By "imminent," Nintendo of America really meant it. Virtual Console is now available on Wii U, provided you've updated your console to version 3.0.

The initial batch of games covers NES and SNES classics, including Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong Jr, Excitebike, Ice Climber, Kirby's Adventure, Punch-Out!!, F-Zero, and Super Mario World. NES games start at $4.99, while SNES games start at $7.99.

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The cult-favorite RPG Earthbound is coming to the Wii U Virtual Console by the end of this year, Nintendo announced at its Nintendo Direct presentation today. President Satoru Iwata said the company decided to bring the game to the shop after hearing from vocal fans.

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