The Wii Virtual Console's first CD-based TubroGrafx-16 offering, Gates of Thunder, will be available today via the download service. With the first Neo Geo titles arriving last week, the addition of games for the once-costly TurboGrafx-CD add-on marks the second platform to debut in the online store in just as many weeks.

Developed by TurboGrafx extraordinaire Red Entertainment and system manufacturer Hudson Soft, Gates of Thunder is a side scrolling arcade shooter highly regarded for the top notch rocking tunes made possible through its use of the compact disc format. It sells for 800 Wii Points ($8), the standard price for TurboGrafx-CD titles. Another TurboGrafx-CD game, Red's Super Air Zonk, is scheduled to arrive this month.

Along with Gates of Thunder, Virtual Console also sees the release of Tecmo's ninja-tastic side scrolling NES sequel, Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, and Namco's obscure SNES strategy title, Metal Marines. Ryu Hayabusa's second appearance runs 500 Wii Points ($5), whereas humanity's metal-oriented struggle against the Imperial Federation goes for 800 Wii Points ($8).