SNES classic Earthbound headed to Wii U VC, system update due next week
New Pikmin 3 gameplay shown but still no European release date.
1994 SNES classic Earthbound will be released for the first time in Europe this year via the Wii U Virtual Console.
The Virtual Console will soon launch in full after a successful trial run of releases. It's due to be added to the Wii U eShop after the console's firmware update next week - the one that will significantly reduce system load times.
In a just-finished Nintendo Direct broadcast, the company showed fresh Pikmin 3 gameplay featuring the new breed of pink Winged Pikmin briefly visible in last year's E3 demo.
These critters can hover over obstacles and transport items via air. See them in action in the footage below.
But there's still no Pikmin 3 release date for Europe. Nintendo revealed today that the game would be released in Japan on 14th July, and North America on 4th August.
Finally, Nintendo showed its Wii U Panorama View app, which will offer 360-degree videos. A free downloadable demo will be available next week but individual videos will cost to download. You can virtually take a double decker bus tour or ride a Kyoto rickshaw for £1.79 a pop.
Upcoming NES Virtual Console titles will include Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA), Wrecking Crew, Yoshi's Cookie, Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong Jr, Excitebike, Kirby's Adventure, Punch-Out and Ice Climber.
SNES titles F-Zero, Super Mario World, Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby Super Star and Super Metroid are also on the way.
