Nintendo's new game download service has finally launched down under. The XBLA-style Wii Ware service is now live (no pun intended) and accessible via the Wii Shop Channel on your Wii console.

The first round of games available for purchase and download in Australia are as follows:

Games come in at varying price points from 800 Wii Points ($12/Star Soldier R) up to 1500 Wii Points ($22.50/Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King).

Wii Ware games seem to be priced the same as their US counterparts in terms of Wii Points, however Wii Points themselves don't follow the current exchange rate, 100 Wii Points costing $1USD in America but $1.50 here (the current exchange rate is about $1USD = $1.05AUD), which begs the question, is $22.50 too much to pay for a downloadable game? Really, though, the Wii Points pricing structure is not much different to the on the shelf prices of games in Australia, which are often twice the price of their American counterparts, rather than 1.05x the price, which the exchange rate would suggest.

This makes me wonder, how many people here actually pay the full ticket price for games? Do you shop around for specials and bargains or do you not mind paying RRP?

I downloaded LostWinds for 1000 Points ($15AU) and it's totally worth it! :D Such an awesome game, clever puzzles, charming, relaxing and looks beautiful!

It's supposed to be a bit short (3-4 hours) but hey it's $15!

oh rly? So you'd recommend it? I suppose $15 is still pretty cheap, I may have to check it out sometime.

I'm confused here. Are we still getting VC games on Fridays or not?

I don't know - it seems not this week, but I suppose it will probably go back to normal with the VC games next week...?

Yeah for sure :)

Go for it! :D