After 20 years, EarthBound is finally returning to North America. As part of its barrage of Wii U and 3DS news today, Nintendo sent along word that EarthBound is scheduled to be released this year on the Wii U Virtual Console. For Mario and Luigi fans Nintendo’s news was even better, as the company also announced a Luigi-themed update for New Super Mario Bros. U.
The Wii U news came at the same time as a batch of 3DS info, including news that a new game set in the world of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is on its way to Nintendo’s handheld system.
Nintendo’s Wii U game updates today included the following:
- You Are Not Dreaming – This is Real: Nintendo fans rejoice: EarthBound is coming to the Wii U Virtual Console this year. The original game was created by Shigesato Itoi and released on Super NES in 1995.
- New Super Luigi U: Wii U owners who purchase this downloadable content for New Super Mario Bros. U (a copy of the game is required) will get 82 updated stages and a new adventure featuring Luigi, who can jump higher than Mario, yet has trouble stopping after a dash. Many stages start with only 100 seconds on the timer, and quicker stages are populated with many obstacles. New Super Luigi U is scheduled to be released this summer during the Year of Luigi.
- System Update: Next week’s update will add new functions and enhance existing ones. It shortens loading times when switching between applications or returning to the Wii U Menu.
- New Features: Shortly after the system update, Nintendo will launch the Virtual Console service and Wii U Panorama View.
- Game & Wario: Each game in Game & Wario uses the Wii U GamePad in a unique way. Game & Wario will be available in stores and the Nintendo eShop on June 23.
- Pikmin 3: In addition to new Rock Pikmin, the new game also introduces flying Winged Pikmin that follow the player and can carry items in the air. The game launches in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Aug. 4.
- Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Update: A game update for the Wii U version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate from Capcom is now available for download. The update enables off-TV play using the Wii U GamePad, and allows players from North America and Europe to join each other’s online games.