The best games for your New Nintendo 3DS

The New Nintendo 3DS (in standard and XL varieties) launches in the UK on February 12. Exciting, no? Yes. Anyway, here are some of the best games the 3DS has to offer, and with the improvements to 3D and larger screens, there’s also a great excuse for current owners to make the upgrade and revisit old favourites.

Super Mario 3D Land

3D Land saw the long-awaited comeback of the Tanooki suit to the Mario series. The shorter levels made it a great fit for Nintendo’s portable, and it had clever uses of 3D in some of its puzzle rooms. If you prefer 3D Mario over side-scrolling, look no further.

Star Fox 64 3D

The first of a few Nintendo 64 remakes to make our list, Star Fox 64 3D is still excellent. Fox McCloud and his team are back (including the ever-annoying Slippy Toad) to save the solar system from Andross. It may be a relatively short game, but flying through all the different planets is a great adventure, and the improved 3D on the new handhelds means the extra dimension is an ever-more enticing prospect.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

Another N64 remake, and one of the greatest games of all time. Ocarina of Time is a must-have for every 3DS owner: the timeless journey through Hyrule means you’ll get the urge to come back time and again. For those who have never played it, you’re in for an amazing treat. There’s no better time to jump in and see what all the fuss is about.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D

Majora’s Mask launches alongside the New Nintendo 3DS, and there will also be a special edition gold XL embroidered with masks from the game.

Majora’s Mask stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ocarina of Time in terms of quality, and its reputation has only grown in the 15 years since its release. Fans have been clamouring for a remake for years, and it’s finally happened. It’s also one of the first games to take advantage of the console’s additional functionality, being able to rotate the camera with the new C-Stick.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

It’s as if all Zelda games are really good, isn’t it? But 2013’s homage to A Link to the Past really is excellent, with its dimension-shifting mechanics and classic top-down gameplay. A wonderful return to old-school Zelda.

Fire Emblem: Awakening

A turn-based strategy game where dead means dead. If you lose members of your party, they don’t come back in the next chapter, they’re gone for good. The long-running Fire Emblem series features great music, brilliant (if punishing) gameplay and voice acting for all the main characters. Character development is a big part of the game, as they can fall in love as they grow closer on the battlefield, and you watch their love blossom in post-combat cutscenes. One of the 3DS’ more challenging offerings, but certainly worth a look.

Oh, and a sequel has been announced by Nintendo, too.

Super Smash Bros. 3DS

Nintendo’s All-Star brawler series reached the pinnacle of its craft with the Wii U and 3DS offerings. With an ever-swelling roster list, some great new modes, and improved online play, Smash Bros. is better than ever.

The 3DS version features unique stages and a mode called Smash Run, where players choose a character to speed through a side-scrolling map, collecting stat boosters by beating minions, before culminating in a match against three AI opponents. On the New 3DS load times are dramatically improved, and you also get Amiibo support without the need for an add-on peripheral.

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, Smash Bros. is certainly one of the best places to start.

Pokemon X/Y

Every Nintendo handheld owner needs a Pokemon game, and Pokemon X/Y represents the best in the series to date. You still follow the same formula: boy is sent on a journey throughout an unknown world by his mum and a local mad professor despite being far too young, hoping to capture all of the world’s Pokemon in the name of some unknown research project, before taking on gym leaders in order to become the best in the world. But in X/Y there are so many features that make it the best: new camera angles, Mega Evolutions, Pokemon trading over the internet, wonder trading and more.

Pokemon is essentially the same as it was way back in the 90s, and that’s a good thing. Recommended for anyone looking for a simple adventure to enjoy on their own journeys.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

New Leaf is a game where everyone just gets along. You will spend most of your time decorating your house, gardening, fishing, talking to neighbours, doing everything you would in the real world, but in Animal Crossing.

Not much happens in the world of New Leaf. There are no guns, no drama, no quick-time events: simply the promise of absolute peace and serenity as you go about your business. Certainly not one for those looking for an adrenaline rush, but certainly worth checking out if you’re looking for something different.

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon

It’s often Mario that receives much of the spotlight, but in Luigi’s Mansion, it is the skinnier brother in green that gets some much-deserved attention.

The long-awaited sequel to 2001’s Gamecube original, players have to venture around haunted houses hoovering up spectres. The additions of multiplayer and mechanics like the Dark Light make this a great new entry for fans of the series and new players alike.

Mario Kart 7

Mario Kart 8 is brilliant, but 7 is the best portable offering you’ll find. While the previous Wii instalment didn’t thrill gamers as much as it perhaps should, MK7 and 8 came back with a bang and delivered the best racing to date.

MK7 brought with it aerial and underwater race sections, making tracks seem more diverse than before. You can also use the console’s gyroscope to steer, but doing so used to mean you lost the 3D display. Bonus: the new 3DS is far better at maintaining the the stereoscopic effect despite movement.

Pullblox

It’s an eShop game about pushing blocks. Sounds simple, but it’s really good. The aim is to move blocks around to create stairs to reach the end of the stage. Levels increase in difficulty as you progress, so be prepared to scratch your head on more than one occasion, (or simply Google the answer).

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Another game releasing alongside the new consoles, Monster Hunter 4 also uses the C-Stick to control the camera, making things much more convenient for players. Naturally, this one is targeted at fans of the series, and isn’t expected to be a game for new players to jump on board with. New 3DS owners also benefit from improved visuals when compared to the game running on older hardware.

There will also be a special edition XL for the game, giving you more ways to show your love for slaying nature’s wildlife.

Buy a New Nintendo 3DS from Amazon.co.uk.