Remember when Nintendo released that new handheld console and sold it for $250? And then a little while later they realized that was a bad idea and dropped it to $170? But to keep their $250 customers happy they said, “Hey dudes, we’re going to give you some awesome nostalgia filled games for FREE. We’ll call it the ‘Ambassador Program’.” Shortly after nerds rejoiced. Some even found a way to get the 3DS for $170 and still get the Ambassador titles.
Earlier in the year Nintendo released it’s NES titles:
Super Mario Bros.
The Legend of Zelda
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
NES Open Tournament Golf
Donkey Kong Jr.
Balloon Fight
Ice Climber
Mario & Yoshi
Wrecking Crew
MetroidYesterday Nintendo announced the GBA titles it would be releasing in Japan on the 16th:
F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island
Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Metroid Fusion
Wario Land 4
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames
To be honest, I think this was a really smart move on Nintendo’s part. Sure, they are old games. But these are the cream of the crop. Really really good stuff. I think Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap is my favorite handheld Zelda title. Not to mention there is no confirmation that the Virtual Console will get the ability to download GBA games. There is a good chance the only way to see them on your 3DS is to have this Ambassador Program. No word on a U.S. release date, but I can’t imagine it’s too far off.