Best Nintendo 3DS Games for Gamers

Gaming seems to have two schools of thought. Some people see it as a good way to pass the time, and others basically see it as a gaming lifestyle that requires the most elite skill and gaming accessories possible. If you're in the latter school of thought, then you probably don't have a very high opinion of the Nintendo 3DS.

Often regarded as a pretty "casual gamer" machine when put next to the Xbox One and the PS4, the Nintendo 3DS still can pack a powerful gaming punch...if you have the right games.

If you're away from you main game system, or if you just wanna unleash your inner hardcore gamer, the following titles have been called some of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers with a seriously competitive twist.

You will not be able to find a hardcore gamer out there who doesn't love this retro game. The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time is considered to be one of the best games of all time — and spawned one of the largest, most famous game franchises in history.

You fight as Link and have to fight through monsters galore in order to save a princess. It's a classic story, and it's also one of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers who who miss the better side of nostalgia gaming.

That giant pink balloon known as Kirby makes an entrance on this list of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers that have a traditional streak int hem. In this surprisingly stirring game, you have to help Kirby keep an evil corporation from mechanizing his home planet.

Kirby: Planet Robobot is a game that offers quite a bit of action in terms of fighting, new modes, Kirby-style shapeshifting, and easy-to-control item lifting powers. As a result, it's actually a pretty decent game to help you get back to your old fighter gamer roots.

Shovel Knight is one of those games that offers a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor for gamers who get a little bit worn out from all the stereotypical plotlines in video games, and as such, ranks highly as one of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers who eat, sleep, and breathe RPGs.

Yes, there's a lot of combat, but there's also a lot of laughs. At times, Shovel Knight even pokes fun at itself. This game has Challenge Mode, Battle Mode, and more — so it's not like you can't get a more competitive edge into your gaming, either.

By far, one of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers with a penchant for arcade-style games is Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. It's got a big name, has plenty of awesome banana-hoarding fun, and also brings back memories of times gone by.

This side-scroller game offers a lot of challenges, which makes it a good came for both serious and casual gamers alike. Besides, who doesn't like being able to say they're getting it on like Donkey Kong?

If you ask a lot of people, the Monster Hunter franchise is slowly starting to get as much credibility as Devil May Cry and other famous video game names. Those who haven't gotten in on the game series have a great chance now, thanks to Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.

Considered to be one of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers in its genre, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the best game the series has had yet. Hunt new monsters, explore new lands, help defend your caravan, and learn about what it really means to be a Monster Hunter in this hot new game!

Most of the video games available for the Nintendo 3DS are happy-go-lucky and sunny. It is, after all, reputed to be a lighthearted and casual game console. Code Name S.T.E.A.M is a little darker than, say Shovel Knight, but still keeps the overall colorful and upbeat vibe of a typical 3DS game.

In this one, you get to be part of an elite soldier group who sets out to help save the earth from an alien menace. Fight baddies, get better weapons, and save the day.

Easy enough? Yeah — and you get to enjoy great graphics along with your quest, making this one of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers that like classic game plots.

A JRPG? On the Nintendo 3DS? Yes, it's true — and it's one of the best Nintendo 3DS games for gamers who love RPGs. Bravely Default is all about a trio of adventurers who have the goal of saving the land of Luxendark from evil.

This really cool, beautifully illustrated JRPG has a rich storyline, a unique combat option that allows you to make sacrifices for huge gains, and an overall enchanting world. If you love seriously immersive storylines with exceptional world building, Bravely Default is one of the best games you can buy for the system.