Virtual Console Gains Mario 3, Alien Soldier, Golf

In anticipation of next week's release of Super Mario Galaxy (Wii), Nintendo is celebrating the heritage of the world's most famous plumber by today adding Super Mario Bros. 3 to Wii's online Virtual Console store. Billed by Nintendo as the "greatest game ever," Mario's fourth--if you count The Lost Levels--and final platform-oriented NES outing runs 500 Wii Points ($5). Accompanying Mario in his all-star adventure to Virtual Console are Alien Soldier and Power Golf. Much like Golden Axe III, Alien Soldier was never officially released in North America, and was only available through the Sega Channel. That all changes today, as Treasure's Genesis sidescrolling rendition of extraterrestrial slaughter arrives for 900 Wii Points ($9). Hudson Soft's Power Golf, meanwhile, allows up to three players tee off across 18 different holes. The TurboGrafx-16 golfer is priced at 600 Wii Points ($6), and, as with all of today's additions, will be available to buy beginning at 12PM EST, which translates to 11AM CST and 9AM PST.