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Mahjong Games for Nintendo

The roots of Mahjong are deep in Chinese history; the game possibly starting out as cards, evolving to tiles and now inspiring various video games. Over time, many Mahjong variations have developed. Likewise, video games based on Mahjong come in many forms. Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo's Virtual Console, the games of which can be downloaded to the Wii, all offer games featuring Mahjong. Since, in general, no one entity owns Mahjong, expect to continue to see versions of it included in general puzzle or board game collections for Nintendo platforms.

Mahjong Taikai
- The Japanese gamemaker KOEI offers "Mahjong Taikai" for both the DS and the Wii. Indeed, KOEI offered the game back in the days of the original Nintendo console, the NES. "Mahjong Taikai" is actual Mahjong--not a variation of the game--for one player, plus game-supplied characters. The game comes only in Japanese, so it's expensive in the U.S., topping $50 from online retailers in 2010.
Solitaire &Mahjong
- This title for the Wii features two games, including a one player version of Mahjong. The Mahjong game offers 101 different tile layouts. The solitaire game also has 101 variations. In 2010, the game sold for $29.99 retail.
Mahjong Quest: Expeditions
- This game for the Nintendo DS, which retailed for about $19.99 in 2010, has come to the DS from the PC. You can play a form of classic Mahjong or a "quest" variation. The variation requires a player to advance through puzzles to further a quest that will bring peace to the world. Special features in the game include exploding tiles and some that float away.
WordJong
- "WordJong" is made for both the Nintendo DS and Wii platforms. Instead of Mahjong symbols, "WordJong" features letters in a sort of Scrabble/Mahjong hybrid. Besides being able to play "WordJong" as a solitaire game, you can play against others online through Nintendo Wi-Fi. This version cost about $20 in 2010. Meanwhile,"WordJong Party" for the Wii, cost $30. Up to four players can play in a fast-paced multiplayer mode or one player can play alone.
Shanghai II: Dragon's Eye
- If you're feeling nostalgic, the 1989 Sega Genesis game "Shanghai II: Dragon's Eye" is available on the Nintendo Virtual Console for download to your Wii. It's a two player game that cost 800 Wii points ($8.00) in 2010. To play the game, you can use a Wii remote, or either the Classic or GCN controllers left over from old Nintendo system platforms.

Nintendo Wii