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[Tschumi]

Despite not having played a game for a month, having two Vitas and a Wii U for retro games of this ilk, I've gone ahead and ordered a New 3DS. Because i like the multicoloured face buttons, and i find myself growing in regard for Nintendo style pick up'n'play games.

Edit: It arrived. Love much of it. See posts for further discussion...

As i understand it, New 3DS can play any games from any variation of the DS console family, going back to the original DS (just no physical GBA games), so as far as I can tell that's just a buttload of options to choose from.

I haven't been able to find a list that just gives a ranking of games across all of these platforms from the fixed perspective of a New 3DS owing potential buyer. So that's what I'm looking for here

Give me your top 10 games from the DS console family, for my New 3DS.

Note:
I'm interested in low hour/high replayability games, not looking those big bad JRPGs or 100 hour anythings: I've got a whole host of other consoles and my PC for that stuff. Advanced Wars: [everything] already on my list.

 

[UsualNoise]

3DS
Luigi's Mansion 1 & 2 are both fun
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds is a must-play, one of my favorite games of all time
Mario Kart 7
Super Mario 3D World
Metroid: Samus Returns

DS
Elite Beat Agents: super fun rhythm game, if you like that kind of game
Metroid Prime Hunters
Professor Layton: bunch of games on both 3DS and DS, find a cheap used one on DS to see if you like it
Mario vs Donkey Kong 1 & 2

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Professor Layton: bunch of games on both 3DS and DS, find a cheap used one on DS to see if you like it

There are a few available on iOS, getting a cheap DS copy will be very hard, 3DS ones go double the retail price.

 

[Tschumi]

3DS
Luigi's Mansion 1 & 2 are both fun
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds is a must-play, one of my favorite games of all time
Mario Kart 7
Super Mario 3D World
Metroid: Samus Returns

DS
Elite Beat Agents: super fun rhythm game, if you like that kind of game
Metroid Prime Hunters
Professor Layton: bunch of games on both 3DS and DS, find a cheap used one on DS to see if you like it
Mario vs Donkey Kong 1 & 2

On the list! Very interested in Zelda.. Do later Pokemon games add anything but a bunch of new Pokemon?

 

[UsualNoise]

There are a few available on iOS, getting a cheap DS copy will be very hard, 3DS ones go double the retail price.

Yes, 3DS are usually high but I see some DS on eBay for between $10-15. I don't have any Apple devices so I don't know how the gameplay holds up, probably similar I'd guess.

 

[NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt]

3DS

Yokai Watch
Yokai Watch 2
Yokai Watch 3
Luigi Mansion Dark Moon
Bravely Default
Radiant Historia Perfect Chronology
Monster Hunter Stories
Dragon Quest VIII
Shin Megumi Tensei IV
Fire Emblem Awakening

DS

Chrono Trigger
Suikoden Tierkreis
Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow
Castlevania Portrait of Ruin
Castlevania Order of Ecclesia
Dragon Quest IV
Dragon Quest V
Dragon Quest VI
Golden Sun Dark Dawn
Infinite Space

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Top 10 lists are hard. Especially if you have not played system in some time. Here are my favourites anyways

Mario and Luigi: Bowser inside story
Legend of Zelda: a link between worlds
Bravely Default
Xenonlade Chronicles
Ace Attorney Trilogy
Super Mario 3d land
SMT 4 and apocalypse
Luigi's Mansion 2

Don't sleep on RPGs on the system. A lot of them are must play and art style holds up today nicely.

 

[Husky]

Hello hello.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (New 3DS)
Pokémon Platinum, HeartGold or SoulSilver, Black or White 1 & 2 (DS)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time & Majora's Mask 3D (3DS)
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days & Re:coded (DS)
Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)

I own two first-person fantasy RPGs on DS, never actually played much of them. Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain and Orcs & Elves. Hope those are good. There are also some fun FPS on DS, the best of which are Renegade Kid's Moon, Dementium: The Ward, and Dementium II. Some of them have remasters on the 3DS eShop. Also some studio made a bad PC remaster of Dementium II, kinda clueless on why that was done. Call of Duty has some DS-exclusive FPS spinoffs, if you enjoy the touchscreen aiming mechanics.
I really shoulda bought some of those Monster Hunter games. Those are probably wicked. Yeah, I should get those.

 

[Quasicat]

3DS
Luigi's Mansion 1 & 2 are both fun
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds is a must-play, one of my favorite games of all time
Mario Kart 7
Super Mario 3D World
Metroid: Samus Returns

DS
Elite Beat Agents: super fun rhythm game, if you like that kind of game
Metroid Prime Hunters
Professor Layton: bunch of games on both 3DS and DS, find a cheap used one on DS to see if you like it
Mario vs Donkey Kong 1 & 2

This would be my list except my number one would be Pocket Card Jockey which was made by the Pokémon Company and was not what I was expecting at all when downloaded the demo.

 

[ValiantTraveler]

Here goes:

Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Black and White 2
Pokémon Ultra Sun/Moon
Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
Xenoblade Chronicles
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
The Alliance Alive
Super Robot Wars UX
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies

 

[Tschumi]

Here goes:

Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Black and White 2
Pokémon Ultra Sun/Moon
Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
Xenoblade Chronicles
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
The Alliance Alive
Super Robot Wars UX
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies

I heard they finally got the fire emblem really down with their ds iterations hmm

What's the best best best Pokemon?

 

[UsualNoise]

This would be my list except my number one would be Pocket Card Jockey which was made by the Pokémon Company and was not what I was expecting at all when downloaded the demo.

Heh, I own that one but haven't played it yet. Guess I should eh?

 

[cireza]

This advice comes too late sadly, but I would have suggested an XL model, as you get a better experience for DS games. By holding the SELECT button, you display the original DS games in 1:1 ratio, which prevents the ugly blur that occurs otherwise. On a XL screen, you still retain a very large field of view, pretty much as big as if you were playing on a DS Lite.

That being said, here are some suggestions for both consoles :

3DS :
Kirby Triple Deluxe (this game was much better than I had anticipated, it was a lot of fun, with great 3D effects)
Donkey Kong Country Returns (this port runs 30fps, you can feel that it is a little bit constrained, but it is a great game and has amazing 3D effect)
Sonic Generations (one of my favorite Sonic games, it is fun, I love the stage selection and soundtrack, it looks great in 3D)
SEGA AGES games by M2 : they are great versions of the games and you should check them
Liberation Maiden : very fun arcade game
Shovel Knight
Bloodstained : Curse of the Moon
Captain Toad
Cave Story (not the 3D game)
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Picross 3D

DS :
Hero Saga Laevatein
Knights in the Nightmare
Castlevania (all three games)
Sonic Rush/Adv/Colors
Contra 4
Golden Sun
Lock's Quest
Shiren the Wanderer (one of my favorite games ever)
Tetris DS

DS or 3DS :
Radiant Historia
SMT Strange Journey

 

[Null Persp]

These are my fav :

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Elite Beat Agents
Ouendan
Rhythm Heaven
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Trauma Center: Under the Knife
Phoenix Wright series
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
Infinite Space
999
Hotel Dusk : room 215
Hotel Dusk sequel - Last Window: The Secret of Cape West
Time Hollow
Professor Layton series
Lost in Blue
Trace Memory
The World ends with you
THE DARK SPIRE
Touch Detective 1 & 2
Theresia: Dear Emile

 

[Banjo64]

My top 8 in no particular order;

Ocarina of Time 3D
Majora’s Mask 3D
A Link Between Worlds
Super Mario 64 DS
Pokémon Soul Silver/Heart Gold
Pokémon Diamond/Pearl
Mario Kart 7
Super Smash Bros. 3DS

Other honourable 3DS mentions;

Luigi’s Mansion 1&2
Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire
Captain Toad’s Treasure Tracker
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Super Mario 3D Land
Xenoblade Chronicles
Ever Oasis
Kid Icarus Uprising

Just to note, I don’t play Smash on my 3DS due to Ultimate, but I’m shocked at how playable it is. Also, Diamond and Pearl hold up very well and look better than the remake coming out, for real.

 

[Husky]

I wanna speak up again and place a negative vote against Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.

 

[DGrayson]

Super Mario 3D Land is great. I preferred it to 3D World

 

[Tschumi]

I wanna speak up again and place a negative vote against Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon.

Why those in particular?

This advice comes too late sadly, but I would have suggested an XL model, as you get a better experience for DS games. By holding the SELECT button, you display the original DS games in 1:1 ratio, which prevents the ugly blur that occurs otherwise. On a XL screen, you still retain a very large field of view, pretty much as big as if you were playing on a DS Lite.

That being said, here are some suggestions for both consoles :

3DS :
Kirby Triple Deluxe (this game was much better than I had anticipated, it was a lot of fun, with great 3D effects)
Donkey Kong Country Returns (this port runs 30fps, you can feel that it is a little bit constrained, but it is a great game and has amazing 3D effect)
Sonic Generations (one of my favorite Sonic games, it is fun, I love the stage selection and soundtrack, it looks great in 3D)
SEGA AGES games by M2 : they are great versions of the games and you should check them
Liberation Maiden : very fun arcade game
Shovel Knight
Bloodstained : Curse of the Moon
Captain Toad
Cave Story (not the 3D game)
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Picross 3D

DS :
Hero Saga Laevatein
Knights in the Nightmare
Castlevania (all three games)
Sonic Rush/Adv/Colors
Contra 4
Golden Sun
Lock's Quest
Shiren the Wanderer (one of my favorite games ever)
Tetris DS

DS or 3DS :
Radiant Historia
SMT Strange Journey

My avatar is partly shinren from my Vita

Golden Sun on DS? Is that a straight port of the GBA game or something more?

I think mine is a regular sized new 3ds... Honestly didn't realise they had an xl, hope the plates i ordered for it fit ha.. tbh I'm glad I'm not getting xl, too inconspicuous for public use

 

[Chukhopops]

It’s almost impossible to limit to 10 but:

- Shin Megami Tensei 4 Apocalypse
- Fire Emblem Fates (Conquest)
- Monster Hunter Generations
- Strange Journey Redux
- Etrian Odyssey 4
- Rythm Paradise Megamix
- Final Fantasy Theatrythm - Curtain Call
- Super Mario 3D Land
- Persona Q
- Pokémon USUM

 

[cireza]

Golden Sun on DS? Is that a straight port of the GBA game or something more?

It is the third entry in the series, not a port.

 

[ValiantTraveler]

I heard they finally got the fire emblem really down with their ds iterations hmm

What's the best best best Pokemon?

FE Awakening and Echoes are really brilliant, very polished in all aspects. The casual mode was a godsend for me.

There's also FE Fates but I don't know how good it is, people seem more mitigated about it.

For Pokémon the answer will change depending on who you ask. For me Black & White 2 are the best, followed closely by Platinum. Many others will say HeartGold & SoulSilver which are solid picks but unfortunately I never got the opportunity to play them.

Don't listen to the Sun/Moon slander, I'm itching to replay Ultra Sun, partly because of the summer vibes.

 

[Tschumi]

It is the third entry in the series, not a port.

FE Awakening and Echoes are really brilliant, very polished in all aspects. The casual mode was a godsend for me.

There's also FE Fates but I don't know how good it is, people seem more mitigated about it.

For Pokémon the answer will change depending on who you ask. For me Black & White 2 are the best, followed closely by Platinum. Many others will say HeartGold & SoulSilver which are solid picks but unfortunately I never got the opportunity to play them.

Don't listen to the Sun/Moon slander, I'm itching to replay Ultra Sun, partly because of the summer vibes.

I don't wanna go hoarding them all, just wanna decide on one, you seem to know your shit so I'll YouTube Black& white 2

I'll get FE Awakening to kick it off i guess!

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Yes, 3DS are usually high but I see some DS on eBay for between $10-15. I don't have any Apple devices so I don't know how the gameplay holds up, probably similar I'd guess.

Yes, the screen is divided in two, works very well.

 

[Husky]

Why those in particular?

The 7th gen Pokemon games are the worst. The 3DS entries overall are a downward trend for the series, after the DS games were a massive peak, but those Alola region games are what killed my enthusiasm for the series. It might be best to list my complaints with bullet points.

• The region is dead. Only two types of NPCs move: NPCs that appear from offscreen, can only say "Hello" or "Alola," and disappear offscreen, and trainers that haven't been battled yet. Once battled, those trainers will never move again. The player has killed them. They, like all other NPCs, remain eternally still.
• There are next to no side activities. The player has little option but to continue forward with the story. There's one mini battle contest, but it's extremely easy to 100% shortly after starting.
• The storyline and characters suck suck suck. I hate Lillie so goddamned much. She gives you a stuffed animal at the end of Sun and Moon. I sold it for 50 cents.
• The region's boring.
• Pokemon games often use interesting barriers to keep the player exploring the routes in a linear fashion, with interesting optional landmarks and explorable areas along the way. The Alola region instead uses the exact same barrier at nearly every point blocked off to the player, I think it's literally just a black and yellow roadblock or something. There aren't any landmarks or whatever to explore. Do you want an optional cave, haunted house, factory, or mansion? Hahaha fuck off. The post-game content's short and bullshit as well.
• The tutorial ends when the credits roll. Your hand's gonna be real sweaty when they let go of that tight grip. Lillie, Hau and Kukui basically have you on a child leash.

 

[Tschumi]

The 7th gen Pokemon games are the worst. The 3DS entries overall are a downward trend for the series, after the DS games were a massive peak, but those Alola region games are what killed my enthusiasm for the series. It might be best to list my complaints with bullet points.

• The region is dead. Only two types of NPCs move: NPCs that appear from offscreen, can only say "Hello" or "Alola," and disappear offscreen, and trainers that haven't been battled yet. Once battled, those trainers will never move again. The player has killed them. They, like all other NPCs, remain eternally still.
• There are next to no side activities. The player has little option but to continue forward with the story. There's one mini battle contest, but it's extremely easy to 100% shortly after starting.
• The storyline and characters suck suck suck. I hate Lillie so goddamned much. She gives you a stuffed animal at the end of Sun and Moon. I sold it for 50 cents.
• The region's boring.
• Pokemon games often use interesting barriers to keep the player exploring the routes in a linear fashion, with interesting optional landmarks and explorable areas along the way. The Alola region instead uses the exact same barrier at nearly every point blocked off to the player, I think it's literally just a black and yellow roadblock or something. There aren't any landmarks or whatever to explore. Do you want an optional cave, haunted house, factory, or mansion? Hahaha fuck off. The post-game content's short and bullshit as well.
• The tutorial ends when the credits roll. Your hand's gonna be real sweaty when they let go of that tight grip. Lillie, Hau and Kukui basically have you on a child leash.

That sounds like I'd probably share your take..

So the last unimpeachable success in the series was? Black & White?

 

[Husky]

That sounds like I'd probably share your take..

So the last unimpeachable success in the series was? Black & White?

Yeah all the DS entries are really top tier. Best regions, best characters, best storylines, best artstyle and music and everything. One thing that'll surely have a lotta folk mixed on Black & White (1) is that until the regional dex is acquired, the region only sports brand new Pokemon. For me, that was fresh and wonderful.
Black 2 & White 2 are also great, though I found them to be way easier than the other DS entries. But overall it's more of the Unova region (this time with national dex Pokemon available from the start), with some new areas, all the same returning side activities, plus a few new ones. Also unlike the Ultra games, B2&W2 are actual sequels, taking place after the first Black & White. So there's plenty value in playing both.

There's something real mystical about the regions in the DS games. The lore behind the legendaries is really nice, but something else that greatly adds to this feeling is the design of some of the side content. Lots of them just have a lotta mystery around them.

Also, I do like the gen 6 Pokemon games, on 3DS. X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire are alright by me. X/Y feels unfinished, as if "Z" was going to be the real flagship Kalos game, but that never happened. The customization and setting is really nice. It's just a bit underbaked. If we did get an expanded Z, it'd probably have been about as great as the DS games. OR/AS isn't quite as good, but I had a lot of fun with the online secret bases.

 

[Tschumi]

Yeah all the DS entries are really top tier. Best regions, best characters, best storylines, best artstyle and music and everything. One thing that'll surely have a lotta folk mixed on Black & White (1) is that until the regional dex is acquired, the region only sports brand new Pokemon. For me, that was fresh and wonderful.
Black 2 & White 2 are also great, though I found them to be way easier than the other DS entries. But overall it's more of the Unova region (this time with national dex Pokemon available from the start), with some new areas, all the same returning side activities, plus a few new ones. Also unlike the Ultra games, B2&W2 are actual sequels, taking place after the first Black & White. So there's plenty value in playing both.

There's something real mystical about the regions in the DS games. The lore behind the legendaries is really nice, but something else that greatly adds to this feeling is the design of some of the side content. Lots of them just have a lotta mystery around them.

Also, I do like the gen 6 Pokemon games, on 3DS. X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire are alright by me. X/Y feels unfinished, as if "Z" was going to be the real flagship Kalos game, but that never happened. The customization and setting is really nice. It's just a bit underbaked. If we did get an expanded Z, it'd probably have been about as great as the DS games. OR/AS isn't quite as good, but I had a lot of fun with the online secret bases.

I played a bit of one of the DS games last year and found the setting to be very attractive, kinda retro, so I'll definitely give it a go! I think it might have been HeartGold...

 

[nush]

Sega Ages 3d conversions are the killer apps on the 3DS that actually show the 3D feature benefits. Insane amount of work that went into those games to get them to be 3D. Damn shame Nintendo could not be bothered to make at least some of the Virtual Boy games colorized and 3D. Sega does....

 

[Tschumi]

Sega Ages 3d conversions are the killer apps on the 3DS that actually show the 3D feature benefits. Insane amount of work that went into those games to get them to be 3D. Damn shame Nintendo could not be bothered to make at least some of the Virtual Boy games colorized and 3D. Sega does....

Great lead I'll look into them

 

[Birdo]

not looking those big bad JRPGs or 100 hour anythings

A few people seemed to miss this line

The DS port of Mario 64 is the best version.

 

[nush]

Great lead I'll look into them

Some of the games are only included on cartridge compilations, so look at those exclusive games on the cart and decide if you want them before you start buying al la carte from the Eshop. That way you don't double dip on a lot of games.

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

There’s so many games on the two systems. I still have so many to play myself.

I can suggest (3DS only - going into DS would be madness):

- Luigi’s Mansion 2 - my favorite of the trilogy, gameplay-wise
- Super Mario 3D Land
- Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call
- Virtue’s Last Reward
- Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask
- The Layton games, including Layton vs Phoenix Wright
- Shinobi
- Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Planet Robobot
- Paper Mario: Sticker Star
- Yoshi’s New Island
- Senran Kagura Burst!

 

[worldwithpyramids]

3DS:
A Link Between Worlds
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Super Mario 3D Land
Gotta Protectors
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

DS:
Elite Beat Agents
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Chrono Trigger
Tetris DS
Bangai-O Spirits

 

[Husky]

I played a bit of one of the DS games last year and found the setting to be very attractive, kinda retro, so I'll definitely give it a go! I think it might have been HeartGold...

HeartGold is my favorite
I like having a Pidgey follow me. For the entire game. Never evolving. Because Pidgeot's not as cute.
The Pokeathlon's the best side activity ever, and worth returning to over and over throughout the game. That new customizable Safari Zone, omg. The photo spots!

 

[Tschumi]

HeartGold is my favorite
I like having a Pidgey follow me. For the entire game. Never evolving. Because Pidgeot's not as cute.
The Pokeathlon's the best side activity ever, and worth returning to over and over throughout the game. That new customizable Safari Zone, omg. The photo spots!

 

[CuteFaceJay]

Pokemon ORAS has to be up there.

 

[Shifty1897]

I'm interested in low hour/high replayability games, not looking those big bad JRPGs or 100 hour anythings.

 

[Touch fuzZy. get BizZay]

1. Rhythm Heaven Megamix
2. Fire Emblem Shadows of Valentia
3.The Legend of Zelda a Link between Worlds
4. Fire Emblem Awakening
5. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
6. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Dual Destinies
7. Persona Q Shadow of the Labyrinth
8. Professor Layton Vs Phoenix Wright
9. Warioware GOLD
10. Luigi's Mansion 2

 

[EverydayBeast]

I keep recommending Majoras Mask unfortunately it’s often avoided because of the in-game clock.

 

[MagnesG]

Some 3DS and DS gem, sorry OP for not following yout format.

Rune Factory 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 (it's on Switch though)
Megaman Battle Network 5 Double Team DS
Megaman Starforce 1-3
Final Fantasy Tactics A2
Pokemon Rangers 1 + 2

 

[Quasicat]

I keep recommending Majoras Mask unfortunately it’s often avoided because of the in-game clock.

For me, it’s not the clock mechanics that bother me, it’s how they changed the movement of Mikau and the Deku Scrub. I was able to beat it, but these caused some unnecessary difficulty in an otherwise great port.

 

[Tschumi]

I keep recommending Majoras Mask unfortunately it’s often avoided because of the in-game clock.

I ain't gonna lie that's exactly why I avoid it... But, that's morphed, and these days it's enough of a reason to avoid it because way more accessible games are struggling to capture my imagination these days, so like MM seems like a bridge too far...

Some 3DS and DS gem, sorry OP for not following yout format.

Rune Factory 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 (it's on Switch though)
Megaman Battle Network 5 Double Team DS
Megaman Starforce 1-3
Final Fantasy Tactics A2
Pokemon Rangers 1 + 2

rune factory is like a fantasy harvest moon right? can u give me the run-down on it?

 

[MagnesG]

rune factory is like a fantasy harvest moon right? can u give me the run-down on it?

It's like a hybrid between harvest moon and typical top-down action rpg. The farm system is still kinda same fundamentally and as deep, but you have dungeons, weapons and equipments, crafting, bosses.


On top of my head:
- Crafting is as complex as min-maxing diablo loot stats. (RF4). Cooking too.
- Stories have chapters and definite endings, more coherent than HM.
- The monsters can be tamed and, can be asked to run farm chores. Some can be ridden.
- Many types of weapons, magics and skills.

I like it much much better than the typical harvest moon games, obviously. RF4 is on Switch btw so could try that one first though.

 

[Tschumi]

It's like a hybrid between harvest moon and typical top-down action rpg. The farm system is still kinda same fundamentally and as deep, but you have dungeons, weapons and equipments, crafting, bosses.


On top of my head:
- Crafting is as complex as min-maxing diablo loot stats. (RF4). Cooking too.
- Stories have chapters and definite endings, more coherent than HM.
- The monsters can be tamed and, can be asked to run farm chores. Some can be ridden.
- Many types of weapons, magics and skills.

I like it much much better than the typical harvest moon games, obviously. RF4 is on Switch btw so could try that one first though.

Hmmmm sounds interesting! I'll look for 4

 

[Fbh]

Kid Icarus Uprising:
Really fun gameplay once (if?) you get used to the awkward controls, really nice visuals for the system with great use of 3D, fun story with charming characters and decent humor, and the single best soundtrack Nintendo has ever produced.

SMTIV:
All the Pokemon style fun of collecting, training and upgrading monsters, but in a post apocalyptic setting, gameplay that doesn't feel designed for 6 years olds and some fun moral choices between different but equally fucked up options.
It's also a standalone story so no need to have played the previous games. Though checking out some beginner tips online might be worth it.

Fire Emblem Awakening:
A modernized take on classic Fire Emblem. The Waifu stuff is definitely weeb bait but the whole mechanic with the kids of your characters coming from the future to help is quite fun. I vastly prefer this take over the Highschool Simulator approach of Three Houses (way nicer art direction too)

A Link Between Worlds:
Fun 2D Zelda adventure. A bit on the easy side but still really enjoyable.

Zelda OoT/Majora 3D remaster:
Nice version of these classic that feel sort of like a middle point between remaster and remake

Xenoblade Chronicles:
Great JRPG with a fun world, enjoyable story and great music. Gameplay gets a tad repetitive towards the end but it's overall fun.
I still think either playing an emulated version of the Wii Original or Playing the Switch remaster is a better option. But if 3DS is your only choice it's still worth playing through here.

Bravely Default:
Great classic Style JRPG IF you are into the genre more due to the gameplay than story. The story is pretty forgettable but the star of the show is the awesome job based combat system which allows for a lot of flexibility and experimentation in building your team. Nice visuals and music too.

 

[Tschumi]

Kid Icarus Uprising:
Really fun gameplay once (if?) you get used to the awkward controls, really nice visuals for the system with great use of 3D, fun story with charming characters and decent humor, and the single best soundtrack Nintendo has ever produced.

SMTIV:
All the Pokemon style fun of collecting, training and upgrading monsters, but in a post apocalyptic setting, gameplay that doesn't feel designed for 6 years olds and some fun moral choices between different but equally fucked up options.
It's also a standalone story so no need to have played the previous games. Though checking out some beginner tips online might be worth it.

Fire Emblem Awakening:
A modernized take on classic Fire Emblem. The Waifu stuff is definitely weeb bait but the whole mechanic with the kids of your characters coming from the future to help is quite fun. I vastly prefer this take over the Highschool Simulator approach of Three Houses (way nicer art direction too)

A Link Between Worlds:
Fun 2D Zelda adventure. A bit on the easy side but still really enjoyable.

Zelda OoT/Majora 3D remaster:
Nice version of these classic that feel sort of like a middle point between remaster and remake

Xenoblade Chronicles:
Great JRPG with a fun world, enjoyable story and great music. Gameplay gets a tad repetitive towards the end but it's overall fun.
I still think either playing an emulated version of the Wii Original or Playing the Switch remaster is a better option. But if 3DS is your only choice it's still worth playing through here.

Bravely Default:
Great classic Style JRPG IF you are into the genre more due to the gameplay than story. The story is pretty forgettable but the star of the show is the awesome job based combat system which allows for a lot of flexibility and experimentation in building your team. Nice visuals and music too.

Man posts like yours are golddust.. hugely appreciate this, definitely given me something to think about and anticipate

 

[Tschumi]

So my n3DS arrived.. gotta say, the screen colour is a bit disappointing, and in general the whole thing just makes me miss playing on Vita (good thing i have two of those!) from a mechanical standpoint... I mean [screen colouration rant redacted]!

But that ain't why i got the thing, is it? I guess I'll give my opinions on the games when I have played some more, still undecided on what to start with, i did pick up Pokemon HeartGold ("Tschumi" just fits in the character name box) but that's not 3ds intended now izzit?!

Maybe I'll do an LTTP. Ler.

Edit: Took me whole hours to realise the stylus came stowed in the thing

Edit: leaning towards Link Between Worlds to start.

 

[HF2014]

So my n3DS arrived.. gotta say, the screen colour is a bit disappointing, and in general the whole thing just makes me miss playing on Vita (good thing i have two of those!) from a mechanical standpoint... I mean [screen colouration rant redacted]!

But that ain't why i got the thing, is it? I guess I'll give my opinions on the games when I have played some more, still undecided on what to start with, i did pick up Pokemon HeartGold ("Tschumi" just fits in the character name box) but that's not 3ds intended now izzit?!

Maybe I'll do an LTTP. Ler.

Edit: leaning towards Link Between Worlds to start.

Think you got a N3DS with TN panels. If your lucky you can get one with top screen IPS, but be prepare to pay more to get it, unless the person doesnt know about it like i got a lucky Monster Hunter Edition with IPS top screen. Its a major difference. Dont get a New 2DS , they dont have IPS.

 

[Tschumi]

Think you got a N3DS with TN panels. If your lucky you can get one with top screen IPS, but be prepare to pay more to get it, unless the person doesnt know about it like i got a lucky Monster Hunter Edition with IPS top screen. Its a major difference. Dont get a New 2DS , they dont have IPS.

Do you think i can get a repair shop to track down better screens for me? N3ds is like half a decade younger than vita it's just pretty striking

 

[HF2014]

Do you think i can get a repair shop to track down better screens for me? N3ds is like half a decade younger than vita it's just pretty striking

Really doubt it tbh, but you can call them and see if they could do it. You lose nothing asking them!