Ever since Nintendo revealed they would be offering a Holiday surprise for Wii consumers, many rumors have sprung up. Today, however, Nintendo of America has finally announced what we can expect to find on Christmas day.

"This year Santa is getting some competition from another jolly guy with a big belly and a red cap. We're talking about video game icon Mario™, of course. As a special holiday surprise for Wii™ owners from Nintendo, the original Super Mario Bros. ™ game for the Nintendo Entertainment System® will appear in the Wii Shop Channel and be downloadable for 500 Wii Points™."

Along with this announcement, Nintendo has also revealed the other games set to make an appearance in the Wii shop come Christmas time. One of which we figured out not too long ago, and certainly didn't expect so soon.

"Street Fighter® II: The World Warrior (Super NES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): This game revolutionized the fighting-game genre with characters that had unique fighting skills, speed, special moves and unique endings.

Super Castlevania® IV (Super NES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Simon Belmont uses his trusty whip to fight the powers of evil on his way to Dracula's Castle.

Toe Jam & Earl™ (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Two fun-loving aliens crash on Earth and must find 10 pieces of their spaceship so they can get back home to Planet Funkotron. [buy Toe Jam & Earl - Ed.]

R-TYPE® (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): This is a completely faithful port - right down to the character details - of the famous shooting-game masterpiece."

While we wont be seeing the much rumored free Super Mario Bros, the idea of being able to download both Street Fighter II: The World Warrior and Super Mario Bros. on the same day, along with Toe Jam & Earl should make those Wii Point cards you bought for your friend that much more special... if you don't decide to keep them, that is.


Check out the next page for the full press release by Nintendo.
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