Earlier this week, Nintendo announced that the New Nintendo 3DS would be able to play SNES titles as of March 3rd, 2016, with the American launch titles F-Zero, Super Mario World, and Pilotwings released to the New 3DS’s Virtual Console.
However, this wasn’t everything that will be released from the SNES library, as Earthbound, Donkey Kong Country, and Super Mario Kart are inbound for March 24th, with Super Metroid and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past to be released on April 14th, 2016.
While the Americas are receiving the aforementioned titles, Japan got Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, Earthbound, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and F-Zero at launch, with Kirby’s Dream Course, Fire Emblem: Geneology of the Holy War, and Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem on their way. Additionally, as pictured on the top of the page Japan is getting a brand new Super Famicom (or for those of us in the west Super Nintendo Entertainment System) styled New Nintendo 3DS XL, while no such system has been announced for the west.
While all the game’s released so far have been first party Nintendo titles, Japan will also receive some third-party titles. Here is the list below as reported by Siliconera from the Japanese Nintendo Direct:
Capcom
Mega Man X, Mega Man X2, Mega Man X3, Mega Man 7
Street Fighter II Turbo, Super Street Fighter 2, Street Fighter Alpha 2
Final Fight, Final Fight 2, Final Fight Guy (aka Tough in Japan), Super Ghouls and Ghosts.
Konami
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, Contra III: The Alien Wars, Super Castlevania IV
Quick Take
While not surprising, it is disappointing to see the non-parity between SNES releases. Hopefully this will be revised in the future, as quite a few of the (hopefully for now) Japan-only releases are classics that would be wonderful to play on a New Nintendo 3DS. What is ironic about this entire situation is that most of the 'Japan-only' titles were released in the West, which makes the sudden Japan-only exclusivity even more puzzling. Another noteworthy detail is the fact that SNES games are only playable on a New Nintendo 3DS. Why can’t I play SNES games on my 2DS? Is Nintendo trying to push consumers to the New Nintendo 3DS with moves like this? Definitely some food for thought, as Nintendo's newest line of consoles draws closer.
