Which games is the Pure Nintendo team playing this week? Our weekly playlist is here to reveal all, with a little of this and a little of that. Let’s get to it!

This week, we’ve been delving into some classic eShop titles as we count down to the end of the line for the 3DS and Wii U versions of Nintendo’s online store. From classics like Duck Hunt and Lode Runner to special titles like Affordable Space Adventures, there’s a lot of quality content that will soon be unavailable for download. Get in before March 27 to grab those gems!

Meanwhile, there’s still some Mario Kart 8 love happening, not to mention someone is back into Pokémon after a short break. There’s also some strong RPG representation from Kirk, and a terrific platformer from Jemma.

Check out our latest playlist below to see what’s keeping us up at night. What’s on your playlist this week? Let us know in the comments section!

Jes

  • Duck Hunt (Wii U) – Is it crazy to think that Nintendo managed to re-release a game that required a CRT TV and Zapper gun on a modern platform…and it works??? Well they did, with the excellent re-release of Duck Hunt on the Wii U Virtual Console. I think most people forgot about this Virtual Console release but I highly recommend people check it out before the eShop closes because this version of the game doesn’t exist anywhere else but on Wii U.
  • Affordable Space Adventure (Wii U) – Another great game locked on the Wii U and soon to be gone forever. One of the few Wii U games that truly utilized the Wii U GamePad in a smart way. It’s fun to play alone and more fun to play with two other people in the same room. Shame the game will no longer exist after March 27th, it’s alot of fun!
  • Mario Party: Island Tour (3DS) – I’m getting that Mario Party itch again and decided to go back to the 3DS Mario Party games (which are, at best, ok-ish). Why do I do this to myself? Because Nintendo won’t release DLC for Mario Party Superstars.
  • 3D Classics: Urban Champions (3DS) – Yeah…I don’t know why either. I loved the 3D Classics line on 3DS but don’t have much love for Urban Champions. Yet, here we are…

Trev

  • Hogan’s Alley (Wii U) – A virtual console pickup before they close up shop; it’s just more convenient than playing my original copy. Since I already have Duck Hunt on VC, this was the next logical pickup. Like Jes, I was in a zapper mood. Unlike Jes, I’d argue Mario Party Star Rush is much better than “ok-ish.” But that’s a story for a different playlist, as my Mario game this week is…
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) – A repeat from my last playlist, this might be my favorite wave of tracks yet. I’ve been practicing to get better for our next PN game night. Which of these tracks are your favorites?
  • Papertris (Switch) – My current review game, this is a basic puzzler that’s not bad for its inexpensive price. Look for my full review in the next few days.

Nyleak

  • Rytmos (Switch) – I am playing this for a review I am posting this weekend. The goal is to complete a number of puzzles that form a sound, once all the puzzles in a level are completed it creates a song by layering each sound. After you’ve finished a song it gets added to your track list and you can mess around with the instruments and make your own music. It’s pretty neat.

Kirk

  • Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key (Switch) – I’m an enthusiastic fan of Ryza’s Atelier games, and I’ve been digging deeply into this final chapter ahead of its release this week. You’ll have to wait for the review to see how it stacks up to against previous entries, but I can tell you now it’s not lacking any charm!
  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure (Switch) – Another JRPG for review, and I’m quite late getting it in? Why? Because it’s deceptively large, and rushing it would’ve ruined the experience. The Legend of Heroes series has quietly become one of my favorites, and I wouldn’t have previously guessed it’d be because of an entry from 2011.
  • Ninja JaJaMaru: The Great Yokai Battle +Hell – Deluxe Edition (Switch) – This collection of vintage Ninja JaJaMaru games—plus the all new Great Yokai Battle +Hell—will keep retro gaming fans busy for quite some time. It’s been keeping me too busy to write the review within a decent timeframe, but I plan to address that this weekend.

Jemma

  • Planet Cube: Edge (Switch) – This platformer took me by surprise! It’s super tough, but thoroughly rewarding in its challenge, with well-designed levels. I posted my review earlier this week, so check it out to read my full thoughts!
  • Pokémon Violet (Switch) – I did it! I defeated the Team Star Fighting Crew! After a bit of a break, I’m back into this game, and now there’s only one Team Star battle to go. Wish me luck!
  • Caverns of Mars (Switch) – I’ve been enjoying this score-chaser as well, journeying through the deep trenches of Mars on a never-ending quest for the highest score.It’s pretty addictive, and my review should be up soon, so stay tuned!

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