Categories: Originals

Last minute gift ideas for the Nintendo gamer

So your friend/coworker/family member/significant other is a Nintendo maniac. Has Nintendo Power magazines organized from the very first issue. Retro NES and SNES consoles displayed in a glass case. Perhaps even the room lined with Nintendo character posters and action figures? If that description even somewhat fits the bill, then chances are this individual might have a Wii or Wii U nestled in their home, and perhaps even a 3DS in their pockets. Let us take over for a bit and offer some advice on what to get these Nintendo fanatics during the holiday season.

Nintendo eShop Gift Card

This one's a no brainer. Not only is it the gift that allows the person to actually get what they want with it, it also comes in multiple values, meaning you can spend as little as $10, or go all out and get them a $50 gift card. You'll be happy that you were able to get such a sweet gift with ease, and they'll be happy to then be able to get themselves nearly any game that's part of the Wii U or 3DS digital library. And since the accounts are now linked between those two systems, they don't just have to spend it all in one place. They might spend a few bucks on a virtual console game on the 3DS, and then use the rest to buy a full digital title on the Wii U. Sweet!

Super Smash Bros for 3DS/Wii U

It's no secret that one of this year's best games on the Wii U and 3DS is the long awaited Super Smash Bros. What better way to settle the argument of whether Mario could beat Link in a one on one battle, than in Smash. You can opt for the more portable version on the 3DS, which comes with its own exclusive mode called Smash Run, or you can go for the fully featured Wii U version which also comes with its own set of exclusive modes, as well as full Amiibo support. And speaking of Amiibo…

Amiibo!

This one might be a little tough, because it turns out there seems to be quite a market for these little guys. If your friend has a Little Mac or Pit Amiibo on his wishlist, they might be out of luck, as those are some of the hardest to find Amiibo on the market right now. However, if they're just starting their collection, go for Mario, Peach, Link or Samus, and kickstart their Amiibo collection with these classic characters.

Mario Kart 8

Don't feel like duking it out between various iconic Nintendo characters? Settle it in a go-kart! Mario Kart 8 was easily one of the best in the entries in the series, adding in an awesome anti-gravity mechanic that literally flips stages upside down. With new crazy gravity defying courses as well as returning classics from past games, Mario Kart 8 is full of racing goodness. Does your friend already own Mario Kart 8 but for some reason didn't but the amazing and incredibly cheap DLC? Refer to our first gift idea and make them buy it!

Bayonetta 2

Alright, so maybe your friend/family member/significant other isn't into cute Nintendo characters, and they like their gaming a bit more mature. Bayonetta 2 is easily the best recommendation. Not only is it the year's best action game, it also comes bundled with the first game, for those that didn't get to experience Bayonetta's origins. And since the sequel picks up some time after the original one ends, you're going to want to play through the entire story, trust me. It's sexy, fast, stylish, and should be owned by anyone (over the age of 17) with a Wii U.

More notable Nintendo games

We already gave you some great game ideas above, but Nintendo actually had a fantastic year of releases. So let's see what else would make an absolutely fantastic gift.

  • Fantasy Life (3DS)
  • Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire (3DS)
  • Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
  • Tomodachi Life (3DS)
  • Hyrule Warriors (Wii U)
  • Ultimate NES Remix (3DS)
  • Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U)
  • Bravely Default (3DS)
  • Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Curtain Call (3DS)
  • Pokemon Art Academy (3DS)
  • Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (3DS)

Obviously, you'll need to know whether the person enjoys a good Life Sim, is a fan of Persona, or even likes RPGs before you commit to buying any of these, but these are all top notch choices.

Mike Splechta

GameZone's review copy hoarding D-bag extraordinaire! Follow me @MichaelSplechta

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