3DS games/features wish list for 2011 (photos)

Now that the 3DS has had a few months in the wild, here are some games and features we'd like to see for the world's first portable 3D gaming system. And with E3 2011 right around the corner, we're hoping Nintendo starts addressing these now.

Jeff Bakalar

Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.

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Scott Stein Editor at Large

I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.

Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials

Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps

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Jeff Bakalar

Scott Stein

June 2, 2011 2:05 p.m. PT

1 of 10 GameGavel

A better battery

It might be wishful thinking, but if Nintendo can somehow upgrade the short-life battery on the 3DS and offer a new version that doesn't make the handheld thicker, a huge chunk of the 3DS' downside will be solved. This third-party Nyko extended battery works well, but it makes the 3DS bulky.

2 of 10 Platform Nation

Classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games

A virtual console e-shop is almost set to launch, but we hope it eventually has GBA games as well as original Game Boy titles. It seems like a no-brainer, so we're hoping Nintendo delivers.

3 of 10 Nintendo

Super Mario 3DS and others

The 3DS needs its killer app, and a new Mario from the makers of Super Mario Galaxy would be it. It has been confirmed, but it can't come soon enough.

Pikmin, Super Smash Brothers, and Advance Wars are just a few of the games we'd also like to see upgraded to the 3DS.

4 of 10 Jeff Bakalar/CNET

Cheaper games

Around $40 a pop for cartridge games makes the 3DS a luxury system. We understand retail games have a set price, but it would be nice to see some affordable downloadable games, too.

5 of 10 nosplay.com

Puzzlers

A game like Picross 3D would be perfect for the 3DS platform. In 2011 and beyond, we'd love to see more inventive puzzlers like this available for the system.

6 of 10 CNET

Useful 3DS apps

The upcoming 3DS system update includes a Web browser and "3D Pokedex," but precious few new ideas. Great apps will sell the system. YouTube and Twitter applications are nice, but we'd really love to see some innovation here.

7 of 10 appadvice.com

Better use of 3D

Don't get us wrong, the 3D effect on the 3DS is stunning, but a few launch titles seemed to have tacked it on at the last minute. We'd love to see a better implementation of the technology to possibly make it a more integral part of the gaming experience.

The iPad game Labyrinth does an interesting job with 3D perspectives and we think the 3DS could make use of such a concept even better.

8 of 10 Jeff Bakalar/CNET

Affordable, independent downloadable games

It's all right to take a page out of the App Store book when it comes to easy and affordable games. Encouraging the development of casual titles for the 3DS needs to happen.

9 of 10 vegivo.com

Classic racing titles reimagined

Racing games are a perfect fit for the 3DS. The DS and Wii never got any F-Zero love, so let's see some fast futuristic racing now.

Nintendo has also confirmed that there will be a Mario Kart 3DS game coming down the pike as well.

10 of 10 EntertainmentBuddha

More reasons to use Street and Spot Pass

While we enjoy seeing new Miis pop up in our plaza, both Street and Spot Pass are becoming a bit stale. We'd love to see Nintendo come up with new and inventive ways to implement their functionality.

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