Nintendo launch a nearly nontendo title for Wii anniversary

Redmond (WA) - There was speculation that Nintendo would release a major title to the Virtual Console this week for the Wii’s one-year anniversary, but its only addition was a little-known NES game from the 1980s.

This week, the only first-party Nintendo game added to the Virtual Console is Wrecking Crew, an NES title that pre-dates Super Mario Bros. Originally released in June of 1985, and was something of a spiritual precursor to the current Mario franchise.

Also available this week is Sonic 3D Blast from the Sega Genesis. It was the first title to feature Sonic in a three-dimensional form, however many consider it one of the least impressive games in the Sonic library.

Finally, the Turbografx 16 game Super Air Zonk is available today. The intricate sequel to Air Zonk, it was originally released in 1993.

The Wii launched in the US on November 19, 2006. That day, there was already a selection of titles available for the Virtual Console, and a handful of games (usually three) has been added to the digital download store every week since. To date over 120 titles have been re-released on the service.

Wrecking Crew is available for 500 Wii Points ($5), while Sonic 3D Blast and Super Air Zonk are both priced at 800 Wii Points ($8).