Topic: Is the 3DS for me?

Hi guys

First off, I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section of the board or whatever, but it seemed as good a place as any to post my question.

I'm looking to get a hand-held gaming machine over the next few days and to be honest, it's all been brought about by the new Pokemon games and I'd really quite like to get back into them again. The last one I played was Pokemon Crystal, so I've been away from it and Nintendo for that matter for quite some time. Whilst I know I will enjoy playing Pokemon, I'm not sure if I will enjoy playing the other games the 3DS has to offer. I'm a PC gamer, so I'm not really interested in playing any shooters on a handheld, but I was hoping the 3DS would offer me titles where I could play for a really long time, over and over without getting bored, but still being accessible enough that I could just play it for 10 minutes whilst still having a great experience. Just to set the record straight, the only big Nintendo Franchises that I've played are Mario and Pokemon. I've never played Zelda awkward silence and I couldn't even tell you what Zelda games entail. Whilst I loved Mario when I was younger, I've got no idea as to whether I would still enjoy playing Mario games.

I'm a big fan of exploration/quest/rpg style games. On my PC, I enjoy games such as Elder Scrolls, Fallout(including Pre-FO3), Mass Effect and the occasional Action/Shooter game (Batman: Arkham for example). I'm not expecting it to replace my PC experience, but I'd certainly like games to have a focus on story and/or exploration.

So, does the 3DS cater for this and what games would be worth me having a look at? Or hey, should I get a Vita(Asking that on a Nintendo forum probably isn't the best idea, but hey; I trust you guys will be honest )?

if you're not looking for shooters(at least not many), like exploration based games, platformers and you're a fan of RPGs 3DS is made for you.
for RPGs we have MH3U, almost every Atlus game, Fire Emblem Awakening(if you're into strategy games), Pokémon and many more(including some cheaper, but shorter, Eshop games)
platforming games like Mario aren't flooding the 3DS but there is a good number of those
I think you'll like 3D zelda games(like Ocarina of Time and since you never played zelda that's a good reason to get the OoT3D)
to tell the truth the only genre the 3DS does not have yet(that I know of) is First Person Shooter.

Its always tricky recommending games consoles to people, and I think you know what most of the answers will be on this forum .

I'll start off by saying I don't own a Vita, I own the 3ds XL. However I have used a Vita a couple of times, but I yeah I'm no expert on them.
From a hardware point of view, both are really good. The 3ds xl is sturdy feels and looks nice enough, however the Vita feels like a more expensive device and the screen is more impressive despite not being in 3d.

From a software point of view though I much prefer the 3d's current library. The funny thing is you said you are into exploration games but haven't really played Zelda? Granted they are not as open and explorable as games like The elder scrolls, but they have that same sense of adventure and exploring nooks and cranny's for secrets. I would be very surprised if you didn't enjoy a Zelda game after trying one (i.e. ocarina of time 3d).

But yeah there is great library of 3ds games, I wont list them here because I'm sure other people will tell you about it and you will stumble upon all the good ones after doing some quick google searching .

The thing is I'm similar to you in a sense that I have a capable PC and use that for "serious" gaming (That's really not the right word because I do so much gaming on my 3ds). I play a lot of mmorpgs etc... I don't really play many ps3/360 games because for the most part I find them just inferior versions of pc games. The cool thing about the 3ds is the game library is pretty different to what you would find on a typical console or pc and is very refreshing and fun. It helps if you know other people with 3d's because a lot of the games really shine with local multi-player, Mario kart, Pokémon and Monster hunter come to mind.

I'm not going to comment too much on the vita, I hear it has a lot of indie games if that's your thing. And most likely handheld versions of console games (which makes no sense to me, why not just play on the big screen?).

I recommend looking up some 3ds games, watch some video reviews or something, see if they are the sorts of games for you.

I own a PS Vita and a 3DS XL. Don't get me wrong I love my Vita but my 3DS XL in white is just too awesome with the games libary. You need to play Zelda Orcarina of Time 3DS if you do.

It is THE best game of all time

Thanks for those 3 replies. I think the big thing about the 3DS that really appeals is the games don't look like they're trying to be console games, but rather trying to be unique and just do their own thing to be entertaining. What annoys me about a lot of Vita titles, is that whilst some of them do have some really great Visuals, they're just trying to offer a proper console game(Killzone: Mercenary, which is bundled with the Vita seems to be a bit like this) on a handheld and that's not really what I want. When I want to play a full-size game, I'll take the time and do it on my PC so I can get the most out of it. For example, I'm going to play Arkham Origins on my PC, but I've got interest in playing the Vita port when the PC version exists.

Having said that, some of the Indie titles do look quite nice on the Vita. However, is it really anything that's not already out on the PC? I'm not so sure (although I'm sure I will be wrong on that point).

It's certainly looking like a 3DS XL for me at the moment (I'm thinking the MH3U Bundle!), but I'm actually getting a loan of a 3DS for the evening and Ocarina of time, so hopefully after playing that for a while I'll get more of an idea as to what it's all about.

Beev - If it's not the best game of all time I'm holding you responsible

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/10/readers_of_edge_cons...

There is a new post here on Nintendo Life as proof Zelda OOT 3DS should meet expectations

(Agent Smith voice) Hello, Mr. Anderson.

Yes, the 3DS is for you. I can tell you that you will be able to find a great number of games that are excellent quality and much to your liking.

To begin with, as others have stated, you'll likely enjoy games such as Monster Hunter 3, the Atlus games, and I'd really like to recommend Fire Emblem: Awakening. The Fire Emblem series, if you don't know, are tactical strategy RPGs where you battle with different units that entail different classes on a grid. It's similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, if you've played that before. Awakening really is an excellent game (it received excellent reviews and I personally enjoyed it immensely), and it has a well written story, memorable characters, layers and layers of strategy, and some nice looking graphics.

You mentioned that you'd like to get the new Pokemon games, and I can tell you that they are phenomenal. The graphics are very attractive (aside from a distinct lack of 3D in the overworld) and the game itself is brilliant. Nothing bad to say about Pokemon, plain and simple. I'd strongly recommend it.

Now, let's talk about Mario. If you're in the mood for some classic 2D style platforming, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is an excellent game, and even more enjoyable if you haven't played the previous games in the series (because it feels a lot fresher). In terms of 3D platforming, Super Mario 3D land brings the console style 3D Mario platforming experience onto the 3DS - and personally, I thought that the results were astounding. Just an excellent game in every sense of the word.

You mentioned that you've never played Zelda. Please, please, PLEASE, trust me on this. Get Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Ocarina of Time for the N64 (the game the upgraded 3D version is based on) is widely considered to be the finest game ever made. Seriously. The game has you exploring towns, the vast overworld, and most notably complicated dungeons (in which you must solve puzzles and defeat enemies to move forward). Generally as you progress through the game you receive new items (that can help both in combat and in exploration and puzzle solving) and upgrades (increase your vitality by getting heart containers and pieces of heart, get new tunics that are resistant to fire and ice, get a new shield, a better sword). The story is great as well.

Other games to look into: Mario Kart 7 is a fantastic racing game that's great to play with friends, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (also called Luigi's Mansion 2) is a really enjoyable game that has a lot of interesting puzzle solving and a lot of personality, Starfox 64 3D is a really enjoyable on rails shooter with delightfully cheesy 1990s voice acting and some very tight action, and finally Kid Icarus: Uprising is an excellent fantasy third person shooter with a very deep weapon system (hundreds of different weapons in nine categories, and a deep fusion system that allows each weapon to have different attributes) with a genuinely well written script and some excellent graphics, and finally, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, a game that has sucked hundreds of hours in and remains my most played game on 3DS, which is basically a strange life sim that I can hardly explain - you need to play it to get it, but I consider it to be one of the best games on 3DS, no doubt about that.

(Agent Smith voice again) Hear that, Mr. Anderson? That is the sound of inevitability, the sound of your incoming 3DS. Goodbye, Mr. Anderson.

I'm going to make a post as painless to read as possible. I'm going to make it short. Nintendo, to my opinion, makes the best games ever. Sure, you have Telltale Games with their epic and thrilling story-telling games such as Wolf among Us, Back to the Future, and the Walking Dead as well as Klei Entertainment with Don't Starve and Mark on the Ninja, but Nintendo has too many games to give up. You could play hundreds of hours of games such as Animal Crossing and Pokemon until you get old. They're not too addicting, but they do keep you playing daily for a couple of months. Animal Crossing was released in June, and I've been playing it at least an hour a day until it finally began wearing out on me earlier this month. I'm still playing it a few times a week, but it's not getting anywhere anymore unless you invest in a lot of bells (Animal Crossing Currency).

If you like Elder Scrolls, then you'd love the 3D Zelda games such as Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword. Those are on the Wii, but you should definitely play Ocarina of Time 3D, it seems perfect for you. Fire Emblem, Mario & Luigi (RPG), and a ton of other Nintendo-published titles are really awesome and seem as if you would like it. The thing that you should also know is that the 3DS and Wii U are actually consoles and handhelds. They are unique unlike the competitors who seem like weaker PCs, and the PS Vita is like a weaker version of a weaker version of PC... if you know what I mean. The Nintendo Eshop has too many Indie Games to pass up. I recommend to buy a 3DS and possibly a Wii U if you want for the exclusives (like all of those Nintendo titles and even some Sega/Atlus titles as well). Who could say no to Star Fox, Super Mario Bros (2D), Super Mario (3D), Mario Sports, Mario Kart, Mario & Luigi, 2D Zelda, 3D Zelda, F-Zero, Kid Icarus, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, WarioWare, Mario Party, Luigi's Mansion, Metroid, Pokemon, Fire Emblem, Kirby, Professor Layton, Yoshi, Donkey Kong Country, Legendary Starfy, and most importantly Super Smash Bros?

Given your situation, the short answer is Yes.
I think with a bit of searching you would find quite a few games you'd enjoy on the system as well.

Wow, I'm actually overwhelmed by the friendliness and passion by everyone on here, it is really appreciated! I have to say it all sounds absolutely amazing. I'm going to sleep on it, but I think I'll be ordering my new DS tomorrow. My only dilemma now is to decide what games to get first

The 3DS is truly for everyone and I think they've covered most bases with the selection of software and hardware available for consumers. Go ahead and get yourself a 3DS and I'm damn sure you'll absolutely love it.

If you've truly never played Zelda than the upcoming 3DS Zelda game would be a fantastic place to start, so welcome aboard!

It's an amazing console.
It's less powerful than the Vita, but it has wonderful games for nearly every genre.
I'd highly recommend getting the XL version, the screen is so much bigger and the corners don't dig into your palm like the old 3DS.
The 3DS XL seems more cheaply made than the regular version in my opinion, but it's worth it so much more.
There is also something called a 2DS that released this month, it's more bulky and it has no 3D or hinges, but it's cheaper and can take more of a hit!
And they all have a camera for taking 3D photos (well, the 2DS takes 2D photos.).

As for games, it has lots.
Fire Emblem: Awakening is my favourite (despite it being the easiest in the whole of the Fire Emblem series), I spent over 100 hours in that game in my first month, and played it for over 162 hours.
It's probably one of the best titles the 3DS has to offer, and the Nintendo E-shop offers a demo of it (and plenty of other demos are on their too!).
There is a 3D remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, it's amazing.
It runs really well, the 3D effect isn't that great (if you plan on using the 3D anyway, a lot of people switch it off), and it's a wonderful experience into the Zelda series.
It also has some more "hardcore" titles like Resident Evil: Revelations and an upcoming 3DS game called "Iron Fall", that looks amazing so far and is running in 60FPS.
It looks a lot like Gears of War to me.
Also, next month they are making a special Zelda A Link Between Worlds 3DS XL, and their is a Pokemon 3DS XL that released last month so you might want to snag that up if you can!
The bad thing about the console though, it's region locked, so that kind of sucks.
But it's backward compatible with DS games too!
Also it has a E-Shop where you can digitally purchase your games (no account system, unfortunately, so it's kind of a hassle to get back if your system breaks),
Overall, I'd say go for it!
It has something for everyone and it's a wonderful little device!

I had to go cheap and get the 3DS

As much as I wanted the XL, I can't justify the cost when the original plays all the same games

Yes. I'm not going to tell you all about the games as everyone else here has done that already. But all I'm going to say is that I bought my 3DS for OoT3D only. I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Now I play my 3DS more than my 360(not as much as Wii U though) and it's extremely overwhelming having to choose between so many games. You can't have them all, unless you're really rich. That's the only con for the 3DS. Which is funny because two years ago the biggest con was that it didn't have any worthwhile games.

I'm very excited for my system to come in!

I haven't owned a Nintendo Console for a while, I am giving up on super realistic/violent gaming. Even Bioware has let me down recently.

I am looking forward to playing some good ol' Nintendo titles.

I'd say yes. If you want adventure or RPG games, the 3DS has lots of good ones.

Must grabs:

• Tales of the Abyss (it may be a PS2 port, but it's my favorite game on the system)
• Ocarina of Time 3D (a timeless classic)
• Fire Emblem: Awakening (this has been explained plenty here, & I will throw in my recommendation as well)
• Crimson Shroud (it's an eShop game, done in the style of an old D&D style table top RPG. Really unique)
• Link's Awakening DX (Another classic Zelda. This one being a GBC masterpiece on eShop)

Others that may interest you:

• Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (an action RPG with an emphasis on flashy action. It has top notch production values, but some people may find the Disney elements a bit campy)
• Paper Mario: Sticker Star (it's not the best PM out there, but the hate out there is largely exaggerated, and the game is worth a look)
• The DENPA Men: They Came by Wave (another eShop RPG. Don't let it's cute look fool you, this actually has a pretty firm challenge, especially the devious post game dungeons, and will last you awhile. It also has a sequel that I hear is even better, but I haven't played it myself)
• Oracle of Seasons/Ages (more GBC Zeldas on eShop. If you enjoy LADX, pick these up next)
• The Legend of Zelda (the original, on eShop. Parts of it may be a bit old school, but if you play & enjoy the other Zeldas on the system, it's worth a look)

Games of other genres I'd recommend:

• Dead or Alive Dimensions (fighter. Fighters are always good for both pick up & play and long play sessions. While Super Street Fighter IV is another great alternative on the system, I feel DOAD surpasses it in most areas)
• Cave Story ("Metroidvania" style action platformer on eShop. It's kind of considered an indie must play, but it's also on PC, so you may have played it)
  VVVVVV - (another eShop platformer. It has a really wacky vibe, and stiff challenge. It's not uncommon to die hundreds of times throughout your adventure)
• Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater (Stealth/3rd Person Shooter. this is one of those console type experiences you said you weren't looking for, but it's still a fantastic game, and at least worth looking into if you haven't played it)
• Liberation Maiden (Shoot 'em up? This is one crazy fun game, oozing with Japanese style on eShop. You're pretty much flying over Japanese cities in a mech, blasting everything in sight in order to liberate them from oppressive invaders)

That's just from some of the stuff I've played.

You guys are awesome! My 3DS XL has just been ordered along with a copy of Pokemon Y and Fire Emblem: Awakening So pumped to get started

Hope you love FE: A as much as I did Don't know if you're familiar with the franchise or not, but Awakening is my favorite entry. It's like a collection of all the best ideas they had throughout the franchise put into one game, plus some great new stuff. It's also a great entry point for new players.

The only potentially off-putting thing I could think to say about it is the anime style isn't really for everyone. If you're not into to that kind of visual style and storytelling, it may be distracting.

Those games will keep you occupied for a long time. They're currently my top two 3DS games. The 3DS is awesome, and is currently JRPG heaven at the moment. If you enjoy challenging, strategic experiences, I highly recommend almost any of the Nintendo exclusive Atlus' franchises. In particular, Shin Megami Tensei IV and Etrian Odyssey IV are both FANTASTIC RPGs.

Pokemon X and Y in particular are absolute gems. The online battling and trading system is now almost perfect, and anyone with an internet connection can enjoy Pokemon's excellent multiplayer capabilities as well. The visuals are... well, let's just say these new games are graphically amazing. You now have a full 3D world to explore. You can customize every aspect of your trainer, from his or her eye color to the kind of shirt or shoes that he or she wears. Battles resemble a modern-looking Pokemon Stadium. It's almost everything I could have ever wanted in a Pokemon game. The only issue I have is the lousy utilization of the stereoscopic 3D. Fire Emblem: Awakening looks absolutely gorgeous in 3D.

Until any of new consoles are out for quite some time (like most of the stuff I care about on Wii U still isn't coming out until next year, and this is from a defender of that console), this is honestly the only new gaming system I can easily recommend.