WiiWare launches in Japan

Nintendo has launched its WiiWare Channel in Japan, offering nine fresh games for download.

These range from Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles spin off My Life as a King, which sees you building and managing your own town, to Dr. Mario, which has you handling drugs. You can see some of games in action on Eurogamer TV.

The WiiWare Channel, called Wii Software here, will launch in the US on 12th May. Nintendo has yet to announce a European date.

Prices for the games range from 500 Wii Points (~GBP 3.50 / EUR 5) up to 1500 Wii Points (~GBP 10.50 / EUR 15).

Here's that Japanese launch list in full:

• Okiraku Ping Pong Wii - 500 Wii Points (~GBP 3.50 / EUR 5)
• Tenshi Solitaire - 500 Wii Points (~GBP 3.50 / EUR 5)
• Star Solider R - 800 Wii Points (~GBP 6 / EUR 8)
• Kotoba no Puzzle Mojipittan Wii - 1000 Wii Points (~GBP 7.00 / EUR 10.00)
• Saku Saku Animal Panic - 1000 Wii Points (~GBP 7.00 / EUR 10.00)
• Dr. Mario & Saikin Bokumetsu - 1000 Wii Points (~GBP 7.00 / EUR 10.00)
• Minna no Pokemon Bokujou - 1000 Wii Points (~GBP 7.00 / EUR 10.00)
• Lonpos - 1000 Wii Points (~GBP 7.00 / EUR 10.00)
• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King - 1500 Wii Points (~GBP 10.50 / EUR 15)