The week's Virtual Console and WiiWare update provides players with an ESRB-leaked WiiWare title, another WiiWare title, and a Master System Virtual Console game from Sega.

Sonic Chaos for the Sega Master System is this week's sole Virtual Console release. Players will take the role of either Sonic or Tails in the usual quest to defeat Dr. Robotnik. As per his usual routine, Eggman has stolen a (red) chaos emerald to make a nuclear device. In turn, the other chaos emeralds were thrown out of alignment and transported to another dimension. Players will have to Strike Dash and do Super-Peel Outs as Sonic, or Spin Dashes and Fly as Tails in order to reclaim the six chaos emeralds and bring Robotnik to justice. Sonic Chaos is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

Snowboard Riot, Hudson's latest addition to the WiiWare service allows players to race down a white face mountain, battling contending racers with items and speed. Players will have the option to use the Wii Balance Board, and up to four players can race at the same time. Additional ranking modes are also available through the Nintendo WiFi Connection. Snowboard Riot is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 1000 Wii Points ($10).

This week's final title, LONPOS, has already been revealed through an ESRB rating and has been available in Japan for nearly a year as it was a launch title for the Japanese WiiWare service. Players will use a set of twelve unique pieces to fill in blank spaces on a rectangular 55 space grid in this unique puzzle game. As levels get harder, players will need to fit more pieces into the grid. Up to four players can compete, or up to two players can cooperate in two single player modes. Players can also see where they rank worldwide with the Nintendo WiFi Connection. For additional information, see our impressions of the Japanese version of the game. LONPOS is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 800 Wii Points ($8).

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO WIIWARE GAMES AND ONE VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAME ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Feb. 2, 2009

If you've got a taste for the eclectic, check out this lively lineup of additions to the Wii™ Shop Channel. One new WiiWare™ title combines brisk winter sports with pulverizing power-ups, while another blends intuitive puzzle dynamics with various multiplayer options. Meanwhile, a classic Virtual Console™ game invites you to assume the role of a certain adventurous hedgehog. With diverse releases like these, players of all stripes are sure to find something they'll love.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Snowboard Riot™ (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): This snowboard racing and battle game can be enjoyed by multiple players and is compatible with the Wii Balance Board™ accessory. In an intense scramble for first place, guide your character down the slopes while snatching up items to attack and defend against rivals along the way. Up to four players can battle and participate in various ranking modes via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection.

LONPOS (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Looking for a puzzle game that anyone can play, but still offers plenty to master? Look no further than LONPOS, with its straightforward premise and large variety of puzzles to solve. Each puzzle revolves around a rectangular playing field of 55 spaces. Using a set of 12 pieces, the goal is to place every piece into the playing field, filling it completely. The higher the level, the more pieces you'll need to fit correctly into the playing field. Challenge yourself with two single-player modes or bring a friend to compete against or cooperate with. When you think your skills are worthy, use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to check out how you compare with other LONPOS players or download additional puzzles and backgrounds. (Router and broadband access required for online play. For more info, go to www.nintendo.com.)

Virtual Console

Sonic Chaos™ (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Play as Sonic or Tails in Sonic Chaos, which was originally made for the SEGA MASTER SYSTEM. Dr. Eggman (a.k.a. Dr. Robotnik) has stolen the Red Chaos Emerald to create nuclear weapons. This has thrown the remaining Chaos Emeralds off balance, causing them to transport to a parallel universe. As a result, Sonic's home, South Island, is sinking into the ocean. Speed through various levels in your crusade for the six Chaos Emeralds. Perform Strike Dashes and Super-Peel Outs as Sonic, or Spin Dash and Fly as Tails, and restore order in Sonic Chaos.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.