Due to the modest line-up of new releases over the Summer months, Nintendo has been focusing some of its marketing efforts on evergreen and big-name 3DS titles. In North America the Play Nintendo Show, for example, has promoted one 3DS game per episode, targeting young gamers in particular.

The latest example of this strategy is the 'Summer Gaming List', which comprises of the following graphic and a pitch that it's a 3DS equivalent to a reading list.

Nintendo Gaming List.jpg
Image: Nintendo of America

To help guide your summer Nintendo 3DS play – there are tons of great games and experiences! – Nintendo has released a Summer Gaming List. Think of this as a video game version of all those summer reading lists you had when you were a kid. This list is great for any kind of player, whether you are a more casual gamer looking for something easy to pick up and play, or a serious fan ready for a challenging adventure. Taking on the list is also a great way to enhance your knowledge about games for Nintendo systems. (You'll know the difference between Meta Knight and a Hyrulian Knight!)

The list is simple: Just start with the game that feels best for you and work your way through the rest. You can battle enemies with Kirby while waiting for the burgers to be done in your backyard, paint princesses while playing in the park or unleash a Final Smash while relaxing on the beach. You can even race with Mario and friends during a road trip to your favorite summer location (just watch out for flying Banana Peels!).

Though the Wii U's fate is to be largely ignored, Nintendo is still putting a lot of effort into highlighting the 3DS as a key system, which will only increase as the likes of Pokémon Sun and Moon get closer to release.

In any case, it seems like a good way to get around the limited current release slate, in terms of trying to target new 3DS consumers at least.