Why pay for something when you can get it for free? That is what I always say! Apparently, if you have a Nintendo Wii and you are sick and tired of paying Zelda or other next-gen whatnots, you can download some classic games via the Nintendo Wii Shop Channel.

Nintendo has made available two SEGA Genesis classics, Golden Axe and Ecco the Dolphin, for download onto your Wii's Virtual Console. They charge you 800 Wii points for each game, converted into US dollars, this adds up to some US$ 8. So, let's recap: Golden Axe -US$ 8 and Ecco the Dolphin-US$ 8.

Now I must inform you that Golden Axe is also available for FREE download on Softpedia. If you don't know where the search button is just click HERE to download it. We don't have Ecco the Dolphin yet, but who knows what will happen in the near future?

Nevertheless, if you are dedicated to your Wii and want to increase Nintendo's bank account, go and download it from Wii Shop Channel but first, you have to purchase your Wii points. You can do this online or in person from MSRP. 2,000 Wii points will cost you about US$ 20,00.

Please keep in mind that Golden Axe is a game dating back in 1989 so don't expect dazzling graphics or pixel shader 3. It is a simple beat 'em up side-scrolling arcade game from SEGA. You can choose from three characters, Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead. They fight to protect Yuria, their land, which is now threatened by invaders. The symbol of the land of Yuria has fallen into the hand of Death Adder who wants to rule Yuria.