Nintendo releases tiny August Virtual Console list for Japan

by JC Fletcher on Jul 31st 2009 9:45AM

We don't know why we expect big Virtual Console lineups in Japan -- perhaps because it's the only region where zero-game or one-game weeks aren't the norm, and the only region where Nintendo seems to care enough to, you know, promote it. But only six games were announced for next month, including one game we knew was coming, Final Fantasy IV.

The other offerings include a Kunio hockey game, a Namco cute-em-up, and two maze games: Pac-Mania, the pseudo-3D Pac-Man sequel that adds jumping, and Pepen ga Pengo, an updated, four-player sequel to Sega's 1982 Pengo, and something that we'd love to see released here as an import. You know, if Nintendo ever decides to get back to releasing VC games.

Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu! Subete Koron de Dairantou (Famicom)
Final Fantasy IV (Super Famicom)
Pepen ga Pengo (Mega Drive)
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (Mega Drive)
Cosmo Gang: The Video (Arcade)
Pac-Mania (Arcade)

Source

Tags: final-fantasy-iv, japan, pac-mania, pengo, pitfall-the-mayan-adventure, virtual-console

Reader Comments (9)

Even Japan is ignoring the Virtual Console. Only 6 games in a entire month. Wow.

I guess the old consoles are running out of games to put up :-P

That's just sad. There were tons of great games from the old consoles, they're just not embracing it. If only the releases were based off of feedback.

Either that, or Nintendo needs to make more agreements with the third parties.

There really were. Hopefully NoA picks up the slack in August where Japan won't. Not holding my breath though.

They're not even trying to hide it anymore:

http://vc.nintendolife.com/news/2009/07/nintendo_rep_virtual_console_being_toned_down

"Due to sales numbers being far greater recently on WiiWare than on Virtual Console, we have decided to steer in the direction of WiiWare."

That email was never proven to be real.

However it is incredibly odd that not one but ALL regions are seeing a lack in VC.

You think they'd care more since it's basically easy money for them, and that's all Nintendo cares about.

That message was a poorly written fake. Abbrieviating VC then using its full name in the next sentence? And what was the point of mentioning Internet Channel and Nintendo Channel? "We hope you understand." Understand what? -_-