While the Wii U may be struggling to gain a share of the home console market this year, one area where they have never struggled is in the handheld sector. There has almost always been a successful Nintendo handheld device on the shelves ever since the release of the original GameBoy and this status quo remains today thanks to the huge popularity of the 3DS. There is competition out there in the form of the PSP Vita, as well as the many games available for mobile devices, but if you want an experience that’s perfect for gaming on the go the 3DS is still the best place to get it.
And there’s been no better time to get involved with Nintendo’s latest handheld either thanks to a recent surge of new games. If you have a long journey planned, then read on to see what some of the best Nintendo 3DS games are for passing the time.
Sonic Lost World
Sonic the hedgehog is a reliable series if you want a burst of high-speed action, and now at last he has his first fully 3D adventure on a handheld console! Sonic Lost World is closest in gameplay to the Dreamcast ‘Sonic Adventure’ game in that it allows for full exploration in 3D environments. Throw in some Mario-Galaxy style gravity tricks and tubular level designs and you have a beautiful and fascinating world to explore. The only downside with this particular game is that it often forces you to use the motion controls – which can be a slight problem when you’re travelling.
Super Mario 3D Land
Mario’s first outing on the 3DS also happens to be one of his best adventures ever. This game in particular offers players small ‘bite-sized’ levels to enjoy, each of which introduces new and interesting platform elements. What’s best of all about Super Mario 3D Land though is the way that it utilises the 3D effect to create a real sense of depth. You’ll forget you’re staring at a tiny screen and feel fully immersed in the amazing world. And when you reach a level that requires the 3D slider to fully navigate, you’ll be reminded just what expert game makers Nintendo are.
Pushmo
Another older entry, Pushmo is another game from Nintendo themselves that perfectly demonstrates how integral 3D can be to gameplay. In this game your objective is to pull blocks out of a flat surface in order to create platforms you can jump on to reach a button at the top. Pushmo is part Tetris, part Super Mario and is great if you want something to test your brain on the move.
Zelda: Link Between Worlds
If you’re looking at then you’ll want something that engages you a little longer than Pushmo. For long journeys then, look no further than ‘Link Between Worlds’ bus rental– the latest adventure in the long-running Zelda series. This one is packed with puzzles, exploration and plot developments that will keep you engrossed for hours on end. A direct sequel to ‘Link to the Past’, it’s also a great trip down memory lane for anyone who wants to reminisce.
Nintendo Brain Age
Let’s not forget that you can also play the old Nintendo DS classics on your 3DS – and Brain Age is one of the most successful games to grace that console and a great way to strengthen your brain too. Essentially Brain Age is a selection of mini games, each of which is intended to help you develop specific cognitive skills such as memory, attention and arithmetic. This means that there’s plenty to enjoy for a few days on a holiday and that you can feel like you’re doing something productive at the same time.
Pokemon X and Y
Another great game that will keep you thoroughly immersed for a long period of time is Pokemon X and Y – the latest in the Pokemon series and the first to receive the full 3DS treatment. It’s a brilliant addition to the series and just as addictive and compulsive as its predecessors.
Author Bio:
This article is contributed by Jenny Wadlow, a professional freelance blogger and an ace creative writer with many years of experience writing for different blogs. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast and enjoys preparing various cuisines for her family on weekends. You can also follow her on twitter @JennyWaldlow.