The Best Nintendo 3DS Games 2012

This game combines what you love about the classic 2D gaming platform with the more versatile three dimensional maneuverability and actual 3D screen. What really revved up fans for this 3DS game was the return of the Tanooki Suit, which was last seen in 1990's Super Mario Bros 3. Not only does the suit make a return, but many classic enemies are back to try and defeat Mario like Bowser, Dry Bowser, Cosmic Mario, and Boom Boom. Like the original SMB game of 1985, you will face off against Bowser at the end of every single world. You'll love the throwback to enemies you're already familiar with, but get a real kick out of new ones like Pom Pom, Draglets, Tail Goombas, and the Goomba stacks. This is a very tough game to beat, and there's a surprise twist once you defeat the eight worlds that will throw you for a loop (and add a massive new challenging element to the game!). All in all, this game is worth the price, and will provide you with hours upon hours of playing enjoyment. You won't be disappointed.

The Legend of Zelda has always been one of the standout parts of the Nintendo franchise, so making this classic adventure from the Nintendo 64 available for play on the intuitive 3DS was a no-brainer. All of the elements and levels from the old game, released in 1998, have been recaptured and made even cooler thanks to the 3D Depth slider.

Okay, there are enemies here too in Mario Kart 7, but what kind of game would this be without Bowser? The game boasts wireless local matches, internet connected matches (you'll need broadband internet), race car customization, and of course, you can pick your very own favorite character from the Mushroom Kingdom. You'll also encounter different worlds and power-ups that are familiar to Mario fans. Even after seven installments, they've managed to keep this game fresh and at the top of the racing game genre!

For some reason, Nintendo decided to bring back Kid Icarus after a long, long time away from being in any game except for Super Smash Bros Brawl. While the original Kid Icarus game back in the 80s was okay (it wasn't great, let's be honest), this game far exceeds that original title. What was cool about the original was the characters and premise of the game, which Kid Icarus: Uprising takes to a whole new, modern level. The main character, Pit, has to fight his way through to get to the evil Medusa once again, but this time encounters new enemies and unforseen challenges. Nintendo could have gone anywhere with this title, since the original was so long ago, but they did a great job with it. See the screenshots on Amazon to get a better feel of how great this new game compares to the original and other action games of today.

I loved Star Fox 64 on the Nintendo 64 way back in 1997, and it's now available on the 3DS to play in full 3D mode! The game features autostereoscopic 3D graphics, which means 3D without having to use glasses (it's built right onto the 3DS screen!). Fly your Arwing through worlds and experience new an entirely new there dimensional landscape (though it's exactly the same as you remember from Star Fox 64 - but with true 3D graphics!). 

There are over 100 levels to master in this amazing game that chronicles the history of Sonic the Hedgehog, all the way back to his days on Sega Genesis. Even levels from Dreamcast and beyond are included on this colorful, fun, and now three dimensional game, this adds a lot of depth to the classic platforming game style of Sonic. 

At first glance, Resident Evil: Revelations makes a visual impact. It's graphics are stupendous, though don't expect anything less than sheer and utter gore throughout this worthy sequel to Resident Evil 4&5 (it takes place between those two games). There are two main players in the game, and you'll face all new enemies and new weapons. With each character, you'll receive a different style of gameplay that contradicts the other entirely. The game also makes use of the touch screen, which will help you solve some of the puzzles that appear in the game. At points you can also alternate between first and third person point of view, which is a great way to change up the way you play and find enemies.

What better way to experience a true arcade style fighting game that in amazing 3D quality? All of your favorite characters are back for more in Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. One of the coolest things about this game is that you can fight people from across the globe using Nintendo's online network. You can play as 35 different fighters, and a new over-the-shoulder viewpoint gives a whole new way to experience the game.

Should you buy a Nintendo 3DS? What's the point, if you already have a regular DS, and is it worth the money? Yes, you should own a Nintendo 3DS, I can confidently say. While the number of titles were lacking in 2011, they started off the year with a bang, and have others in development that will really skyrocket the popularity of this device.

The biggest reason I bought the 3DS was for Super Mario 3D Land. The commercial for this had me intrigued and hooked, and soon enough it was mine, all mine! When I set up the 3DS, I noticed it was a lot sturdier feeling than the typical DS and DS Lite. At first, the 3D slider was a little much to get used to, but after a while of playing Mario 3D Land, I realized that it actually enhanced gameplay quite a bit. How, you ask? With other 3D games like Super Mario 64, it was harder to tell where Mario was going to land. With the real 3D element on the 3DS, it is much easier to see where he's going to land and control movement. This goes for just about any game on the handheld system -- it just improves your control. 

The buttons on the game are also a breeze to get used to. I like that the directional pad is a more comfortable, round button now instead of the typical hard edged surface. After hours of playing Mario and typing on a computer, it can actually start to hurt a little bit if you use a keypad, so this small thing made a big difference to me. 

The battery charge is very generous. You won't need to recharge often -- once for every 6 hours of play or so. The graphics are also very impressive on the titles I've seen. They've surpassed some Wii games, and the gameplay elements you can tell they are putting in 110% into this device. I'm looking forward to seeing what games Nintendo has up their sleeve for the 3DS in 2012 and beyond!