Wii and DSi DLC for the Week of 4/13 of weeks, folks, but once again, I’m bringing Nintendo’s weekly DLC into the spotlight.  This week, the big N drops two titles into the DSi Shop, one into Wii Ware and one into the Virtual Console.  Everyone has good weeks and bad weeks and Nintendo is different with this week’s lineup.

The “Telephone” clone is impressive in that the title can support up to 21 people online, but 500 points seems a bit pricey for a slightly improved version of Picto-chat.  The Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games title is a great idea, for a demo.  A smaller, more compact extract of the full DS title of the same name, this DSi Ware title is sent to entice you to pick up the full title, exactly what a demo is supposed to do.  I find it a little surprising that Nintendo is attempting to charge for this title.  I also advise caution for this download because the press release from Nintendo states this download is 200 points, but when I access the information on the Nintendo website, they listed 500 points as the cost.  Possibly $5 for a smaller version of a game you can purchase fully off of Amazon for $14 today.  Make sure you note the price of the download in the DSi Shop before purchasing.

As for the offerings in the Wii Shop Channel, it looks like a piece of shovelware has hit Wii Ware again.  What could one say about Party Fun Pirate that hasn’t already been said of games of this caliber?  I guess we should appreciate the fact that they didn’t package this and try to charge $30 for it.  That just leaves the Virtual Console’s release of Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure from the Sega Genesis.  It is Pitfall and platforming, I’m not sure what else I can add other than instead of downloading this title, I’d rather play Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns.

The new Nintendo DSi system has been on store shelves for just a week now. Today Activision's Mixed Messages becomes the first third-party downloadable game for the new system. Mixed Messages is a game of electronic telephone that can accommodate a whopping 21 players. On the WiiWare side, fans will find a game based on the popular Pop-Up Pirate toy that might have players sticking virtual swords into their Mii characters. And classic character Pitfall Harry Jr. makes his debut on the Virtual Console.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All Nintendo Points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems. This week's new games are:

Nintendo DSiWare
Mixed Messages (Activision, 2-21 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Mixed Messages is the hilarious party game of mixed-up miscommunication. Sketch a picture to capture your friends' sentence, or try to figure out what in the world they've drawn. You might start with, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" and end up with "A crazy surfer outruns flying sticks of dynamite while his fans cheer!" Two to 21 players take turns writing sentences and drawing pictures to pass along a message. This isn't a game about winning and losing - it's all about the funny miscommunications that happen along the way. You'll laugh when you see just how wacky things can get. Get together with your friends and mix it up.
Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Master of Illusion Express titles are mind-boggling magic tricks pulled from the popular Nintendo DS game. Learn the illusions, practice up and amaze your friends. Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games will boggle your audience members' minds as they try to figure out how you know exactly what they're thinking. Also included is the bonus Vanishing Card trick, which the Nintendo DSi system performs for your enjoyment.

WiiWare
Party Fun Pirate (TOMY Corporation, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Based on the popular Pop-Up Pirate toy, players take turns thrusting swords into a barrel that holds your captain captive, trying to see who can insert the most swords into the barrel. Thrust a sword into the wrong hole and you'll send your captain flying, which means it's game over for you! Unique Wii features add to the excitement, making for a fun-filled party game. Try swapping out the captain and putting your custom Mii character in the barrel for some real laughs!

Virtual Console
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated T for Teen - Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points): Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure is a side-scrolling action game in which you play adventurer Pitfall Harry Jr. in search of his father, Pitfall Harry. Pitfall Harry has been taken captive by the dreaded warrior spirit Zakelua: Lord of Evil. Armed with only a trusty sling and his father's journal, young Harry Jr. must now venture into the unknown to rescue him … before it's too late! Bungee jump and boomerang your way to safety as you battle through treacherous Mayan jungles, waterfalls and deserted mines. With 13 levels of fast, gripping action, you will need to be attentive and quick - or prepare to die …