This year, the children and I have been trying out some fun games from Nintendo. These were primarily 3ds games on our Nintendo 2ds but we’ve also got a Nintendo Wii U recently that we’ve enjoyed playing with. I’ll give a run through of some of these games and consoles that you might want to add to your Christmas gift list!
Nintendo 2DS
We decided to go with a 2DS rather than a 3DS for the boys, as these are said to be slightly easier for younger players to manage. My boys don’t really miss the lack of the 3d element since they just focus on the game, so this does the job well for them. Mr Z (6) definitely gets more use from his 2ds than my younger children, although there are some great phonics games available which do suit the younger boys too with my help.
See more about the Nintendo 2DS and buy on Amazon
Read our full review of the Nintendo 2ds and it’s suitability for younger children here.
Nintendo Wii U
We just recently got this Wii U, and the children have been enjoying it lots. Again, Mr Z at 6 years old gets the most use from this console compared to the younger children.
Wii U is a 2 in 1 device, it can be used either as handheld console (with the touch screen controller) or linked up to the TV and used as a traditional console. It’s easy to use, and Mr Z mastered it very quickly. When not in use, the hand held controller can rest on the charger so that it is always ready when you need it. The graphics with the Nintendo Wii U are full HD and we found them pretty sharp and impressive.
You can also use Wii controllers with the Wii U, so if you buy extras like the steering wheels for Wii then these will work
As well as playing games, you can also access apps like Youtube and Netflix, so it offers a full entertainment package. We have this set up in the kids playroom which doesn’t have TV channels, so the Wii U now enables them to watch a few shows via Netflix if they want.
Wii U is backwards compatible with Wii games, but the Wii U game pad will not be able to control those games so you need to use your old Wii controller (which will work on Wii U) along with the games, and then you can continue to use all your old games.
See more about the Nintendo Wii U and buy on Amazon
After reading about the consoles, here are some of the games that you may enjoy playing on them.
Lego City Undercover on Wii U
Lego City Undercover is the first Lego console game that we have tried, and we’ve been really impressed with it. The boys dad is also into gaming although he doesn’t normally play any children’s games, but he was very impressed by this game too and felt that it works really well for all ages with lots of humour included in the game play. He felt that it’s almost like a kids version of GTA but of course without any of the inappropriate side to the game, but it mirrors some of the good aspects of the game in how you explore the city and get around.
Mr Z (6) loved playing this game and his younger brothers enjoyed watching too. It is a fun action packed one that’s really entertaining for the family, with decent graphics. During the game, you play Lego City officer Chase McCain and chase criminals, while using disguises and racing around in the police car.
See more about Lego City Undercover and buy on Amazon
Disney Magical World on Nintendo 2DS/3DS/3DS XL
This is a fun game for all the family. I am not much of a gamer myself but could not resist joining Mr Z in playing this game since it features all of our favourite Disney friends. The game is set in the Disneyland style location of Castleton and lets you walk around interacting with characters, following quests and personalising your own clothes and furniture.
Children do need to be able to read fairly well to play the game and follow the on screen instructions so I would say an age range of 6 or 7+ is suitable for this, and it will appeal equally to boys and girls.
There are 60+ Disney characters included in the game, and plenty of Disney Magic.
See more about Disney Magic World and buy on Amazon
Sonic Boom : Shattered Crystal on Nintendo 2DS/3DS/3DS XL
Sonic Boom : Shattered Crystal is a traditional platform style game featuring beloved Sonic characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy and the newest character Sticks. This is the latest in the series of Sonic games but works perfectly as a stand alone too. This is the first Sonic game that Mr Z has played on his DS and he had no problems following along.
It’s a fun and action packed game, that is quite challenging for Mr Z at 6 years old but still very enjoyable.
Again, although I don’t claim to be much of a gamer I have sneaked a few goes on this one too. I couldn’t resist since it reminds me of the platform games I played as a kid, but of course in a much more up to date and modern way. This game would have a wide appeal through the generations for this reason.
See more about Sonic Boom : Shattered Crystal and buy on Amazon
Pokemon XY
This has been Mr Z’s favourite game to play on his Nintendo 2ds this year. It involves battling Pokemon, and following the storyline along through various routes to progress on the journey. Mr Z is often telling me enthusiastically about how he has evolved such and such Pokemon into the next level or captured whichever rare Pokemon he is proud about. The game gives him fuel for his imaginary play, as he will often play Pokemon or draw pictures of Pokemon long after he has put away his DS.
See more about Pokemon X and buy on Amazon
There is a newer version of Pokemon out now on Nintendo 2ds/3ds/3ds XL – Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby. We haven’t yet tried this, but Mr Z is really keen to give it a try so I’m sure we will soon. If you have a Pokemon fan, it would be worth checking this out in time for Christmas.
See here for reviews of some other great Nintendo 2DS/3DS/3DS XL games:
If your children are getting more interested in gaming, and leaving you behind with their growing knowledge of gaming terminology then check out this parents guide to gaming terminology so that you can keep up to date with what they are doing.
Don’t forget to pin this guide for later!
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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
All of these games, really amazing… Best for my kids…