The original Mario Kart and more in this week’s Nintendo Download

Looking for something a little simpler and without all the wall-racing? How about the original Super Mario Kart?

The game that started it all is finally here on the Wii U and it’s probably going to be an instant download for anyone who doesn’t have the actual cart anymore. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent on this one back in 1992 (and for several years thereafter) when it debuted on the SNES. There was something magical about kart racing in the Mushroom Kingdom that couldn’t be beat. The Nintendo magic was strong with this one, so strong that it’s produced 8 sequels to this point, with more (I’m sure) to come.

Mega Man 5 also continues the Mega Month on the Virtual Console, along with the also robot-powered Cybernator. I always thought Cybernator was a prequel to the excellent Metal Warriors (one of my favorite games of all time), but a recent search turned up that that’s not the case. Still though, it’s an extremely similar title, so if you like MW chances are you’ll dig this one too.

Here’s your complete list of what’s new:

• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • Super Mario Kart– Hit the road with your favorite characters in the first game of the iconicMario Kartseries.Super Mario Kartfirst launched on the Super NES in Japan on Aug. 27, 1992, and is releasing now on the Virtual Console in celebration of the game’s upcoming 22^nd anniversary. The classic game offers crazy tracks that will test your gears in two single-player modes and three multiplayer modes. Use power-ups and gain the advantage to finish in first place. Click here to watch a trailer for the game.
  • Mega Man 5 – Every Thursday in August, Nintendo and Capcom are bringingclassic Mega Man games to the Virtual Console on the Wii U system. This week is NES classic Mega Man 5. In the fifth chapter of the original Mega Manseries, the battle is closer to home as Mega Man fights to save the world from further destruction. Gain the advantage by picking up items and successfully defeating bosses to gain their weapons as your own. Get ready for 13 stages of intense action-platforming before fighting against Proto Man. Click here to watch a trailer for the game.
  • Cybernator – In the year 2065 AD, the nations of Earth have split into two major powers: the Axis and the Federation. In this awesome Super NES action game, complete mission objectives as the fight spans across Earth, the moon and the vast expanse of space. Click here to watch a trailer for the game.

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Update for Steel Diver: Sub Wars – The latest update for Steel Diver: Sub Wars is here. Premium-version players get new local Friend Battle stages, new unlockable subs and crew, and new features that make it even easier to battle online with friends. The free version now allows players to purchase subs and use a single-play coin to battle online.
• Virtual Console on Nintendo 3DS
  • The Mysterious Murasame Castle – Remember Takamaru’s Ninja Castle inNintendo Land for Wii U? That fun game is based on The Mysterious Murasame Castle. For the first time ever, the classic 1986 game is coming to North America. Play as young samurai apprentice Takamaru and infiltrate four castles before making your way to Murasame Castle. Use sword and shuriken attacks against swarms of enemies and unlock the secret behind the source of evil. Click here to view some game play.

Coming Soon

• Double Dragon II – Aug. 14 (Virtual Console on Wii U)
• Life Force – Aug. 21 (Virtual Console on Wii U)

Nintendo eShop Sales

• UFO Interactive Games – Johnny Impossible, Samurai Sword Destiny, Zombie Slayer Diox and additional UFO Interactive games are on sale starting on Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. PTuntil Sept. 2 at 9 a.m. PT in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS.
• Bear Box Media – Internal Invasion is reduced from $4.99 to $1.99 until 9 a.m. PT onAug. 8 in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.

Also new this week:

• Jett Tailfin (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• SHUT THE BOX (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)