After a slow launch, a dismal first summer and a drastic, course-correcting price cut, Nintendo's newest handheld, the 3DS, began to recover and finally prove its potential. The drama of those events is now more than a year behind us, and since the system found its footing we've been treated to more and more quality pieces of software. Now, as the system steps into its next chapter with the release of the 3DS XL, we've decided it's time for our first list of the handheld's best titles. So read on, and see if you agree with our picks for the Top 10 Nintendo 3DS games.



Publisher: Nintendo | Developer: Nintendo





Release Date: August 19, 2012 | Read the Review

The release of this latest New Super Mario Bros. sequel may have kicked off a wave of complaints about how Nintendo's not innovating enough with 2D Mario any more, but when you set all the talk aside and actually play the game you can't help but have fun. The mustached man's running and jumping adventures are still home to the best, most precisely designed levels in the platformer genre – and the search for deviously hidden secret levels and new emphasis on collecting thousands upon thousands of golden coins make New Super Mario Bros. 2 an essential play on 3DS.

~ Lucas M. Thomas

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Publisher:

Nintendo

| Developer:

see deal Kid Icarus Uprising - Nintendo 3DS $34.99 on Gamestop

Release Date:

March 23, 2012

~ Richard George

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Publisher: Square Enix | Developer: Indies Zero

Release Date: July 3, 2012 | Read the Review

Nintendo's original DS system hosted an incredible variety of great first-party music and rhythm games over its life span, from Elite Beat Agents to Rhythm Heaven to Electroplankton . On the 3DS, though, it's third-party Square Enix that has carried that momentum forward with the brilliant Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, a game that pays homage to both those DS predecessors and the entire history of the Final Fantasy franchise while also presenting new, innovative ways to translate songs into engaging gameplay. We never thought we'd be slashing with swords and casting spells while paying attention to tempo, but now that we have, we can't get enough.

~ Lucas M. Thomas

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Publisher: Square Enix | Developer: Square Enix

Release Date: July 31, 2012 | Read the Review

Kingdom Hearts 3D is probably the best portable game in the franchise – and considering it’s a series that has largely only appeared on portable devices, that’s no small feat. KH3D uses the system to its fullest, with gorgeous graphics that do a fine job of capturing the various Disney-themed worlds. Excellent cameos from The World Ends With You characters only further sweeten the experience. With fun combat, amazing music, and that certain, unmistakable Kingdom Hearts charm, this game is a fine addition to any 3DS library, and easily earns a place on our list.

~ Audrey Drake

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Publisher: Capcom | Developer: Capcom

Release Date: March 27, 2011 | Read the Review

The fact that Nintendo dropped the ball with the 3DS launch has been well documented. The company just didn't provide a killer app – Pilotwings Resort wasn't it, Steel Diver wasn't it, and the latest version of Nintendogs wasn't it either. Luckily, Day 1 adopters weren't left entirely without winning options thanks to Capcom and the unexpected best game to ship alongside the new system, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. This deep, focused and totally polished version of Capcom's legendary fighting series saved the 3DS launch for many, and has continued to prove its worth by even now still ranking as the best fighter available on the handheld.

~ Lucas M. Thomas