Nintendo 3DS Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Nintendo 3DS Holiday Gift Guide 2017
The Nintendo 3DS has enjoyed a long lifespan and it’s still very much relevant in gaming today. It has a vast library of amazing games at this point and the system itself has had a few iterations. So, if someone on your shopping list has yet to dip into the 2DS/3DS ecosystem, it’d be a good time to gift them a great handheld. Even if they already own one, we have a few pointers for accessories to pair with this Nintendo system. Check out what we rounded up!
New 3DS XL Samus Edition
New 3DS XL Samus Edition
The New 3DS XL systems are equipped with auto stereoscopic 3D which tracks your eyes to adjust the 3D effect properly. It’s one of the key features that make the New systems special, but the enhanced hardware and exclusive games make it a worthy upgrade for those who are still on the first-generation 3DS. The Samus Edition in particular features an elegant sketch of Samus Aran on the backplate along with the screw attack logo in a neat two-tone burnt orange and gold color scheme.
Retail price: $200
New 2DS XL Poke Ball Edition
New 2DS XL Poke Ball Edition
The Nintendo New 2DS XL launched earlier this year as another revision to the long-lasting handheld system, a non-3D version with the clamshell chassis design. It’s still a great system, and if someone you know still hasn’t dug into the 3DS’s vast library or has one of the older DS models, now would be a good time to get them a New 2DS XL. And if they are a fan of Pokemon, why not spice things up with the Poke Ball Edition? It sports a red, black, and white color scheme and a little button (non-functional) at the center of the Poke Ball design!
Retail price: $160
SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC Card
SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC Card
New 2DS and 3DS systems come with a 4 GB microSD card, but that’s nearly enough to store many of the bigger downloadable games. A 32 GB SanDisk Ultra microSDHC card will do the trick and they’re a great value for the amount of storage you get. For reference, Super Smash Bros. For 3DS has a download size of 2.1 GB and and Pokemon Sun / Moon takes up 3.2 GB. That extra space will come in handy.
Retail price: $14 to $20
AmazonBasics Carrying Case
AmazonBasics Carrying Case
There’s nothing too fancy about the AmazonBasics carrying case for 2DS XL and 3DS XL systems, but it’s a semi-hard case that’ll keep your handheld in tact. Inside the case are straps to keep the system from moving around and there are three pockets to store a few games. It’s a much better option than having your handheld thrown in a bag.
Retail price: $12 to $15
HC-RET Earbuds
HC-RET Earbuds
Simple earbuds are enough for the 2DS/3DS, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp out on quality when gifting a pair. The HC-RET in-ear earbuds provide great value considering that they can be found under $20 and outclass other earbuds in its price range. Good bass and overall audio quality will make sure 3DS sound great.
Retail price: $13 to $20
Hori 3DS XL Screen Protective Filter
Hori 3DS XL Screen Protective Filter
The two screens on the DS systems aren’t prone to as many accidents as, say, a Nintendo Switch since both 2DS XL and 3DS XL models feature a clamshell body design. But that doesn’t make the displays immune to getting scuffed. A pair of screen protectors can come in handy, and they’re pretty cheap. The screen protective filter from Hori fits XL screens just right and comes with a cleaning cloth for application prep.
Retail price: $9 to $13
Hori Game Card Case
Hori Game Card Case
Long-time owners of any of the 3DS family of systems probably have a ton of games by now, and carrying around a bunch of cartridges gets unwieldy. A simple case for all those carts can be a big help for portability and the one from Hori, which holds 24 carts, is only going to run you $10.
Retail price: $10
Amiibo
Amiibo
In addition to looking like really cool figurines, Amiibo grant in-game bonuses depending on the particular Amiibo and game. The New 2DS and 3DS systems have a built-in NFC reader will recognize Amiibo when they’re placed atop the lower screen. For example, you’ll unlock Fusion Mode from the Metroid Amiibo and exclusive art from the Samus Amiibo in Metroid: Samus Returns once you beat the game. A little research will help you pick the right Amiibo for your giftee!
Retail price: Varies based on specific amiibo
Nintendo eShop Digital Card
Nintendo eShop Digital Card
You can always rely on a Nintendo eShop card if you can’t decide on a particular 3DS accessory to gift. These act as currency in the eShop store where you can purchase and download digital games. It’d make for a convenient gift that puts the decision-making burden on the recipient, which is great for you! These come in either $10, $20, $35, or $50 amounts with the cast of Mario characters printed on them.
Retail price: $10, $20, $35, $50
