Nintendo’s latest update to its digital eShop storefront marks the North American debut of the Wii U RPG Xenoblade Chronicles X, which arrives alongside other standouts like the Pokemon-themed 3DS puzzler Pokemon Picross.
This week also introduces a new backward-compatible Wii game that players can download via the eShop and play on Wii U consoles.
Xenoblade Chronicles launches digitally and at retail this week, following up on the 2012 Wii RPG Xenoblade Chronicles. Continuing the story introduces in the first game, Xenoblade Chronicles X puts players in control of mechanical suits of armor as they search for a new home for the human race in the wake of Earth’s destruction.
The original Xenoblade was ported to the New Nintendo 3DS earlier this year under the name Xenoblade Chronicles 3D. The adaptation is thus far one of the few games that will only play on New Nintendo 3DS portables, as it relies on the hardware’s increased CPU clock speed and C-stick nub.
Also hitting the Wii U eShop this week is Trauma Team, a backward compatible Wii game originally released in 2010. A sequel in Atlus’ Trauma Center series, Trauma Team features surgical gameplay in which players must operate on patients and heal their afflictions using Wii Remote movements and gestures.
3DS owners, meanwhile, can download Pokemon Picross today free of charge. A new entry in Nintendo’s long-running picture-puzzle series, Pokemon Picross features retooled gameplay in which players complete puzzles in order to capture Pokemon creatures. Captured Pokemon boast their own unique abilities, which can aid in completing later puzzles.
Pokemon Picross is Nintendo’s latest free-to-play release, giving players access to early levels before demanding real-world cash for in-game currency and replenished cooldown timers.
Other games hitting the eShop this week include the 3DS first-person survival horror game Dementium Remastered, DSiWare hidden object puzzler The Mysterious Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and the 3DS and Wii U action game Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends.
