Harvest Moon 64, the beloved Nintendo 64 farming simulation game developed by Natsume, is making its long-awaited debut on the Wii U Virtual Console as part of the franchise’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Known for pioneering the farming sim genre, Harvest Moon first launched on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in Japan in August 1996, later reaching audiences in North America and Europe.
However, until now, Harvest Moon 64 was available only in Japan and North America, leaving European fans eagerly awaiting an official release. Natsume has highlighted that bringing Harvest Moon 64 to the Wii U Virtual Console is just one surprise in a series of plans to commemorate two decades of the franchise.
The company teased additional launches, fresh announcements, and special content aimed at rewarding the loyal community that has grown around the series. Reflecting on the milestone, Natsume president and CEO Hiro Maekawa remarked that the world has been fortunate to enjoy Harvest Moon for twenty years.
He expressed pride in the company’s original decision to introduce a farming game to the United States, where the genre was previously untested.
Maekawa emphasized the significance of this anniversary and the importance of recognizing fans who have supported Harvest Moon from the beginning. Maekawa further noted that 2017 will be filled with retrospectives and celebrations of previous games, as well as anticipation for upcoming releases and community-focused surprises.
These initiatives are designed to honor and thank the dedicated Harvest Moon fanbase around the globe. The release schedule was also confirmed: Harvest Moon 64 launched on the Wii U Virtual Console in North America on February 23rd, 2017, while European fans gained access to the title for the very first time on February 24th, 2017.
This historic debut expands the reach of the Nintendo 64 classic and offers a new generation the opportunity to experience its charming gameplay through the Nintendo eShop. Harvest Moon’s enduring legacy has inspired countless other farming sim titles, cementing its place in video game history.
This European release on the Wii U Virtual Console not only celebrates the growth of a beloved series but also exemplifies Natsume’s commitment to connecting with audiences on both nostalgic and innovative fronts.
With additional announcements teased for the near future, Harvest Moon fans have much to look forward to during this anniversary celebration.
Known for pioneering the farming sim genre, Harvest Moon first launched on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in Japan in August 1996, later reaching audiences in North America and Europe.
However, until now, Harvest Moon 64 was available only in Japan and North America, leaving European fans eagerly awaiting an official release. Natsume has highlighted that bringing Harvest Moon 64 to the Wii U Virtual Console is just one surprise in a series of plans to commemorate two decades of the franchise.
The company teased additional launches, fresh announcements, and special content aimed at rewarding the loyal community that has grown around the series. Reflecting on the milestone, Natsume president and CEO Hiro Maekawa remarked that the world has been fortunate to enjoy Harvest Moon for twenty years.
He expressed pride in the company’s original decision to introduce a farming game to the United States, where the genre was previously untested.
Maekawa emphasized the significance of this anniversary and the importance of recognizing fans who have supported Harvest Moon from the beginning. Maekawa further noted that 2017 will be filled with retrospectives and celebrations of previous games, as well as anticipation for upcoming releases and community-focused surprises.
These initiatives are designed to honor and thank the dedicated Harvest Moon fanbase around the globe. The release schedule was also confirmed: Harvest Moon 64 launched on the Wii U Virtual Console in North America on February 23rd, 2017, while European fans gained access to the title for the very first time on February 24th, 2017.
This historic debut expands the reach of the Nintendo 64 classic and offers a new generation the opportunity to experience its charming gameplay through the Nintendo eShop. Harvest Moon’s enduring legacy has inspired countless other farming sim titles, cementing its place in video game history.
This European release on the Wii U Virtual Console not only celebrates the growth of a beloved series but also exemplifies Natsume’s commitment to connecting with audiences on both nostalgic and innovative fronts.
With additional announcements teased for the near future, Harvest Moon fans have much to look forward to during this anniversary celebration.
