Things began slowly, but since its initial release in 2011, Nintendo’s 3DS has become a force in the business with a variety of must have games. The majority of best selling titles are from Nintendo, with a fun mix of reboots and original efforts. Whatever your tastes, there’s a plethora of must haves to choose from.
That said, these are the most popular 3DS games today, some of which come out real soon.
10. New Super Mario Bros. 2
The Mushroom Kingdom is paved with gold in Nintendo’s platforming romp. Bowser once again kidnaps Princess Peach, forcing Mario to explore over 80 levels to rescue her. This time, however, there’s an even bigger emphasis on collecting as many coins as possible. In fact, Coin Rush mode tasks you with stuffing Mario’s virtual pockets and then challenging friends to beat your total.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Surprise, the newer A Link Between Worlds was bumped off the list by the timeless N64 adventure. Nintendo’s revamp comes with the option to access Link’s inventory on the bottom screen, gyroscope support to look around and the much tougher Master Quest. These features and more combine to make Ocarina worth experiencing all over again.
8. Pokemon Y
Considering Nintendo is in full revamp mode with previously released Pokemon games, this is a brand new adventure through a unique region filled with creatures to collect. One of the biggest features is Pokemon-Amie, allowing you to bond with your battle monsters like never before.
7. Fire Emblem: Awakening
We dare you to find a better turn-based strategy game for 3DS than Fire Emblem: Awakening; it’s OK, we’re not going anywhere. Nintendo and developer Intelligent Systems did an outstanding job with this fantasy RPG that features head-scratching gameplay, a deeply rewarding plot, numerous characters and even the threat of perma death, which forces you to second guess every move. Suffice to say, it’s a must for every 3DS owner.
6. Monster Hunter 4
Slay Gore Magala, Tigrex and more gigantic enemies in Capcom’s long-awaited adventure. Team up with other players locally or online, then set out to take down a variety of menacing creatures. Now you can jump onto monsters and go on the attack, while more vertical environments add a new dimension to the celebrated gameplay.
5. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Virtual life moves at a more relaxed pace in this 3DS time waster, where you move to a village filled with anthropormorphic animals and become the mayor. From there, you’re able to spruce up the scenery with benches, lamps and other items, or just kick back and go fishing on the tropical Tortimer Island.
4. Mario Kart 7
Mario Kart fans who want to take the experience with them on the go can’t pass up this entertaining sequel. Similar to Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, you’ll glide through the air, customize your ride and compete against others via online play. Grab the nearest red turtle shell and hit the road.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
The darkest Zelda adventure will finally receive a welcome revamp this spring, complete with glasses free 3D. There’s no official release date, but the game shot up the charts as soon as Nintendo announced a special limited edition that comes with a cool Skull Kid collectible figure, which is now unavailable just about everywhere.
2. Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The Hoenn Region receives a 3D makeover with this Ruby and Sapphire reboot. Improve the chance of catching wild Pokemon with the Dex-Nav, take advantage of new Mega Evolutions, customize your secret base and behold the might of Cosplay Pikachu!
1. Super Smash Bros.
Little Mac, Pit and the rest of the Smash roster bring the fight to the handheld realm. Surprisingly, the 3DS version stands right beside its Wii U counterpart, with fast-paced play and plenty of trophies to collect. On top of that, you won’t find the exclusive stages in the console game, and vice versa.
Check back next Wednesday to see which 3DS games made the new top 10!
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