One of the most earth-shattering discoveries we have made of late is how much more we enjoy gaming on Nintendo’s 3DS handheld than we do on the PC or the mainline consoles. We think you will, too, so we’ve compiled this list of 10 must-have games for the Nintendo 3DS that every body, newcomer and old fan alike, should experience.
The inspiration behind the latest incarnation of the Mario series on the Nintendo Wii U (Super Mario 3D World), Super Mario 3D Land for the handheld 3DS offers the same big screen action and content on a small, 3D-enabled (the jury is still out on this feature) – but most of all, portable – handheld. If you’ve been gorging on smartphone games, this is the best thing you could probably buy for yourself.
The classic Japanese role playing series’ latest installment on the 3DS has you journey to a pseudo-feudal Japan world that has you fighting demons and immersing yourself in a crazy, out-of-your head Japanese-anime style story. This game is amazing if you love Japanese role playing games or Japan in general.
The same as above but with a more modern setting – trust us, totally worth it. Again, if you love Japan, you’ll probably like most of the games from Atlus.
Seven installments in the vaunted cart-racing king Mario Kart, Mario Kart 7 takes that amazing gameplay portable and shrinks it down to accommodate that medium. Great fun for anyone who loves Mario, racing, or both.
New Super Mario Bros. 2 continues Nintendo’s re-imagining of classic NES style gameplay on its modern systems like the 3DS. Expect some more gigantic Mario brothers, awesome power ups, and retro inspired levels in this must-have Mario experience.
You must collect them all while wandering through an LSD anime dreamscape. Really, nothing else needs to be said for this game.
365 days of village gossip and gifts, Animal Crossing: New Leaf extends the life-simulation game genre Nintendo helped pioneer in the original Animal Crossing.
One of the best and more accessible RPGs on this list, Fire Emblem is Nintendo’s answer to the Final Fantasies of the world and it delivers on every level.
Our current obsession, the latest Legend of Zelda handheld game takes you back to the world of Hyrule circa the Super Nintendo era. From the game’s opening to its game style, this title drips with nostalgia and quality, leaving a compelling package that is irresistible to all connoisseurs of good video gaming.
This is a remake of the Nintendo 64 classic, Star Fox 64. It offers a different experience from some of the other games listed here and is infused with that same level of Nintendo quality that guarantees a good time.