While the 3DS might have had a rocky start, the system has more than proven its worth in the months after release. Within a short period of time the handheld’s library was plump, full of unique experiences to enjoy, and we’ve gathered the ten best for anyone looking to fill out their library.

Though it’s not a stunning update, Devil Survivor Overclocked is still the same game we loved on the DS, as we explained in our Overclocked review. If you’re looking for a graphical powerhouse, you should buy something else, but Overclocked is something novel in the 3DS field: a deep adventure lasting dozens of hours. It’s a great example of its genre, and even those that played it before find enough extra material to pull them back in. If you’re an RPG lover waiting for something worth grinding on for the 3DS, the wait is over.

It’s remarkable that it has taken this long for there to be a proper fighting game on handhelds, and yet, here it is. This portable version of this fantastic console fighter is a commendable achievement, and absolutely contains everything that made the console version great. Even with some frustrations with the game’s online functionality--which we expand upon in the Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition review-- the result is still arguably one of the best portable fighters of all time and undoubtedly a showpiece title for 3DS.

Professor Layton's DS journeys were some of the best on the system, beautifully merging mind-bending puzzles and one of the most charming stories gaming has ever seen. With Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask leaping to 3DS the basic formula isn't altered that dramatically, but the presentation is revamped, taking full advantage both of the stereoscopic 3D tech and the system's power to make the most beautiful Layton yet. Players follow Layton, Luke, and Emmy around Monte d'Or, a mysterious town stalked by the even more mysterious Masked Man. The magician has been flying through the sky (seriously flying, with wings) preforming devious "tricks," from turning tourists into stone to bringing paintings to life. As per usual, unwinding the villain's masterstroke involves tapping on people with weird facial hair and solving their problems, and though it isn't all that revolutionary, it's an extremely good time.

Out of everything available on the 3DS, Resident Evil Revelations is a high profile effort that stands above most of the software you’ll find out there. The thoroughly M-rated adventure fulfills nearly every desire of RE fans, simultaneously fitting the new handheld perfectly thanks to a new episodic approach to storytelling. As we said in our review, it’s not a huge leap forward for the series, but it does prove that even on a handheld, Resident Evil can still be a good time.

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The first handheld entry in the Paper Mario franchise, Paper Mario: Sticker Star is another outstanding RPG that places everyone's favorite plumber in a paper craft world. The developers simplified and cut many of the role-playing systems that make the game a better fit for portables while retaining the clever script and whimsical spirit of the series. Much more open than some would expect from Mario, you have to use your stickers wisely both in and out of battle in this amazing adventure. Read our recent Paper Mario: Sticker Star review to learn more.

Cave Story 3D is Cave Story unencumbered. It's Pixel's dream realized on a new platform for the masses, and in a form anyone can appreciate. While the new graphical style might lack the charm of the original's it's in no way bad – just different and, in a way, more appropriate. It's the definitive version of the game, with more content than ever before (even if it's only just barely more), leaving you no excuse not to pick up one of the most charming Metroidvania-style games of all time. Read the Cave Story 3D review if you somehow need more convincing.

You know Ocarina of time, the most popular, successful and beloved Zelda game of all time? It’s all here, every dungeon, item, secret and Skulltula, now in the palm of your hand. But it’s not a hasty port--this is a thoroughly prettier and smoother experience than the 1998 original, making it the best version of this already legendary experience. From obvious graphical touches to minor gameplay tweaks, Ocarina 3DS updates an aging classic and makes it presentable to an entirely new generation of adoring fans. Read the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D review if you doubt us.

The twenty-plus year wait was worth it. Kid Icarus: Uprising is a very impressive game. As explained in our Read the Kid Icarus: Uprising review that although there’s an initial adjustment period for its controls, each stage is masterfully designed, rewarding exploration and experimentation, plus it’s surprisingly deep. Like Metroid Prime, Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time before it, Kid Icarus: Uprising marks another Nintendo franchise that successfully transitions to three dimensions.

Mario Kart 7 is single-handedly worth the asking price of the system. Alone or with friends, the game is an absolute treat. It's one of the best showcase yet for the console's 3D screen, too, and plays better than the home console versions have since N64. It's full of fan-service gold, yet also attractive to those with zero gaming experience--what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for the perfect Mario Kart (as we referred to it in the Mario Kart 7 review), look no further. It’s here, and it’s fantastic.

Super Mario 3D Land is everything we want from a Mario game. With fantastic use of the 3DS’s 3D capabilities and some clever nods to the franchise’s history, the game is certainly a release worthy of the character’s legacy. It expertly builds on franchise history, has tons of clever ideas, and stands tall in the realm of 3D platformers. See even more of the praise in our Super Mario 3D Land review.

Curious how games on other Nintendo handhelds rank? Check out our other lists detailing Nintendo's portable history.

Best DS games | Best Game Boy Advance games | Best Game Boy Color games | Best Virtual Boy games | Best Game Boy games | Best Game & Watch games