The 2009 Holiday shopping season is upon us and it’s time to show our handheld consoles some holiday spirit. Here is a list of games that would make a fine addition to any DS or PSP owner’s library.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS)
The latest Zelda game for the Nintendo DS follows closely behind its predecessor “Phantom Hourglass”. With the same graphics engine, familiar control scheme and cliché story line, Nintendo stays true to a very successful formula and that’s a good thing. This title is a must for any DS owner this holiday season (read our full written review here).
Scribblenauts (Nintendo DS)
Scribblenauts is such a unique and imaginative title that it should gifted to anyone looking for something different in a handheld game. You’re given a puzzle with no solution, the only tools available the ones you’re able to think of and write down. Abraham Lincoln, a boomerang, a pizza pie, a dinosaur, god, a barn… these can all be created on the fly and assist you with your objectives. Check this one out if you haven’t done so already.
Grand Theft Auto: China Town Wars (PSP… also available on DS)
Original released on the Nintendo DS system, China Town Wars takes the Grand Theft Auto series to its top-down overhead roots on the PSP handheld. It has several new features over its DS counterpart including new online options, updated graphics along with new content and missions. This game has more than enough to please any Grand Theft Auto fan that own a PSP system.
Hysteria Hospital (Nintendo DS)
Do you have a sim fan in your family and not sure what to get them this holiday season? Look no further as Hysteria Holiday for the Nintendo DS is sure to please all RN’s and sim fans alike. You the play the role of a nurse who’s given the impossible task of escorting all patents, picking up and administering prescriptions, repairing x-ray machines, cleaning the beds and all the other panic inducing responsibilities, oh and you’re timed on each task. Hysteria Hospital can be learning in minutes but played for hours and for under $20, it’s a great deal for the holidays.
My Secret Diary, My Dress-up, My Make-Up (Nintendo DS)
While these titles won’t appeal to most of our readers, some of you with young gamer girls, might want to give these titles a look. Especially My Secret Diary which basically turns your daughters PSP in a kid friendly pocket organizer, with not only diary functions but also a calendar.
Little Big Planet (PSP)
With the great success of Little Big Planet for the Playstation 3, it was only a matter of time before we had a PSP version to fill our voids. With it’s addicting gameplay, level creation tools and virtually endless community created levels, don’t be surprised if this game lasts you through the next holiday season.
Gran Turismo (PSP)
After many years of begging and pleading, Sony has brought it’s Gran Turismo franchise over to the PSP. The game features pickup and play racing simulation with over 800 customizable, online racing and vehicle trading. Did I mention it has over 800 cars?
A320 Pocket Retro Game Emulator
The a320 handheld console is an absolute must for any retro gamer this holiday season. This little gem can play any game from the NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy Advance and NeoGeo systems. All you have to do is supply the roms (legel roms of course.. *cough *cough). It sports 4GB of internal storage and can be upgraded with a Mini-SD card so low disc-space will never be an issue. Other features include pre-loaded emulators, 6-8 hours of play time per charge, video/movie player, photo viewer, mp3 player, TV composite output for all games and media, eBook reader, FM transmitter and voice recorder. And the best part is it will only run you $99.99. Pick one up as a gift (for others.. or yourself) at thinkgeek.com.
Happy Holidays!
