The good news for today’s Nintendo Download is that there’s a new Kirby game! The bad news is that there isn’t much else, and the Game Guide isn’t helping once more. But there’s still some cool stuff to cover, and even some stuff just around the corner well worth a look. Let’s start with everyone’s favorite pink hero.

Nintendo Download | Kirby Battle Royale

While it’s not as exciting as the big Kirby game releasing in a couple of months, Kirby Battle Royale is another reason to be happy you still own a 3DS. This hectic mashup of battling Kirbys (Kirbi?) offers 10 different ways to play, including Ore Express, Slam Hockey and Robo Bonkers. With 10 different abilities to choose from, that should offer some nice variety for this simple beat-em up. If you were looking for something a bit darker, then you might be interested to hear that Darkest Dungeon just hit the Nintendo Switch as well! I own this somber beauty on my Vita, and I’m sure it will really pop on the Switch screen. And lastly, if you enjoyed I am Setsuna, the sequel launches next week. Yes, as of January 23rd Lost Sphear will be here! Brave the enigmatic mists and save the memories of the world.

Nintendo Download | Darkest Dungeon

If you’ve picked up Xenoblade Chronicles 2 but are looking for more exploration and combat, then you’ll be happy to try out the DLC. Details about the Expansion Pass DLC below.

Expansion Pass: New Quests Pack 1

  • Passion of the Artisan (Quest available in Chapter 2)
  • M.I.A. Nopon (Quest available in Chapter 3)
  • Industrial Sort of Tour (Quest available in Chapter 5)
  • Midnight Feasting (Quest available in Chapter 7)
  • The Lone Watchman (Quest available in Chapter 10)

Expansion Pass: Helpful Items Pack 3

  • Driver Essentials Set 2: Rare Core Crystal x10, Legendary Core Crystal x1, Overdrive Protocol x1
  • Tora’s Favorite Thing: Juicy Samod x3
  • Poppi α’s Favorite Thing: Fizz Juice x3
  • Charming Driver Gear: Auto-Balancer x1

Buy the Expansion Pass to gain access to new content, including the above packs and a new story in Fall 2018!

Nintendo Download | Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Finally, there is a bunch of great new digital games available! First, let’s touch on those that are coming out a little bit later. Coming out tomorrow are 3 totally different puzzle experiences. First is ChromaGun, which makes use of different colored ammo to distract dangerous robots and proceed through a complex. Then is Nuclien, which looks like a more math based puzzle experience. Last up is Vesta, with a buddy mechanic between a young girl and giant robot, who must work together to survive. As if that all wasn’t enough, as of January 23rd, SHU will finally launch on the Switch. While it has previously released on other consoles, I’m really excited to see it become part of Nintendo’s roster of games. Stay tuned for our upcoming review of that version of SHU.

Nintendo Download | SHU

Now let’s see what’s available today, shall we? The colorful and retro adventure Ambition of the Slimes makes the Switch from 3DS to the big console. Continuing that retro visual trend is Qbik, which features a one eyed protagonist who must make his way to victory. If you wanted more classic gaming, ACA NEOGEO unveiled Power Spikes II and Arcade Archives unleashed Double Dragon. Finally, the folks behind Teslagrad bring us a new Zelda-inspired adventure in the colorful World to the West. I’ve been waiting on that last one to hit a Nintendo console for a while now, and I’m hoping it was worth the wait.

Nintendo Download | World to the West

That’s it for this week! Not bad considering no Game Guide. Tune in to oprainfall next week for more Nintendo Download, and let us know which games you’re thinking of picking up.

Josh Speer
Josh is a passionate gamer, finding time to clock in around 30-40 hours of gaming a week. He discovered Operation Rainfall while avidly following the localization of the Big 3 Wii RPGs. He enjoys SHMUPS, Platformers, RPGs, Roguelikes and the occasional Fighter. He’s also an unashamedly giant Mega Man fan, having played the series since he was eight. As Head Editor and Review Manager, he spends far too much time editing reviews and random articles. In his limited spare time he devours indies whole and anticipates the release of quirky, unpredictable and innovative games.