While the Nintendo 3DS struggled mightily at launch, the console has certainly turned its fortunes around over the last few years.
Like most successful systems, the Nintendo 3DS has bolstered itself with a staunch lineup of games that could rival any other platform. With multiple different versions of the system and games to choose between, we have the best bundles and games for you in our Nintendo 3DS Holiday Gift Guide.
Console – $129.99 (2DS), $169.99 (3DS), $199.99 (3DS XL)
When looking to buy a Nintendo 3DS, you have an abundance of options on the market, with perhaps the most SKUs of any other gaming product. For the purposes of this guide, we will tell you of the best options on the market. The cheapest one you can find is actually the relatively new Nintendo 2DS at only $129.99, which had two bundles at exclusive retailers. Target will have a 2DS bundle for $149.99 with Pokemon X pre-installed while Toys R Us will have a 2DS bundle with Pokemon Y pre-installed for the same price.
For the basic Nintendo 3DS, your best bet is the Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon bundle for $169.99, which would be crazy not to get considering it is the same price as the regular Nintendo 3DS systems. Lastly are the 3DS XL bundles, including the $199.99 Mario & Luigi: Dream Team bundle and the $219.99 The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds bundle. The Mario & Luigi bundle is the same price as the base 3DS XL handheld, so it is more of an add-in. The Zelda bundle is a little more pricy, but will cost you essentially half the price for the full game.
Pokemon X and Pokemon Y (RPG/Pokemon Fans) – $39.99
With the history of Pokemon on Nintendo handhelds, there was little doubt that this needed to be the first game listed. If you aren’t getting one of the two Nintendo 2DS bundles with either game pre-installed, you should definitely look to get this fantastic entry in the Pokemon series. As the first mainline game in the series to use 3D models instead of sprites, Pokemon X and Pokemon Y take the series to a new level that fans have been waiting to see for years and almost has to be a part of your Nintendo 3DS collection.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Action-Adventure Fans) – $39.99
This one was a definite for the list as well and was actually one of the most recent releases for the handheld. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a sequel to the original A Link to the Past that is set far into the future in the same Hyrule as before. The game brings some new twists to the series, including the ability to play the dungeons in the order you want. This is possible by having you rent your items rather than obtaining them in each dungeon, allowing for you to customize your game experience in the way you want.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (Casual/Simulation Fans) – $34.99
When Animal Crossing debuted on the Gamecube, casual gaming wasn’t quite the phenomenon that it is today, but with mobile and Facebook gaming growing more and more, Animal Crossing seems like a perfect fit on the 3DS. With the ability to play the game the way you want and when you want, this is an easy game to pick up when you have some free time to play. However, you may soon be addicted, so be forewarned.
Fire Emblem: Awakening (Strategy/RPG Fans) – $39.99
The 3DS has had a ton of great RPGs this year, with many different types including the aforementioned Pokemon X and Pokemon Y. Fire Emblem: Awakening goes a different route than Pokemon with a strategy RPG gameplay style with turn-based movement across a grid as you square off against enemies. With the ability to customize your own character while still having a gripping story, Fire Emblem: Awakening is a fantastic option for fans of the genre.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon (Action-Adventure Fans) – $39.99
As part of the Year of Luigi, Nintendo brought us back to the world previously only seen in a Gamecube launch title. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is definitely an upgraded follow-up to the original with the same comedic style due to Luigi’s being a scaredy cat most of the time. The single player gameplay is a lot of fun, but the game also introduces multiplayer that is worth playing as well.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (Platformer fans) – $34.99
While this game is merely a port of the original, it is still quite the fun game. The original was a blast to play on the Wii and is perfect for a on-the-go experience. The game is exactly what you’d expect if you’ve ever played the Donkey Kong Country series, so if you are looking for solid and fluid platforming action, this game is one of your best options on the 3DS.
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (RPG Fans) – $39.99
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team is a follow-up to the Mario & Luigi series of games, this time with somewhat of a focus on Luigi as part of the Year of Luigi. While not quite as good as its predecessors, Mario & Luigi still mixes in fun gameplay that you’d come to expect from the series. Considering you can get the game essentially for free if you are getting the 3DS XL bundle, you can’t go wrong with this title this holiday season.
