C64 games heading to Virtual Console

Nintendo has announced that it is to extend its Virtual Console range with a selection of classic Commodore 64 titles, with International Karate and Uridium among the first to be added.

The classic computer, whose popularity spanned North America and Europe throughout the eighties and early nineties, spawned over 4000 games in its 12 years on sale, and shifted an estimated 22 million hardware units.

"We are extremely pleased to be working with Commodore Gaming to provide even more retro hits for Wii owners to choose from on Virtual Console," said Laurent Fischer, managing director of European marketing and PR for Nintendo Europe.

"With over 184 classic titles now available to enjoy, Virtual Console on Wii is a great way for users to access a breadth of classic retro games.

"We hope that this great choice of games will bring nostalgia to our gaming fans, while an entirely new generation of video game players can experience a host of classic games for the very first time."

No specific release date for the first titles - which will cost 500 Wii Points (GBP 3.75 / EUR 5) and only initially be available in Europe - was given, other than "soon" although more games will be added over time.