Nintendo is currently focused on the Nintendo Switch console but that does not mean the Wii U is being completely abandoned. Nintendo of Europe has announced that the UK Wii U Virtual Console will get both "Gradius" and "Bomberman '94" this Feb. 2.
"Gradius" originally released in 1989 and "Bomberman '94" was first launched in 1993, Dual Shockers reported. Both games have been ported to numerous home consoles following their initial release.
The original "Gradius" launched in arcades and the most popular port was released on the NES. However, the version launching on the Wii U Virtual Console will be based on the PC Engine aka the TurboGrafx-16 port, Nintendo Life reported.
"Gradius" is known for pioneering the infamous Konami code. When properly keyed into the game, the code will unlock all of the power-ups and add more lives for the player. This code was then included in many other Konami games such as "Contra" and "Gradius III."
"Bomberman '94" originally released on the TurboGrafx-16 in 1993. When the game was ported to the West in 1994 it was brought on the Sega Genesis aka Sega Mega Drive. It was later released for the Wii Virtual Console in 2009 and the Sony Playstation Network in 2011.
The "Bomberman" franchise has continued to thrive since the 1980s. A brand new game, titled "Super Bomberman R," will release for the Nintendo Switch. The two games do share a similar visual style and many of the powerups and abilities in "Bomberman '94" will be found in the Switch game.
"Bomberman '94" is also one of the few native TurboGrafx-16 games available on the Wii U Virtual Console. A majority of games in the Virtual Console originate from the arcades, NES, SNES and Gameboy Advance.
The official trailer for "Gradius" on the Wii U Virtual Console can be viewed below: