Fun 4th of July activities for Nintendo fans to do on Wii U and 3DS

Head online with America-style Mario in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS

Plumbers can make fashion statements too, and it need not always involve blue suspenders — although the statement you’re bound to make here is more of a political nature. Mario may not be a frequent character pick now that DLC characters are making rounds as more common online opponents, but taking him and his American outfit into battle is perfect for showing your independent colours on the 4th of July. Maybe you'll even get some share-worthy replays out of it.

Take on crafty agents in Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.’s "Independence" tournament

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is about as patriotic as it gets (though its steampunk theme may guide you to a different conclusion). It features a fictional representation of Abraham Lincoln, after all. Currently, the online community is going head-to-head in the latest of Nintendo’s official tournaments, aptly titled “Independence” for the time frame under which it falls. It runs until July 6, but why not take a few moments on the 4th of July to hunt for medals on the battlefield? For best results, jump online in the late evening, as that’s when the most activity tends to occur. If the first-place prize of “Old Glory” is too lofty to reach, maybe you’ll be more content with achieving “Firework” status? Not a bad consolation prize for future pair-ups outside of tournament play. Just be sure to take certain measures in the name of independence — like bringing along the most America-enthused of the bunch (Henry) and giving him the Patriot Boiler.

Try the "Soarin’ Over America" Toy Box in Disney Infinity 2.0

When Disney Infinity’s community was asked to make Toy Boxes for the Famous Cities Challenge last month, Venice and New Orleans served as inspiration for some of the top large-scale creations. But the Disney Infinity team also published their own interpretation on the theme with a top-down replica of the United States, where you examine clues in sectioned areas to identify specified states by nickname. Don’t forget to bring the Captain along for the perfect American trip. Find it inside Developer Picks within the Community Content menu, or save it to your own Toy Box data for easy access. (Note: This Toy Box features plenty of blocks and logic connections, so give it time to load.)

Between parade floats and nightly firework shows, a big to-do is made out of 4th of July celebrations, an opportunity to declare enthusiasm for the turn of events that marked the nation’s independence. With the American holiday falling on a Saturday this year, expect lots of outdoor festivities his weekend. But in the event that you prefer to head up an indoor cheer squad, here are some activities Nintendo fans can seek out on Wii U or 3DS.

Triumph on the Captain America table in Zen Pinball 2 or Marvel Pinball 3D

Zen Studios does a superb job with their digital pinball offerings, and the Captain America table featured in Zen Pinball 2 (Wii U) and Marvel Pinball 3D (3DS) is one of their finest, blending action elements and a table design with the right atmosphere for any would-be militant. Make your way to the bunker in the top-left corner for some fast-paced flipper action, or take the fight to Red Skull in one of the table’s entertaining missions. Show yourself to be an American patriot by achieving a new high-score, perhaps completing an Award condition in the process.

Test your smarts in Jeopardy

Think you know your stuff when it comes US presidents, sports teams and key historical events (like say, the Declaration of Independence)? Accept the challenge of Pipework Software’s rendition of Jeopardy, which can provide an adequately fun time for trivia aficionados (technical issues aside). If you were smart to grab the digital version last year when it was offered at a substantial discount, then all the more reason for you and your family to test your knowledge in America-themed categories and subject matter. (And if you weren't so fortunate to see the sale, don’t even think about paying $40 for it!)

Plan your own 4th of July holiday in Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Assuming your mayoral duties haven’t kept you away long enough for chaos to erupt and your favourite residents to hate you, it might be time for you to pay a visit to your potentially forsaken town. While there are no official 4th of July events taking place on New Leaf's calendar, that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own. You are the mayor! Do a makeover of one of your rooms with red and blue furniture or special wallpaper. Change your town flag to feature the American flag. Customize your cutout standee to feature a Lady Liberty look-alike or your most distinguished presidential outfit. Add floor panels and/or custom-design signs with fireworks patterns around town, potentially creating an outdoor installation. And if you do plan on making it a group affair, send out invitations using fireworks paper. Whenever you decide to make the trip, aim to be playing around 7:00 PM — that’s when you’ll hear one of the best songs of the hour.

Dance to American Girl in Just Dance 2014

If you’re ready to take on the world through dance, head into Just Dance 2014 for a peppy routine with America as its theme. Bonnie McKee’s American Girl is one of the downloadable songs for this edition of Ubisoft’s dancing series, and the accompanying choreography actually makes it one of the better options. If you don’t already have the song on your roster, access the game’s DLC page on the Nintendo eShop and pay $2.99 to get dancing. For those who’ve sworn off downloading more songs, you can always make your way over to the World Dance Floor and represent America in online battles against dancers from other parts of the world. For an extra touch, change your avatar to the one that has a top hat, round yellow glasses, fuchsia beard and orange bowtie. It’s the closest resemblance you have to a political figure.