Pocket Gamer's top 10 best Nintendo 3DS games of 2013... so far

We're just half way through the year, and already the 3DS has had some tip-top games released for its humble dual screens.

Therefore we thought it high-time to recap the past 180 days or so, and point out the cartridges and downloads you should have slammed into your 3DS cartridge slot and onto your memory card.

Here we are then: the ten games released in 2013 that no self-respecting 3DS owner should be without.

And if you think we've missed any, drop us a link in the comments box below.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf
By Nintendo

When I check Twitter, there's always a few people in my feed talking about the delights of mortgages, Lovely Tables, the risks of buying from Redd, and the current price of Turnips.

New Leaf has become a phenomenon amongst the game-playing public; sucked in by the appeal of living whatever life they choose to live, in a land all of their own, in a world that can be sculpted upon their whims.

Fire Emblem: Awakening
By Nintendo

We gave Fire Emblem: Awakening a prestigious Platinum Award at review, a score rightfully reserved for the truly essential, buy-a-system-just-to-play-it, landmark video games.

Yeah, it's that good.

Depth, sophistication, length, looks: this turn-based tactics RPG game has it all on one tiny cartridge.

Luigi's Mansion 2: Dark Moon
By Nintendo

According to The Big N, it's "The Year of Luigi". Whether or not you think its kept its promise of giving Luigi his time in the spotlight, you can't argue that Nintendo handled the Luigi's Mansion sequel incredibly well.

It's packed full of puzzles and ghost catching action, but it's the scaredy cat personality that Luigi exudes that puts this release on a higher level.

Monster Hunter 3: Ultimate
By Capcom

The lack of online is a wasted opportunity admittedly, but get a load of your mates in the same room for some monster hunting and this quickly becomes an essential multiplayer experience.

Demanding great skill, and an even greater dedication of time from its players, Monster Hunter sadly remains inaccessible to most.

However, those that do persevere will find boundless richness in its action roleplaying.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
By Nintendo

Where the Super Mario games invite you in with easy opening levels and minimal penalty for death, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is absolutely brutal from the beginning.

But this game is not just about difficulty. No - Donkey Kong keeps you coming back for more platforming punishment with sheer spectacle; giant boss characters, intricately designed locations, and loads of imagination scenarios.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate
By Konami

Hugely satisfying combat, large levels to explore, and gigantic bosses to topple - these three things alone would make for a pretty decent game.

But when you add the Castlevania aesthetic, a complex plot spanning multiple generations, and some of the very best use of 3D on the console, you've got yourself a Silver Award-winning success and a well-deserved place on this list.

The Denpa Men 2: Beyond the Waves
By Genius Sonority

Here's how you play Denpa Men 2: use the 3DS's camera to capture odd little humanoids with bulbous heads that are lurking around your house, and then take them into battles to fight enemies and rescue your wife and children.

It's part JRPG. Part strategy game. Part Augmented Reality app. All weird. And we love it.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
By Atlus

Now time for more strategy and role playing from Japan - this time in the form of an enhanced remake.

The story is a blend of demons and real life conundrums in a modern day Tokyo, but it's the strategic battling that'll make you stick around. Very tough, mechanically complicated, and happy to point out your mistakes, it makes for a compulsive tactical experience.

Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo
By Pixel Toys

Sometimes the simplest games are the best, and Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo has a very straightforward premise: hop about levels as a squirrel, pick up your lost nuts (oi), and get to the exit within the time limit.

It's a basic but well-executed platformer that looks back to earlier years in gaming for its inspiration, and though it takes a while to get going, the amount of content on offer is staggering.

The Starship Damrey
By Level-5

It's the creepy atmosphere of The Starship Damrey that you'll remember long after you've powered down the 3DS.

The titular ship's corridors are dark and claustrophobic, with echoing sound design highlighting just how alone you are as you unravel the mystery of what went so very wrong. A fairly short, but wholly unsettling adventure.