"Mega Man Xtreme 2" is a similar take on the series action and platforming gameplay formula while combining elements from home console versions of the "Mega Man X" series. The player may choose to play each of a series of stages as either protagonist, X or Zero. Defeating the stage's boss will earn that player character its special weapon. Critical reception for "Mega Man Xtreme 2" was lightly positive, with most reviewers giving the game praise typical of the long-running series and noting a general improvement over the first "Mega Man Xtreme" title. In 2013, "Mega Man Xtreme 2" was made available on the Virtual Console of Japan's Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS. It was later released in the North American eShop the following year and was released in the PAL region eShop in September 11, 2014.