster featuring fan favorites from Namco Bandai, Sega and Capcom.

A handful of other titles are also making their way to the 3DS virtual store this week, including rhythm game Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove, strategy combat game, Kokuga and Game Gear offerings, Crash City Mayhem, Sonic Labyrinth and Crystal Warriors.

Fiiinally, there's also a special promotion available between now and Sunday, June 30. Anyone who purchases any Virtual Console game from the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U will earn 20 Club Nintendo Coins to go towards their yearly total. If you're falling just shy of Gold or Platinum level, this might be a good way to push yourself over the edge just in time to earn some extra rewards come July 1.

For more details on any of these games, visit the Nintendo eShop official page.