Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. game for the NES may turn out to be the perfect virtual stocking stuffer for the gamer who has everything, as Nintendo has announced that it will re-release the classic title for the Wii Virtual Console on Christmas Day. As with all other NES titles offered for download, SMB will cost 500 Wii Points ($5 USD).
Other games scheduled for a holiday release include Super Castlevania IV, Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, and Toe Jam and Earl for the SNES. Old school fans can also expect some glad tidings on New Year’s Day as well: NES Baseball and Urban Champion will be available for download on the first day of 2007.
Nintendo is banking quite a bit on the resurgence of popularity for their old school games from the 80s and 90s. This goes in concert with Nintendo’s promise of making the Wii a game console that emphasizes the element of fun for all gamers, whether hardcore or casual. The gamble by Nintendo that consumer trends are moving towards content instead of high-end graphics or raw computing power may alter the direction of the game industry. Many have noted how the shelves at retailers are becoming crammed to the gills with shooters and WW2 games; Nintendo, on the other hand, is certainly looking towards games which will appeal to a much broader audience.
