When the big 3DS price drop occurred, Nintendo promised the early adopters 20 free games for paying $250 for the system when it launched. We already got the 10 NES games a while ago and those gamers like me have been waiting...and waiting...and waiting some more on when the 10 Gameboy Advance games would be coming.

Well, now reports are coming out that 3DS owners in Japan and UK are receiving SpotPass notices that the games will be available on Friday, Dec. 16. Those who visited the eShop before the price drop will be able to download these games for free, just like the NES ones.

The 10 games available in these territories are:
F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Metroid Fusion
Wario Land 4
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames

There's no confirmation for North America yet, but it is very likely this list will stick. And if so, it is quite a package. A Zelda game, Mario Kart, F-Zero, Kirby, Metroid, this is an impressive variety of quality games. And they're all free, for those of us that paid the extra $80 anyway.

While the GBA list is much more impressive than the NES one, Nintendo didn't have to do any of this. Those who buy new tech items know the risks they take. You're going to pay big in the beginning, and price drops will happen. Even though the 3DS went down in price a lot more quickly than anticipated, Nintendo didn't owe us anything. But giving away not 5, not 10, but 20 free games, it shows you they do care about their customers, especially the loyal Nintendo fans that jumped on the 3DS train from the start.

Get even tinier random thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921