I had the pleasure of obtaining a 2DS, a variation of Nintendo’s premier mobile gaming console the 3DS, almost a year ago. While ordinarily I would avoid spending cash and delving into games that were stereotyped as childish, I gave it a shot for a good price with a copy of Mario Kart pre-installed and my own copy of Pokemon Y to go with it. The 2DS has changed my experience with gaming for the better and has provided great fun when I least expected it. I was always a Playstation fan and deserted Nintendo long ago, but my experiences with my new 2DS changed that. Currently, I actually spend significantly more time with my 2DS than I do with my Playstation 3 or 4. There are many reasons for that.

First is the ability to play anywhere. While mobile gaming often gets backlash for not being “true” games with the best graphics and limited capabilities, most of the games on the 2DS do an excellent job of keeping you engaged and using its advantages to keep you hooked. The touch screen is used in ways that are actually fun, engaging andsmooth; the controls are always comfortable tight and easy to use; and the games are often charming in ways that are best experienced on the small screen. Personally, some of my favorite games such as the Pokemon series or Monster Hunter series are meant for this kind of system. Their RPG elements, ability to let players invest countless hours in various tasks, and promotion of playing with others are all best done on the 2DS and sometimes it takes experiencing it through those lenses to understand why.

I also appreciate the plethora of genres the 3DS has to offer. While games on home consoles like the Playstation 4 and Xbox One often have more intense games, the 3DS isn’t afraid to make you smile instead. My time with Kirby: Planet Robobot was filled with a mix of smiles, fast paced adventure and even little puzzles or alternate paths for players that loved to collect. At the same time, games like the Ace Attorney series are clearly for older crowds that immerse players in mysterious and haunting homicide cases through the eyes of a defense attorney. The 3DS library is colorful and plentiful such that all players will find something that peaks their fancy. My 2DS even managed to pull my girlfriend, who is officially a Mario Kart expert, into gaming when she once thought it was an entirely foreign hobby.

One last point I want mention is that the 3DS is capable of playing classic Nintendo DS games as well, meaning anyone who wants to replay or try games they’ve never touched for a fairly cheap price is able to without troubles, making the console’s library extraordinarily larger. Plus, the Nintendo eShop in the console lets players download many games directly onto their console, and this includes many classic games such Pokemon Red and Blue or Super Mario Bros. I’ve had my fair of nostalgia and with the constant support it gets at affordable prices, I know I will continue to.

I have a busy lifestyle, with long commutes on the MTA and plenty of college related work. I cannot play on my Playstation consoles because of their inconvenience and the fact that the games often require a large time investment to really enjoy them. The 3DS has allowed me to take breaks, relieve stress and share a few laughs consistently and without hassle. It’s brought me closer to my girlfriend as well as many of my friends, and the experiences it has given me has been well worth the time. It’s perfect for casual breaks and large time investments for core players. No matter your interests, schedule, or needs the 3DS is bound to make you happy and best of all for a fair price. Keep your eye out for the next sale, I recommend it to everyone.