This week in the Nintendo eShop: Rhythm Heaven Megamix makes a surprise appearance on the 3DS, Mighty No. 9 stops being delayed, and Super Paper Mario unfolds on the Wii U Virtual Console.

In celebration of E3 and to kick off the five year anniversary of the eShop, there’s a massive sale going on in Nintendo’s digital storefront for the next few days! From now until June 21st, save up to 40% on select digital games in fan-favorite franchises like the Legend of Zelda and Pokémon. My Nintendo members get the benefit of knocking off an extra 10% on all titles in the sale, so make sure to link your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account now if you haven’t already.

Fans of blast processing also have a few days left to pick up several Sega 3D classics from last week’s offerings. Be sure to grab amazing games like 3D Out Run and 3D Gunstar Heroes for $3.99 apiece before they revert back to their regular prices on June 20th.

WII U RETAIL

Mighty No. 9 (Deep Silver, $29.99 | available 6/21) – After numerous painstaking delays, Keiji Inafune’s spiritual successor to Mega Man is finally in our hands! The plot should be familiar to anyone who’s ever played a single title in the infamous blue bomber’s extensive history: Control an android named Beck as he blasts his way through eight Mighty foes, absorbing their powers in an effort to defeat the villainous mastermind threatening the fate of the planet. Seriously, if you were to swap terms like “Mighty Numbers” with “Reploids” or “Dr. White” with “Dr. Light” you could have fooled me and called it a Mega Man reboot. Not that I’m complaining of course. If Capcom refuses to bring everyone’s favorite super fighting robot back from the dead, I’m more than content letting Inafune carry the torch and keep his legacy alive.

Minecraft: Wii U Edition (Mojang, $29.99 | available 6/17) – While already playable digitally on Wii U consoles, this week marks the physical retail release of gaming’s most successful 3D LEGO simulator. Of course, that’s a gross oversimplification that doesn’t nearly do the game justice. Minecraft is an endless sandbox of creativity that allows players to build and explore entire worlds as they see fit. Crafting, resource gathering and combat make up the brunt of the experience, with multiple game modes custom tailored to each of these mechanics. There’s no narrative to follow or set goals to accomplish other than those set by the player, creating a unique experience only limited by one’s imagination. It’s truly a masterpiece in gaming that I encourage everyone to try at least once in their lifetime.

WII U DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE

Terraria (505 Games, $29.99) – Often compared to Minecraft as its 2D counterpart (and ironically enough sharing the spotlight in this week’s update), Terraria takes place in a randomly generated pixel world as you forage for materials to craft weapons and armor in an attempt to annihilate hundreds of enemies and giant bosses. Like Minecraft, exploration and resource gathering make up a large chunk of the gameplay experience, though with an even greater emphasis placed on combat. Intuitive use of the GamePad’s touch screen makes item management and building structures a snap and the addition of online multiplayer is extremely fun, allowing up to eight players to join in on the calamity. Having played it on Playstation Vita a few years ago, I can safely recommend this addicting indie sandbox adventure to anyone wondering what Minecraft would be like had it existed back in the days of the SNES.

Run Run and Die (EnjoyUp Games, $3.99) – In this bizarrely atypical endless runner, you play as a penguin that’s just woken up in a dark laboratory with no recollection of how he got there. Unsurprisingly you will be doing two things a lot: running and dying. And make no mistake, death will be plentiful. Despite its extremely simple controls, the difficulty ramps up fairly quickly as you inch your way through its 24 trap filled stages full of spikes, bombs, robots and seemingly impossible jumps. While not my cup of tea, both fans of unforgiving runner games and penguin torture alike should find enough amusement here for at least a few hours.

Twin Robots (Ratalaika Games, $4.99) – Twin Robots is a 2.5D platformer starring two little battery-powered robots whose character models dangerously straddle the line between original concepts and copyright infringement. Chibi-Ro…err I mean, our tiny robot buddies are imprisoned and it’s up to the player to help them escape 28 puzzle laden stages. The game can be played in its entirety alone, though personally it looks like it’s much more suited for cooperative play with a friend.

WII U ADD-ON CONTENT

Minecraft: Wii U Edition – Battle Mode (Mojang, Free | available 6/21) – Hot on the heels of the Super Mario Bros. Mashup Pack last month, this new update lets up to eight players fight each other to the death Hunger Games style. Once the battle starts, players race to the center of the arena to get weapons and loot chests to help them win the match, all while avoiding obstacles and other combatants along the way. Designed to be accessible and fast paced, Battle Mode is sure to prove a fun distraction for fans of fighting games and quick tactical thinking. Three arenas will be included during this first update at no cost to players, with additional map packs to be released over time at $2.99 each.

WII U VIRTUAL CONSOLE

Super Paper Mario (Nintendo, $19.99) – Are you finding the wait for the release of Paper Mario: Color Splash later this year unbearable, especially after all the new E3 coverage yesterday? Ease the pain by downloading the third entry in this lovingly crafted series. Described by Nintendo as an adventure that’s out of this dimension, master switching between 2D and 3D environments to avoid enemies, find secret passages, and grab hidden items. Certain segments of the game even let you play as both Peach and Bowser, each with their own unique playstyles and movesets for advancing the story. Personally I really enjoyed Super Paper Mario, and often praise it for its clever use of the Wii Remote and ability to perfectly blend platforming with RPG elements without compromising on either genre.

Drill Dozer (Nintendo, $7.99) – Originally released on the Game Boy Advance back in 2006, Drill Dozer is an action platformer developed by Game Freak. Take control of Jill and her mechanical drill as she sets off on a mission to retrieve the powerful Red Diamond stolen from her by a rival gang known as the Skullkers. Unique to this gem of a game is the fact that almost every action is done using the drill, from attacking and defending to double jumping and puzzle solving. Luckily each stage finds new and inspiring ways to utilize this core gameplay mechanic, preventing the concept from becoming tired and overused. It comes highly recommended, if only for the chance to experience something developed by Game Freak that isn’t Pokémon related.

Fun fact: Drill Dozer was one of only two games for the Game Boy Advance to feature a built-in rumble pak. Can you guess the other? (Hint: He’s greedy, loves garlic, and has a name that rhymes with Mario).

WII U SPECIAL OFFERS AND DEALS

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD ($26.99 | 46% off) until 6/21

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past ($4.79 | 40% off) until 6/21

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap ($4.31 | 46% off) until 6/21

Pokémon Rumble U ($9.71 | 46% off) until 6/21

Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire ($4.31 | 46% off) until 6/21

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U ($35.09 | 41% off) until 6/21

Splatoon ($40.49 | 32% off) until 6/21

Just Dance 2016 ($29.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

FAST Racing NEO ($11.20 | 25% off) until 6/21

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut ($4.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

Skylanders Superchargers Portal Owner’s Pack ($24.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse ($21.59 | 46% off) until 6/21

Paper Mario ($5.99 | 40% off) until 6/21

Extreme Exorcism ($6.49 | 50% off) until 6/21

Typoman ($8.99 | 35% off) until 6/21

Lovely Planet ($6.99 | 30% off) until 6/21

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge ($6.99 | 30% off) until 6/30

Trine Enchanted Edition ($8.99 | 40% off) until 6/23

Trine 2: Director’s Cut ($11.99 | 40% off) until 6/23

Legend of Kay Anniversary ($6.99 | 72% off) until 6/30

Wheel of Fortune ($9.99 | 75% off) until 6/30

Jeopardy! ($9.99 | 75% off) until 6/30

The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy’s Grand Adventure ($19.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

Word Party ($14.99 | 25% off) until 6/30

Paranautical Activity ($4.99 | 50% off) until 6/30

Canvaleon ($4.95 | 28% off) until 7/14

Check Nintendo’s website for the full list of deals available.

3DS DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE

Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Nintendo, $29.99) – The next title in the amazingly charming yet deceptively challenging rhythm series is upon us! Megamix features a combination of over 70 brand new and updated rhythm games spanning the entire franchise’s history, including some never experienced outside Japan. For the rhythmically challenged, a new visual feedback system coupled with simplistic and accessible controls should help lessen frustrations as you learn to tap your way to stardom. From what I’ve experienced so far in my short time playing, Megamix proves a great entry point for anyone mildly interested in the genre with plenty of nostalgia and challenge to please longtime fans of the series.

Gunslugs (Orangepixel, $1.99) – Gunslugs is a smartphone port that aims to marry the run n’ gun gameplay of Contra or Metal Slug with the 2D pixelated graphics of games like Cave Story to create one uniquely awesome package. Levels are procedurally generated, ensuring that your experience will never be the same twice. The challenging gameplay, chirpy chiptune soundtrack, and old school visuals fit the frenetic tone of the gameplay well, and at the low price of just two dollars should prove plenty of fun for a lazy afternoon.

3DS DEMO

Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Nintendo, Free) – Not convinced rhythm games are your style? Worried you have the rhythmic talents of a magikarp pathetically flopping about on dry land? Fortunately there’s a free demo available to teach you the basics and ease you into the beat.

The Legend of Dark Witch 2 (CIRCLE Entertainment, Free) – The gameplay should feel familiar to fans of classic Mega Man consisting of running, jumping, and blasting bosses with an endless barrage of projectiles, absorbing their abilities upon defeat. Considering it vastly improves on the gameplay mechanics set by its predecessor, it couldn’t hurt to give this delightful 2D action platforming sequel a try before you buy.

3DS VIRTUAL CONSOLE

Mega Man 7 (Capcom, $7.99) – If Mighty No. 9 can’t fill the huge Mega Man shaped void in your heart, try revisiting this action platforming classic instead. Originally released on the SNES back in 1995, Mega Man 7 was the first game in the numbered series to step away from its 8-bit roots and enter the 16-bit era. Other than that, not much has changed to the series’ tried and true formula. Expect to fight your way through eight new robot masters as you work your way towards once again putting a stop to Doctor Wily’s nefarious plot.

3DS PRE-PURCHASE

BOXBOXBOY! (Nintendo, $4.99 | available 6/30) – Get ready to once again think outside the box, as Nintendo finally confirmed during E3 this week that Qbby’s next adventure in puzzling is finally ready to hit western shores! Now armed with the power to create two sets of boxes, players will have to master new tricks and formations to overcome the the various obstacles and challenges presented in its 120 brain tickling levels. Best of all, if you’ve already played the critically acclaimed original, every costume earned can be carried over to the sequel. Pre-purchase right now so you can jump into the action without delay upon the game’s release on June 30th.

3DS HOME MENU THEMES

Rhythm Heaven Megamix Ringside – $1.99

Rhythm Heaven Megamix Tibiri – $1.99

3DS SPECIAL OFFERS AND DEALS

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D ($21.59 | 46% off) until 6/21

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages ($3.59 | 40% off) until 6/21

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons ($3.59 | 40% off) until 6/21

Pokémon Battle Trozei ($4.31 | 46% off) until 6/21

Pokémon Trading Card Game ($3.23 | 46% off) until 6/21

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS ($25.99 | 35% off) until 6/21

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate ($19.99 | 33% off) until 6/21

Boxboy! ($2.99 | 40% off) until 6/21

Terraria ($14.99 | 25% off) until 6/21

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam ($21.59 | 46% off) until 6/21

Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward ($12.99 | 48% off) until 6/21

Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal ($20.99 | 47% off) until 6/21

Shin Megami Tensei IV ($13.99 | 30% off) until 6/21

Dedede’s Drum Dash Deluxe ($3.77 | 46% off) until 6/21

Story of Seasons ($19.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

Project X Zone 2 ($19.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX ($29.99 | 25% off) until 6/21

DRAGON BALL Z: Extreme Butoden ($14.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

Mutant Mudds Super Challenge ($6.99 | 30% off) until 6/30

Xeodrifter ($4.99 | 50% off) until 6/30

Moon Chronicles ($4.49 | 50% off) until 6/30

Dementium Remastered ($7.49 | 50% off) until 6/30

3D Super Hang-On ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D Space Harrier ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D Ecco the Dolphin ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D Streets of Rage ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D Streets of Rage 2 ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D After Burner II ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D Out Run ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

3D Gunstar Heroes ($3.99 | 33% off) until 6/20

Goosebumps: The Game ($14.99 | 50% off) until 7/11

Big Hero 6 Battle in the Bay ($9.99 | 50% off) until 7/11

Disney Frozen: Olaf’s Quest ($9.99 | 50% off) until 7/11

The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy’s Grand Adventure ($14.99 | 50% off) until 6/21

Classic Games Overload: Card & Puzzle Edition ($14.99 | 50% off) until 7/6

Fairune ($2.99 | 33% off) until 7/7

Aqua Moto Racing 3D ($3.99 | 50% off) until 6/23

Farming Simulator 3D ($2.49 | 75% off) until 6/30

Check Nintendo’s website for the full list of deals available.

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What games will you be downloading this week? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

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