Games Reviews Holiday Gift Guide: Nintendo 3DS Games

Despite the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, they are still the most powerful handheld gaming company on the planet, and with so many great titles released in 2017, we decided to highlight a few that you might want to purchase for that video game fan in your life. While this list is in no particular order, they are the games we felt were the best of 2017! Check them all out below!

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon – Nintendo – Nintendo 3DS

The typical Pokémon generation of video games has been highlighted by two initial releases, followed by one ‘complete’ release. You had Pokémon Red and Blue, and then Pokémon Yellow. You had Gold and Siler, and then Crystal. You had Diamond and Pearl, and then Platinum, and so on. Until the release of Black and White, followed up by Black 2 and White 2, Game Freak has stuck to this generational system. Not until now has Game Freak again released sequels to their most popular title, rather than a ‘complete’ edition. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon are not ‘complete’ editions of the original titles, but rather a game set in somewhat alternate story line.

You can purchase Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon by visiting the Nintendo eShop here!

Mario and Luigi: Super Star Saga + Bowser’s Minions – Nintendo – Nintendo 3DS

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowsers Minions released today on the Nintendo 3DS; as the title is essentially broken into two components – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and Bowsers Minions – we though we would review each separately. Today, we are looking at the recreation of the Gameboy Advanced classic RPG title. Is grabbing it on the 3DS solely to replay this classic adventure worth it, regardless of the Bowsers Minions additions? We think so, read on to find out why!

You can purchase Mario and Luigi by visiting the Nintendo eShop here!

Metroid: Samus Returns – Nintendo – Nintendo 3DS

If you’ve never played a Metroid game before, then Samus Returns would be a good place to start. The gameplay here is easy to understand and the beginning of the game is fairly linear and a bit handholding. Not all Metroid fans will like how much the game holds your hand at first. Once you get out of the early areas though, you’ll be on your own more and this is something Metroid fans are use to. I think newbies to the Metroid franchise and classic fans will enjoy this game overall. Samus Returns is one of the best Metroid games I’ve played.

You can purchase Metroid: Samus Returns for Nintendo 3DS by visiting the Nintendo eShop here!

Monster Hunter Stories – Nintendo/Capcom – Nintendo 3DS

When I first saw Monster Hunter Stories in the Nintendo eShop, it was right around the day the demo landed, and everybody kept saying online, “It’s Pokémon, but Monster Hunter.” I was intrigued immediately, but that excitement was quickly quashed when I realized that Monster Hunter Stories is almost nothing like Pokémon at all. Then I played the demo, and a new wave of excitement passed through me. Monster Hunter Stories is not a game without a number of faults, but the overall package work really well, making it one of my favorite 3DS games this year.

You can purchase Monster Hunter Stories for Nintendo 3DS by visiting the Nintendo eShop here!

YO-KAI Watch 2: Psychic Specters – Level-5 – Nintendo 3DS

The strange but friendly troublemakers, Yo-kai, are back in a time-traveling adventure, and this time their mysterious world is packed with exclusive quests, Wicked Yo-kai to befriend, new areas to explore, and a revamped Blasters action co-op mode* featuring new bosses.

As the cause of life’s troubles, Yo-kai are hiding everywhere! Explore the seaside town San Fantastico and the sleepy village Harrisville in search of these mischievous beings. Then travel 60 years into the past with Hovernyan to ensure the Yo-kai Watch Model Zero is created and your timeline is preserved! Battle online or via local wireless** to earn in-game rewards for your adventure. Or take control of a Yo-kai in Psychic Blasters, a revamped 4-player action mode! If you own the YO-KAI WATCH™ 2: Bony Spirits or YO-KAI WATCH 2: Fleshy Souls game, you can transfer save data from your Nintendo 3DS™ family system to YO-KAI WATCH 2: Psychic Specters and pick up where you left off. Prepare yourself for the deepest and most immersive Yo-kai experience yet!

You can purchase YO-KAI Watch 2: Psychic Specters for Nintendo 3DS by visiting the Nintendo eShop here!