After all the hype, Nintendo and Game Freak are finally unleashing Pokemon X and Pokemon Y upon the world. Will this latest game in the franchise evolve the series in a meaningful way? You’ll have to find out for yourself this weekend as the game launches on Saturday.

In the latest Nintendo eShop update, Nintendo notes that Pokemon X and Pokemon Y will be available as a digital download on the Nintendo eShop day and date with the retail release on Saturday. That means those of you without access to a retail store can just hop onto the eShop and begin downloading it at midnight on October 12.

If Pokemon is not your thing, you have a number of other options available to you this week through the Nintendo eShop. The first is Aqua Motor Racing 3D – a waterski racing game that looks like it’s trying too hard to be Wave Race. Up next is Escape From Zombie City – a top down shooter with generic aesthetics. The third is Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked – a remake of the original 2009 SRPG critical darling. Finally, the fishing fans out there can enjoy Super Blackbass 3D – the name says it all.

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot out there for Wii U owners today. All you get is two virtual console titles from the NES – Tennis and Golf. Both games are incredibly simplistic, but I guess you could wring a few nostalgia-filled hours out of them if you’re really hankering for an arcade sports game experience.

[Image: pokemon/YouTube]