Even with Sony releasing the PlayStation 4 last week and Microsoft launching the Xbox One as of today, Nintendo wants gamers to remember that 1) Their consoles exist and, 2) They still pack a mean punch from time to time when it comes to the games you can play on them. Quite a few of the year’s biggest Nintendo titles are available this week, including a new Zelda game and a new Mario Bros. game.
Before we dip into this week’s rather impressive list of new game releases for the Wii U and 3DS, first we’ll take a quick look at the week two offerings for Nintendo’s ongoing character-driven sales promotion. This week’s character of choice is the Blue Bomber himself, Mega Man. As a result, you can expect to slice 30 percent off of the price tag for the first four games in the Mega Man series, available on the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Consoles. Stay tuned next week to find out who the next Nintendo character to be given the discount treatment will be. Our money is on Master Chief, simply because saying something like that is likely to cause a heart attack or two.
Okay, onto this week’s biggest releases, starting with Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Waitaminute! If it has 3D in the title, why isn’t this game coming out for the 3DS instead of Nintendo’s decidedly less-dimensioned home console?” Well, we don’t have an answer for that. However, given how much early love the game is already getting from the games press, we assume that this four-player romp through the Mario galaxy will be a bag of fun no matter what platform you’re playing it on.
And besides, who needs Mario on the 3DS when Link is holding down the fort this week? The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds finally launches today, taking adventurers to Hyrule, Lorule and beyond on a quest to save a dark dimension from a new sinister foe. Count us in!
If, for some crazy reason, that’s not enough for you, then both consoles also have a few additional games up for grabs this week. Over on the Wii U, you can also pick up Coaster Crazy Deluxe, The Mysterious Cities of Gold: Secret Paths, EDGE and Brawl Brothers.
Mini-game fans can swipe Mario Party: Island Tour on the 3DS, alongside Ohno Odyssey, Hands On! Tangrams, Jewel Match 3, Christmas Wonderland 3 and City Connection. And don’t forget about the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney-Dual Destinies Turnabout Reclaimed DLC, which is also available now.
