So this is why Australia got some previously Japanese-only games on the Virtual Console. Turns out it’s all in celebration of the Japanese Hanabi Festival (apparently meaning “fire flower festival”). For three weeks starting this week, Australia will be getting games that were never previously released outside of Japan. In fact, they’re doing themes each week. Check it out:

• Mario Week (September 14)
  Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
  Mario’s Super Picross
• Ninja Week (September 21)
  Ninja Gaiden
  Ninja JaJaMaru-kun
• Sci-Fi Week (September 28)
  Sin and Punishment
  Gradius III

It’s assumed that Europe will get the same deal… with the whole PAL thing and such. Hopefully North America is getting in on this festival…please?

Aussie-Nintendo