Nintendo 3DS downloadable gems

The Nintendo 3DS might have had a slow start upon its initial release, but now it’s one of the top selling handheld video game systems of all time. The Nintendo 3DS boast some huge Nintendo titles, like Smash Bros, several Legend of Zelda releases and more, but first party titles are not all this plucky little handheld has to offer. Here are 3 download titles for the 3DS that are sure to keep you glued to its stereoscopic 3D screen.

Released in North America on March 27th 2011, the Nintendo 3DS had a rather tepid initial launch. Most people found that it was a little over priced and the 3D was only good when you were in the “sweet spot”. Shortly after NIntendo announced a price drop of almost a third of the initial price. Also with this price drop Nintendo compensated everyone who originally bought the handheld at its original price with 10 original Nintendo Entertainment System and 10 Game Boy Advance games at no additional cost. Since then the Nintendo 3DS has seen huge success and is a staple in the gaming community.

The Nintendo 3DS Family

Over its lifespan the Nintendo 3DS has seen several new models come out along with a slew of colours and limited editions. There are currently 5 models of the 3DS available (not including colour variations or special editions).  There is the initial model along with and XL variation, which boasts the same functionality as the original but with much larger dual screens (90% larger to be exact). Nintendo also released an entry level model called the Nintendo 2DS, which does not offer the stereoscopic 3D support, only has mono sound and is a slate like design, but at lower cost. More recently Nintendo has released the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL, both these models are similar in look and size to the original and XL versions. However the New Nintendo 3DS/XL offers improved stereoscopic 3D, 2 extra shoulder buttons and the C-stick, which offers improved controls. All of these models are backwards compatible with all the Nintendo DS and DSi software.

So far in the Nintendo 3DS lifespan it has seen some huge releases including some massive first party support from Nintendo. I however am not here to talk about the latest 3D remake or the next iteration of the long running Mario Bros series as the Nintendo 3DS is also host to some amazing downloadable games that might just make you put down Smash Bros and play something a little different.

Grad your shovel and get ready for Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight found its origins in a successful Kickstarter campaign, which saw its initial release on Windows PCs, Nintendo Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS on June 26th 2014.  With heavy influence from the 8-bit video games like Castlevania, Super Mario Bros 3, Megaman and Duck Tales, Shovel Knight follows the 2D side-scrolling adventure of Shovel Knight as he uses his trusty shovel to fight enemies and dig up treasures. The game also features platform specific features and on the Nintendo 3DS it has StreePass Arena mode, which allows you to fight against other players recorded characters. Also later this month (Nov 27th) there will be a Shovel Knight Amiibo figure released. This figure will unlock challenge stages and customizable gear in the 3DS version. Shovel Knight is all around a great game, with classic  gameplay, tight controls and lots of replayability including free download content, which make this a must have for any 3DS owner.

Nail that landing for some high scores in OlliOlli

OlliOlli was originally planned as an iOS exclusive but through its development it was found that the touch screen controls did not fit the overall idea of the game. Released March 5th 2015 on Nintendo 3DS, it has seen rather positive reviews across the board. The game is a 2D side scrolling skateboarding simulation, where you use the control stick and several buttons to perform tricks and reach the end of the course. If you can manage to land perfectly while pulling off tricks you get some serious points as well. Every level has 5 achievements for you to complete and once they are all completed they unlock harder levels. With its easy to learn, hard to master controls OlliOlli is a little game that packs a big punch and is a great take on the skateboarding genre.

Legend of Zelda Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are great to come back to

These Gameboy Colour releases first saw the light of day way back in 2001, when they followed up the Game Boy release of The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening. They play just like the first game on Game Boy and are very similar to the first Legend of Zelda on NES and The Legend of Zelda Link to the Past on SNES. Both games have a top down view and feature a slew of the classic items and weapons, that we have come to love in the series. The thing that made these games stand out was that they each offered a unique game and could be combined via link cable or a password system that would also offer a special ending. Oracle of Seasons had a unique seasonal look that would change over time or via a special in game item and certain seasons would help or hinder gameplay. Whereas in Oracle of Ages, Link uses an item to travel between past and present which will change the look of the world and help solve puzzles, similar to the time traveling in Link to the Past. Both games were a critical and commercial success selling over 8 million copies combined. They were made available for download on Nintendo 3DS, on May 30th 2013, and offer one of the greatest handheld Legend of Zelda experiences, when played together or alone.

All of these games mentioned above offer a great way to get some good downloads for your Nintendo 3DS and offer some great alternatives to the larger and much bigger name games. So when you need a break from catching Pokemon or getting smashed up in Smash Bros, these 3 games are just what you need. Also I just love having a few extra games downloaded on my 3DS, just so i don’t need to carry some extra game cards around. Do you have any downloaded games on your Nintendo 3DS and if so what ones? Let me know in the comments below.