3DS Ambassadors Please See Your Free GBA Games!

When I first heard that Nintendo announced the 3DS would have its own version of the Virtual Console I was more then a little excited the fact that I could pick my favourite games of yesteryear game me goose bumps. The main question coming from the community was what about Game Boy Advance as the backwards compatibility had been removed during the DSi era post 2009.

Well for those 3DS Ambassadors like me there really is no reason to worry; Nintendo is giving you all 10 classic GBA games free too.

The main difference between these games and the NES ones is that, at least for the time being, Nintendo claims the GBA titles won't be sold to the general public. They're true Ambassador Exclusives. I’m sure they will be more like timed exclusives but the chance to show off to your friends is great and let’s face it not everyone will be getting these for free. Only five have been confirmed so far.

Game Boy Advance

Metroid Fusion

What a brilliant game to be first on the list. It’s also pretty damn perfect timing with the 25^th Anniversary of the series also this year. Fusion is definitely one of Samus Aran’s best adventures and is still actually the most recent game in the series.

Fusion is the story of Samus’ return to SR-388, a planet she visited once before when she had to destroy all the Metroids living there. Her xenocide of the species caused another pesky predator to flourish – the deadly x Parasites. Fusion tells the tale of Samus' return to SR-388, a planet she visited once before to eradicate the Metroids living there. Her xenocide of the species caused another, equally pesky predator to thrive though -- the mysterious X parasites. Samus gets infected by the X on a survey mission to the planet and is forced to have Metroid DNA injected into her body to save her life.

There are many twists in the story along the way but this is really best not to be told but ‘experienced’.

Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

This is one of the greatest platformers of the GBA era and one all long term Mario fans have been dying to see re-released. I still feel this is probably Mario’s best (if slightly odd) outing and a fitting game for any portable enthusiasts.

I know those of you who are die hard fans will probably want the original SNES version used as the base for this classic but I hope you’re happy that at least it’s finally being remade. What is even better is the fact that all the Super Mario Advance series released also included updated versions of the classic Mario Bros. arcade game. Here’s to hopping that the multiplayer will be available with this free edition too.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

This is one of my favourite racing games of all time and a brilliant addition to the Ambassador program, Out of all the games Nintendo's giving away for free, this one might come closest to stepping on the toes of its own series, as Mario Kart 7 will be released for the 3DS around Christmas. This instalment is one of the most recognised in the series and is still frequently played by enthusiasts.

Super Circuit was the original portable version of Mario's mascot racer, following up its immediate predecessor Mario Kart 64 with a design that was actually more similar to the series' SNES outing. You still get to play as all the greats from the Mushroom Kingdom including Toad, Peach and Bowser. All the power-ups are still in tact so you are sure to see shells rushing passed you. Mario Kart: Super Circuit features 20 original race tracks, as well as 20 from the original Super Mario Kart. Each set of tracks is organized into 5 cups of 4 tracks: the Mushroom Cup, the Flower Cup, the Lightning Cup, which debuted in this game; the Star Cup, and the Special Cup. Many of the tracks included in Super Circuit are Mario Kart staples including Mario Circuit and

Rainbow Road

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Mario vs. Donkey Kong

This came is coming out at a perfect time as Donkey Kong for the original Game Boy hit the eShop a little while back. I’m sure anyone who has played that outing will love this sequel even more.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong continues the spin-off series that its predecessor started, a side franchise where the plumber and the ape continually go to war over a bunch of toys. Mario is once again the hero in this game though as he runs, jumps and grabs keys to rescue the pocket version of himself over many puzzling levels that keep getting tougher.

WarioWare

Last of all in the GBA section is the great mini game collection that is WarioWare. This is the original version that spawned the mini game concept. You never play a full game -- instead, you play little five-second snippets of games back to back in rapid succession.

This was a brilliant and original idea that captivated many people young and old with it’s clever puzzles and hundreds of varying games. This original is still one of my favourite of them all so far and will probably be the same for you when you lucky Ambassadors get it for free on 1^st September.

As with the NES selection, we still don't know about five of the Game Boy Advance games that will also be included in the deal. Maybe we will get another Zelda game or Advanced Wars. Personally I am hoping that Nintendo get some arrangement with Game Freak and give us a Pokemon Game. FireRed anyone? Let me know what you think in the comments below.