Until now, the Nintendo 3DS's eShop has only offered Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. Soon, that will change.
Today, Nintendo revealed that it would be giving those who purchased the 3DS before the August 12 markdown the chance to download 20 free games (either NES or GBA Virtual Console) via the 3DS eShop.
Wait, what? That's right, the 3DS eShop is getting NES Virtual Console games like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Jr., Balloon Fight, Ice Climber and The Legend of Zelda.
Early 3DS adopters get the games...early and for free. The titles are slated to become paid downloads for everyone else, and you'll become automatically enrolled in the program starting September 1.
Also, ten Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games are headed to the 3DS—games like Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ and Mario vs. Donkey Kong.
According to Nintendo, "Nintendo currently has no plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future." No plans watch!
I'd say this is smart on Nintendo's part if 3DS sales weren't so rotten, meaning that this, coupled with the price drop, all looks rather desperate.
The sudden price drop was a surprise, but chucking in free games and new Virtual Console titles for the 3DS is a bigger one. I'd say this is smart on Nintendo's part if 3DS sales weren't so rotten, meaning that this, coupled with the price drop, all looks rather desperate.
With a handful of cancelled games and waning interest, the 3DS is fighting for its life, but in the meantime early adopters look forward to twenty great games. Free games, that is.
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