Miiverse is supported too, of course, dropping users into a Balloon Fight community when launched from the game.

ENGADGET: Wii U Virtual Console Trial Campaign hands-on Hands-on

As the name suggests, the handhelds featured a clock and alarm but the real attraction was the games, which included titles like Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, and Balloon Fight.

ENGADGET: A Brief History of Handheld Video Games

Ms. Resler grew up in the more urban milieu of Seattle but had a backyard that she describes as the perfect staging ground for a neighborhood water balloon fight.

WSJ: Backyard Timeshare on the Lower East Side to Open Aug. 1

Starting in January and running through July, users will be able to demo one select title per month from the eShop: Balloon Fight, F-Zero, Punch-Out featuring Mr. Dream, Kirby's Adventure, Super Metroid, Yoshi and Donkey Kong.

ENGADGET