Nintendo is going to release the New Nintendo 3DS on the 13th of February. The latest iteration of the 3DS comes with several enhancements such as a faster CPU, right analog C-stick, Amiibo support along with better face tracking for wider 3D viewing angles. Of course, all of these improvements will be moot if there aren’t any videogames taking advantage of them. So what are the best New Nintendo 3DS games to buy along with the system? Find out with our list of top compatible releases (that will be able at launch or shortly after) below.
5. Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is a great game that is somewhat hindered by the vanilla Nintendo 3DS system. The New Nintendo 3DS fixes most of the issues by adding the C-stick, which allows for an alternate method to perform smash attacks along with improved loading. With a new patch, you can also use Amiibo figures to train fighters, a feature that was previously exclusive to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS launched on the 3rd of October last year. Buy the fighting game right now with this Amazon page.
4. Code Name S.T.E.A.M.
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a new I.P. from Intelligent System, the same people who brought you Advance Wars and Fire Emblem. The upcoming game somewhat resembles Valkyria Chronicles in that it mixes turn-based strategy with real-time third-person shooting. The C-stick of the New Nintendo 3DS should make controlling the camera much easier while the Amiibo support is going to add several Fire Emblem characters as playable party members.
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. comes out exactly one month after the U.S. launch of the newest 3DS hardware revision. Preorder the new I.P. from Nintendo here.
3. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
The Monster Hunter series is still quite popular in Japan thanks to its addicting cooperative gameplay. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the first handheld in the series to come with full online support. If that’s not enough, you can also use the new C-stick for camera controls, which is crucial when you are running around battling gigantic beasts. With other added elements to boot, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate looks like the best handheld installment in the series yet.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a launch game for the New Nintendo 3DS. Reserve the sequel with this link.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Xenoblade Chronicles can be quite costly on the Nintendo Wii considering that the RPG only saw a limited release in the U.S. Fortunately, Nintendo enlisted the help of Monster Games to port the massive game exclusively to the New Nintendo 3DS. The port is only possible in the latest hardware revision due to the extra CPU power that was added. If you want to see what the added horsepower is capable of, then you should pick up Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.
The New Nintendo 3DS version of Xenoblade Chronicles is launching in April. Preorder the game with this page.
1. The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask 3D
After years of begging from fans, Nintendo finally announced the 3DS remaster of The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask. Aside from the graphical upgrades, the new version also come with changes, such as a more forgiving save system and revamped notebook, that should improve gameplay of the already classic experience. Of course, the new C-stick will also allow for full 3D camera movement, eliminating the need to constantly (and awkwardly) center Link to get the best views.
The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask 3D, which can be preordered here, is also a launch game for the New Nintendo 3DS.
Based on the above-mentioned games alone, Nintendo has a strong lineup of support for the new hardware revision of the 3DS at and shortly after launch.