Posted Wed Jan 23, 2013 at 07:30 AM PST by Brian Hoss
Pricing includes upgrade prices to convert Wii Virtual Console purchases into Wii U VC purchases when avaialble.
Noticeably absent from the Wii U has been a Wii feature touted long before the Wii launched, the ability to buy classic titles through the Virtual Console. Likewise, while customers have the option to permanently transfer Wii purchases to their Wii U, but then are relegated to the Wii U's Wii mode lacking in GamePad and MiiVerse support.
In today's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed that gamers will need to be patient and will need to repurchase titles. The new Virtual Console lineup will start with only NES and SNES titles. Game Boy Advance titles, new for a console, were promised, but the rumored addition of GameCube games was not mentioned.
Users who have undertaken the one-way system transfer from their Wii to the Wii U will have the option of an upgrade price for titles purchased on the Wii's Virtual Console. Specifically, $1.00 for NES titles (normal price is $4.99 - $5.99), and $1.50 for SNES titles (normal price is $7.99 - $8.99).
While the Virtual Console will launch in April, Nintendo also announced a Trial Campaign that begins today. Titles in the Trial Campaign will be prices at $.30 to celebrate thirty years since the Famicon's launch. The first title is the NES 'Balloon Fight,' available today in the eShop. Once the trial period has ended per title (thirty days), the regular price points will apply.
Titles announced for the Trial Campaign in addition to 'Balloon Fight' are for February, 'F-Zero,' for March 'Punch Out! Featuring Mr. Dream,' for April, 'Kirby's Adventure,' for May, 'Super Metroid,' for June, 'Yoshi,' and for July, 'Donkey Kong.'
Three feautures promised for Wii U Virtual Console title games include the ability to play on the TV or just on the GamePad, MiiVerse support, and the ability to "save a back-up of your game progress."
Naturally, the biggest feature that typically gets gamers to upgrade these days, achievement support, was not mentioned and is not expected.
Source: Nintendo
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