Best games on the go

Best games on the go

The holidays are fast approaching and for many people that means traveling to see loved ones or just to get away. Naturally, when you are traveling, you’ll want to bring some games with you to keep you busy on the journey.

This year we saw a whole slew of games that knocked our socks off. However, some of them are better suited to gaming on the go than others. Whether you’re planning a trip across the country or to someplace warm and sunny, these are my picks for the best games to play on the go for your holiday trips.

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game (Switch)

Best games on the go

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game is the latest in the Ninjago series of games. If you’ve played a LEGO game before, then you will feel right at home with the LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game. You’ll be exploring worlds, solving puzzles, and fighting enemies—all so you can collect the previous LEGO studs.

There have been some notable improvements introduced to the combat system. You can now use specific button combinations for special attacks, which makes the combat more interesting and fun. You can upgrade these attacks with extra perks such as dropping more studs. Enemies have some new tricks up their sleeves and they are also highlighted when you are locked on to them, which makes for much more satisfying combat.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (3DS)

Best games on the go

Last year, Square Enix gave us the brilliant remastered version of Dragon Quest VII, and this year comes the timeless next entry in this legendary role-playing series, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, rebuilt from the ground up on Nintendo 3DS.

When I think back to my favourite RPGs of all time, Dragon Quest VIII easily is near the top for its amazing art direction, inspired cast of characters, and unforgettable, epic journey to save the world from the twisted magician. This version includes updates to the original, like additional story content, full voice acting, improved graphics, two more playable characters, new side quests, and a new quick save feature.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)

Best games on the go

Nintendo has brought over the hit Wii U racing game to the Switch and added all kinds of new features. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version delivering new characters, new vehicles, the return of fan-favourite items. New characters include the Inkling Girl and Boy from Splatoon, Bowser Jr., King Boo, and my personal favourite, Dry Bones. You’re also now able to hold onto two items at once, which makes the kart racing action even more hectic.

The biggest change, however, is the revamped Battle mode that brings back classic balloon-popping competition. Battle mode also includes the explosive Bob-omb Blast, coin-collecting Coin Runners, and the highly competitive Shine Thief. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate party game with up to 8-players using local wireless, and online play.

Puyo Puyo Tetris (Switch)

Best games on the go

Worlds collide as Tetris gets mashed up with SEGA’s awesome, yet lesser known puzzle franchise, Puyo Puyo in Puyo Puyo Tetris. This unique crossover title feels like practically three games in one. You get full versions of Tetris and Puyo Puyo, in addition to the all-new Fusion mode that combines both games. To top it off, there’s also a lengthy story mode.

The concept is fairly straight-forward, match the coloured slime-like creatures that fall from the top of the screen. Connect four or more puyos to eliminate them, and then any stacked above them will fall down. Where the real challenge lies is chaining multiple puyo pops, one after another, which gives you a mega combo.

Switching over to Tetris, you’ll find the classic gameplay hasn’t changed a whole lot from what you remember. Despite playing Tetris for nearly three decades now, I still find the core gameplay to be as satisfying as ever.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions (3DS)

Best games on the go

The Game Boy Advance RPG classic returns fully remastered on Nintendo 3DS. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions retells the duos first RPG adventure with fresh graphics and new content. The story takes you through several kingdoms as you track down the baddies Cackletta and Fawful who stole Peach’s voice.

What makes this franchise so interesting is the timing-based combat that challenges you to jump to avoid enemy attacks. Also included is Bowser’s Minions, an entirely new campaign that places you in the role of Captain Goomba!

Sonic Mania (Switch)

Best games on the go

Sonic Mania brings the best of Sonic’s past and future into one game. Its back-to-basics gameplay focuses on two simple elements: speed and momentum. These properties are what made the original games so much fun to play, and they carry forward to Mania beautifully.

Sonic Mania features eight remixed zones along with four brand new ones. Remixed levels may start out like you remember from SEGA Genesis, but they soon morph and change in fascinating ways. As fun as the remixed levels are the new stages are just as fun. It’s easy to see a high-level of care has gone into designing these stages.

Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)

Best games on the go

Super Mario Odyssey is the latest chapter of Nintendo’s flagship character and it’s one of the best Mario games ever! The big new feature in this game is Cappy, Mario’s new hat friend that lets him capture enemies. You can become a Goomba, Bullet Bill, Hammer Bros., Chain Chomp, and dozens of other new and returning characters. And, Mario can even transform into a gigantic T-Rex!

Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World (3DS)

Best games on the go

Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World is a 3DS port of the Wii U’s superb 2D platformer Yoshi’s Woolly World. This wonderful, fabric-inspired Yoshi game is a spiritual successor of sorts to Feel-Good’s Wii game, Kirby’s Epic Yarn. You get all six worlds from the original game, totaling more than 50 stages in all.

The game places much greater emphasis on Yoshi’s canine pal, Poochy. This mainly comes in the form of the all-new Poochy Hut where you can play auto-running Poochy Dash levels. Another fun addition is the ability to get creative and design your own Yoshi. Visit the Yoshi Hut and inside you can start with pre-made templates, or build from scratch. Once you’re satisfied with your creation, you can share it with friends using 3DS StreetPass.

The best games on the go for your holiday trips

Regardless of age or gaming preference you’ll find that these games are the best games on the go for your holiday trips. I hope you have a happy holiday and found my list helpful. Are you travelling for the holidays? If so, let me know in the comments section below where you are going and which of these games you will be playing.

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Jon Scarr
Jon is the Gaming Editor and is based in Toronto. He is a proud Canadian who has a serious passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with over 20 years experience. You can often find Jon streaming the latest games on his YouTube channel. Jon loves to talk about gaming and tech, come say hi and join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4Scarrsgaming on Instagram.