Nintendo adds speed to Wii Virtual Console

Legacy racing game Excitebike available to download.

Nintendo has added the classic game Excitebike to its list of downloadable titles in Europe, so that Wii owners can try the racer that inspired the Wii title Excite Truck, which launches today.

"Launching on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, Excitebike is a fast paced racer that was one of the first titles to allow players to adjust the pitch of their bike after a jump to correctly land, as well as being one of the first ever racing games with a track builder," said a Nintendo spokesman.

Excitebike is joined by three other new additions to the Wii Virtual Console, which brings the number of downloadable classic games to 53.

The other titles include Kirby's Adventure, which originally debuted on the Nintendo Entertainment System and features vast worlds, unlockable bonus levels and addictive mini-games.

R-Type III: Third Lightning, a side-scrolling shooter that made its debut on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, is also a new addition.

New Adventure Island, a title originally created for the PC Engine, is also now available for download.

The games can be purchased through the Wii Shop Channel using Wii points. A card containing 2,000 Wii points costs £14 ($35).

Excitebike and Kirby's Adventure cost 500 Wii Points each, New Adventure Island 600 Wii Points and R-Type III: Third Lightning 800 Points.