Metroid: Zero Mission, Free Wii U Games, Pokémon Art Academy, More Hit the eShop in Japan

3DSWiiU

by Danny Bivens - June 19, 2014, 8:28 am EDT
Total comments: 8

Tons of Wii U VC titles, games from the 2013 Nintendo Game Seminar, and more hit Japan.

Even though the releases this week are pushed back a day later than usual (Thursday rather than Wednesday), the eShop in Japan has returned to the usual craziness we are all used to seeing. Releases on the Nintendo 3DS are a little sparse, but Pokémon Art Academy is coming for those interested in drawing photo realistic Pokémanz. Mysteriously, the 3DS Virtual Console lays dormant for another week, marking just over a month since the last retro release on the system.

The Wii U has an overabundance of software releasing this week, including four free games that were crafted by students during the 2013 Nintendo Game Seminar (you can check out more about that here). Not only that, but the likes of Pushmo World, Metroid: Zero Mission, Air Zonk, and tons of other Virtual Console games hit the eShop from numerous platforms. For a complete look at all of the releases in Japan this week, check out the round-up below!

3DS

Downloadable Titles
Uo Catch - 200 yen
Dokopon Choice Shijō Saikyō no Deshi: Kenichi Vol. 2 11 - 20-kan Pack - 4,400 yen
Dokopon Choice Fairy Tale Vol. 3 21 - 30-kan Pack - 4,400 yen
Pokémon Art Academy (retail title) - 3,619 yen
Konchū Monster Super Battle (retail title) - 5,184 yen
Pac-World (Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures, retail title) - 5,119 yen (from 6/19)

Virtual Console
NA

Wii U

Downloadable Titles
Hiku Osu World (Pushmo World) - 1,000 yen
Poppo Hunter (2013 Game Seminar Title) - FREE
Hissatsu! Center Heroes (2013 Game Seminar Title) - FREE
Shima Nagame (2013 Game Seminar Title) - FREE
Sentō Danchi (2013 Game Seminar Title) - FREE

Virtual Console
Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu: Subete Koronde Dairantō (Crash n’ the Boys: Ice Challenge, Famicom) - 514 yen
Kekkyoku Nankyoku Daibōken (Antarctic Adventure, Famicom) - 514 yen
Metroid Zero Mission (Game Boy Advance) - 702 yen
PC Denjin (Air Zonk, PC Engine) - 617 yen
Road Fighter (MSX) - 823 yen

Talkback

KodaisJune 19, 2014

So, this finally means more virtual console consoles?

TheXenocideJune 19, 2014

Hurry up and come to America, Zero Mission!!! (Don't tell fusion, but you were my favorite...)

The Nostalgic GamerJune 19, 2014

@ Kodais: I wish, but the Japan VC has been getting quantity and quality compared to the NA and EU shops. I wish we got even half the RPGs that they have as well as the additional platforms that are missing from our stores. I wouldn't be surprised if they get N64 support a year before anyone else.

AVJune 19, 2014

why do they get zero mission first? I thought they hated metroid in japan? Anyway I look forward to playing it again. The game is incredible and for me the best 2D metroid, it has a great flow to it. I love it so much more than Fusion and it's even a hair better than the great Super

TurdFurgyJune 19, 2014

I've been eyeing used copies of Zero Mission for the longest time. I do so hope we get it here as I'm to young and inexperienced to play the original Metroid.
Also I too thought they didn't like Metroid over there as much, but at least we know it could be coming.

EtopenJune 19, 2014

Danny, what do you think about the lack of new VC releases on the 3DS for so long?
Not sure what to make of it, but I'm starting to get anxious/worried.

the_dan_xDanny Bivens, Associate Editor (Japan)June 19, 2014

I just bought Zero Mission. I've been meaning to pick it up for years and this is certainly the best avenue for me.

As to why there haven't been anymore VC releases on 3DS, I'm not really sure. There are certainly other titles they can release. Pie in the sky, but maybe they're readying a new platform for the service? Maybe Nintendo wants third parties to focus more on VC on Wii U. It's hard to say at this point. It's just strange.

ShayminDonald Theriault, News EditorJune 20, 2014

You're giving North America and Europe a chance to catch up?

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