So, you all must be wondering just how Nintendo is starting off its 2009 in digital downloads: With a whimper, or with a bang? Well, it's a little of both, really.

The whimper comes in that we only get two titles this week in total, versus the three or four of which we've become accustomed to over the past several weeks. Of course, Nintendo seems to scale back early on in the year, perhaps due to low sales expectations following Christmas.

The bang comes in the fact that at least one of the titles ought to be a pretty good one: Kirby's Dream Land 3 for the Super NES. The other is Konami's Sandy Beach for WiiWare, which seems to be a nod at the hardcore, as you build and defend a sand castle against enemy crabs, though they are not reportedly giant. And the name of the mode? "Crab Battle."

Good one, Konami. I salute you.

Wii-kly Update

One WiiWare Game and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel

A new year means even more new games at the Wii™ Shop Channel, starting with a pair of imaginative titles to kick off 2009 in style. Anyone who loves Kirby™ can keep the confetti flying to celebrate the release of the classic Kirby's Dream Land™ 3 for the Virtual Console™. And if you're already desperate for a warm mid-winter getaway, check out Sandy Beach, a sand castle game on WiiWare™ that's loaded with sunny fun.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Sandy Beach (Konami, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Enjoy a fun day at Sandy Beach as you build elaborate sand castles. You can work peacefully on your sand castle or enter into a battle with invading crabs in Crab Battle mode. Players will strategically build their sand castle and use cannons to defend it against an army of destructive crabs. After successfully defending your sand castle, discover beach treasures and additional cannons with your metal detector to customize your castle even more.

Virtual Console

Kirby's Dream Land 3 (Super NES™, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Kirby, Dream Land's resident hero (and everyone's favorite puffball), must once again save the day when the mischievous King Dedede starts causing trouble. Kirby must travel through an assortment of levels, battling an exotic array of enemies (both new and familiar) determined to stop him from completing his mission. Always armed with his trusty ability to swallow enemies and gain special attacks, Kirby can also unite with some of his animal friends and make use of their particular talents. Featuring detailed graphics, challenging boss battles and the distinct charm of a Kirby game, it's no wonder this title is considered a classic.