What’s this? We have Virtual Console news? Why yes, read on!

Sin and Punishment to the Japanese Virtual Console: Via the Japanese Virtual Console Web site, we get news that Treasure’s rail-shooting Nintendo 64 title – long an import favorite – will be available for download soon. While the news doesn’t indicate that this title will ever make it to North American shores, it leaves the door open that, with enough letter-writing campaigns, it just might make the jump. Speaking of letter writing campaigns…

EarthBound to the Virtual Console? After a lengthy letter-writing campaign to get Mother 3 localized for North American audiences and to get EarthBound on the Virtual Console, EarthBound fan site Starmen.net was featured in the October 2007 issue of Nintendo Power (Volume 220). After making a trip to Nintendo of America’s headquarters and actually getting to sit down and talk with the guys from Nintendo Power, the Starmen.net crew seems to be hinting very strongly that EarthBound is on its way to the Virtual Console. They noted that “if EarthBound sells very well on the VC, our chances of getting an official Mother 3 Translation increase.”

Neo-Geo games coming in September for Japan: Lastly, remember how the Neo-Geo's games were announced for the Wii, but we hadn't heard anything else until now? Well, the wait is over. The Neo-Geo's games will trickle out onto the VC starting in September, according to SNK itself. In all likelihood, they'll be coming to North America, too, since they are already on Gametap and if they don't make it to North American consoles through Nintendo, then Microsoft and Xbox Live will make sure that they do.

And not only do we get that news, but this week, we’re blessed with four Virtual Console releases on this Labor Day holiday here in the United States.

So what did Wii owners get this week? Take a look for yourself:

Adventure Island (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): A mysterious tropical paradise known as Adventure Island is the setting for this side-scrolling action game. The evil Witch Doctor has kidnapped Tina, the true love of Master Higgins. To save her, you must safely guide Master Higgins through eight perilous stages – including dense forests and creepy caves – while defeating all the enemies in your path. Each area is made up of four rounds filled with enemies determined to stop you in your tracks. In addition, as time passes, Master Higgins’s vitality is automatically drained. To keep going, he must eat constantly by grabbing fruit, milk and whatever other goodies he can as he races toward his goal. Sometimes eggs containing miraculous items like axes to throw at enemies or honey that grants temporary invincibility will appear. Use items skillfully to help you clear the areas. At the end of each area you’ll face the Witch Doctor, who you must defeat to advance. Go, Master Higgins, go!