Rumors have been circulating that Nintendo's next-generation console, Wii U, will not offer backwards compatibility to play GameCube titles. Additionally, Retro Gamer, a gaming magazine, reported that eShop may provide releases from the console.

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"While Nintendo has confirmed that the Wii U will not offer GameCube compatibility as the Wii did, the announcement was a bit of a downer for Nintendo fans.  Offering the titles via the Virtual Console store does make sense, but that means owners will have to buy the title again as a digital download; which, of course, isn't going to make owners of the GameCube title happy," noted Fudzilla.

The site goes on to say that its sources expect Nintendo to announce some popular GameCube titles as Virtual Consoles before year end.

"While Nintendo is saying officially that they have nothing to announce right now, our sources tell us that they expect Nintendo to announce at least some popular GameCube titles as Virtual Console titles for purchase before the end of the year," reported Fudzilla.

However, the veracity of the information remains questionable as the Wii U fact sheet clearly states that "nearly all Wii software and accessories can be used with Wii U."

Additionally, UK gaming magazine Retro Gamer reported that titles will be available on eShop "later," seemingly after release. The magazine, however, did not explain why the titles will be digital-only, considering Wii supports backwards comparability.

eShop is the digital download service for Nintendo consoles, like Xbox Live Arcade or PlayStation Network. However, the service is not as popular as the PlayStation network and the service's main appeal may be the ability to download classic games, from Super Mario Bros. 3 to Super Metroid.

Classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Metroid Prime could be the "key titles" appearing on eShop.

For 3DS, Nintendo is offering physical and digital releases like New Super Mario Bros. 2. Digital releases are more expensive but bring the added convenience of playing immediately post the download. However, Nintendo may not re-release a huge amount of physical GameCube titles. Additionally, how the company prices the games is also unconfirmed.

Sources speaking to Fudzilla claim "key GameCube titles" will be released on Nintendo's Virtual Console for Wii U, though when remains unconfirmed.

"[O]ur sources tell us that they expect Nintendo to announce at least some popular GameCube titles as virtual console titles for purchase before the end of the year. It is unknown what Nintendo will charge for these titles, but do we expect the cost to be more than that we can purchase a used copy of the title, in most cases," Fudzilla added.

Wii U releases Nov. 18 in the U.S., and Nov. 30 in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

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