It's Nintendo's first Wii Shop update of the new year, and it seems they're being a bit stingy -- it's only two titles!

First up, Sandy Beach (1-2 players, 500 Wii Points) is Konami's sand castle building game. Yeah, I said it -- you build sand castles in this game. It actually doesn't sound too bad, when you take a close look. It looks like Konami is throwing some tower defense elements into the mix, as it'll have you building cannons to defend your castle against invading crabs.

Kirby’s Dream Land 3 (Super NES, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points) lands onto the Virtual Console today, too. The platformer was one of the last games out on the SNES, and I remember the year of 1997 well. Following the release of the Nintendo 64, it was a rough year for the SNES. Outside of Kirby's Dream Land 3 and Harvest Moon, there wasn't much going on -- an Arkanoid sequel, and some EA sports games. Honestly, I was too busy collecting the last of the stars in Super Mario 64 and playing Mischief Makers to notice, though. 

OK, I'm rambling. Press release after the jump.

Wii-kly Update

One WiiWare Game and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel

A new year means even more new games at the Wii™ Shop Channel, starting with a pair of imaginative titles to kick off 2009 in style. Anyone who loves Kirby™ can keep the confetti flying to celebrate the release of the classic Kirby’s Dream Land™ 3 for the Virtual Console™. And if you’re already desperate for a warm mid-winter getaway, check out Sandy Beach, a sand castle game on WiiWare™ that’s loaded with sunny fun.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

WiiWare

Sandy Beach (Konami, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Enjoy a fun day at Sandy Beach as you build elaborate sand castles. You can work peacefully on your sand castle or enter into a battle with invading crabs in Crab Battle mode. Players will strategically build their sand castle and use cannons to defend it against an army of destructive crabs. After successfully defending your sand castle, discover beach treasures and additional cannons with your metal detector to customize your castle even more.

Virtual Console

Kirby’s Dream Land 3 (Super NES™, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Kirby, Dream Land’s resident hero (and everyone’s favorite puffball), must once again save the day when the mischievous King Dedede starts causing trouble. Kirby must travel through an assortment of levels, battling an exotic array of enemies (both new and familiar) determined to stop him from completing his mission. Always armed with his trusty ability to swallow enemies and gain special attacks, Kirby can also unite with some of his animal friends and make use of their particular talents. Featuring detailed graphics, challenging boss battles and the distinct charm of a Kirby game, it’s no wonder this title is considered a classic.