Top 5 Nintendo 3DS Games

The rumour mill is working overtime on what to expect from Nintendo's next console, codenamed NX, so it's easy to discard its current consoles, the Wii U and the 3DS. One of the more popular rumours doing the rounds is that the NX is a hybrid console, capable of being used as a home console and a portable too. Nintendo has kept mum though, but we can't blame them, or give up on the current generation of hardware.

The Nintendo 3DS has been a revelation of sorts; it's the only dedicated gaming handheld to successfully weather the smartphone gaming storm, in no small part thanks to a vast catalogue of fantastic games. Here are our top five games for Nintendo's portable powerhouse, though there are many more that you really should play.

1. Bravely Default
This curiously named role-playing game (RPG) from Square Enix is a throwback to RPGs of yore. An astounding amount of gameplay has you playing for months on end, and it's a slick update on the usual turn-based combat of older games. Throw in a host of intriguing characters and you can see why this is one of the better, if not the best RPG experiences, on Nintendo's handheld. You can get it digitally or import a physical copy via Play Asia.

2. Fire Emblem: Awakening
Fire Emblem is a strategy game where choice and consequence truly matter. Play poorly and lose a character, and it affects the plot. Throw in a blend of RPG and strategy elements such as class types, relationship systems, and the ability to sire a legion of warriors and this becomes one of the more complex and nuanced attempts at the genre in a very long time. You can get it digitally or import a physical copy via Play Asia.

(Also see: Top 5 Nintendo Wii UGames)

3. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
This sequel to the GameCube game Luigi's Mansion has you playing as Nintendo mascot Mario's less popular brother Luigi. It's a heady blend of exploration, puzzle solving, and ghost busting, complete with a vacuum cleaner to help you capture spectral nasties. Sporting some of the best production values to grace the 3DS, it's perhaps one of the best offbeat games you must play. You can get it digitally or import a copy via Play Asia.

4. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
This cross-over video game features characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4, as they venture deep into dungeons fighting an assortment of monsters and other evils. Along the way, there's a quirky aesthetic, inspired character design and hilarious dialogue to revel in. You can get it digitally or import a copy via Play Asia.

(Also see: Top 5 Games From Japan You Really Need toPlay)

5. Tomodachi Life
Remember Miis? They were Nintendo's stab at player representations within games. Similar to Microsoft's avatars for the Xbox 360. While the latter was nothing more than a cosmetic add-on, Miis can be used in games and Tomodachi Life is the best example of it. The game takes place on an island populated by Miis. You can import them from the 3DS, QR codes, or simply create them with the game's tools. As more of them are introduced, the game simulates a host of situations and interactions between them such as friendships, rivalries, and even falling in love. Along the way you can unlock stores, clothes, food and customise your home, and the game will keep you engrossed endlessly. You can get it digitally or import a copy via Play Asia.

These are just our five favourite games on the 3DS, but there are plenty of other games to pick from on the 3DS as well including Mario Kart 7 and Pokémon X. Which ones are your favourites? Tell us, via the comments.