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nuckles87 on 19 December 2011
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Well...

For DS:

Radiant Historia: Probably the best handheld RPG I've played. Features a pretty neat time traveling mechanic that allows you to travel through time, make different decisions, and explore different branching storylines and scenarios as you try to make your way to the end. Haven't beaten it yet, but from what I've played it has a superb storyline, great battle mechanics, and beautiful sprites,

Sonic Rush: I love Sonic, and this is a great handheld adventure. If you love platformers, this is definitely something to look into.

Okamiden: Not as good as the console adventure, but still a very solid adventure game, and one that works a lot better with the 3DS's analog thumbstick. It's only real problem is the DS's own limitations, making it feel like a step down from the huge scale of the original. That said, if you like adventure games in the vein of Zelda it's hard to go wrong here.

New Super Mario Bros: A little on the easy side, but still a great example of side scrolling platformers.

DSWare:

Birds and Beans: This little two dollar title was the first thing I downloaded onto the DSi, and it was addictive as all hell XD. You control a little bird and you shoot a giant tongue and try to eat beans before they land. It's a classic arcade game, and super cheap, Hard to go wrong with it.

Shantae: A superb platformer and one of the best games on eShop. You explore a layered platforming world, finding items and making your way through dungeons and fighting epic bosses. You can upgrade your character with additional moves and attacks using magic jelly jars that you find.

3DS

Shinobi: One of my favorite games this year. The quintessential example of a hardcore, old school platformer. If you miss the platformers of old that were butt hard to beat, this IS the game for you.

Cave Story 3D: Another oldschool styled game, Cave Story 3D remakes the original Cave Story released a few years ago in full polygonal graphics. Also apparently adds some new content. Cave Story is a superb game with a great story and great level design. Recommended.

Dead or Alive Dimensions: If you love 3D fighting games, look no farther then DoAD. The best 3D fighter I've ever played on a handheld.

Street Fighter 4: It's Street Fighter 4....but portable. Also the touchscreen controls make it more accessible. My favorite 3DS launch game.

Ridge Racer: A superb arcade racer, and sadly it's still the only of it's kind on the 3DS. A great one, though!

Zelda Ocarina of Time: A better version of the original game, the touchscreen interface makes switching between items MUCH easier, and the graphics are much improved.