The Nintendo 3DS has been out for several years now, but it's really been hitting its stride over the last year. Because of this, the 3DS XL New Owner's Guide we put together a year back is largely irrelevant by now. If you're purchasing a 3DS for a friend or loved one this year, you've got a lot to consider. There are three variations on the system now, and tons of games and accessores. 

We'll break it all down for you and show you the best bundles, games and accessories for the 3DS.

Systems

There are tons of different ways to get your hands on a 3DS by now. There are three different systems, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's break them all down below:

Regular 3DS

This is the stock and standard 3DS that launched in 2010. Despite it being over 3 years old at this point, the regular 3DS remains my personal choice for mobile gaming. Its body is sleek and small, and fits in medium-sized hands well. It's also cheaper than the larger 3DS XL, although not as cheap as the new 2DS. 

You can find it bundled in tons of ways, too.

3DS XL

The second iteration of the 3DS, the XL is exactly as it sounds - a larger version of the regular console. This one is ideal for players with large hands, or those who want to have more screen real estate to look at during long gaming sessions. It is, however, more expensive than the regular handheld.

Nintendo 2DS

This is the cheapest handheld Nintendo's got out right now, and despite its confusing name, it does indeed play all of the same games as the previous two 3DS models. The catch here is that the 2DS cannot display in 3D (usually this is an optional perk on the other versions, toggled with a slider). This makes it ideal for young children, whose eyes could potentially be damaged by viewing 3D images. Children 6 or under should stick with the 2DS.

Bundles

Depending on which version of the handheld you want, there are various bundles available online. A Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon bundle will be available at GameStop this Black Friday for $169.99, and it's a steal - it includes a special blue regular 3DS, along with a copy of the great Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon. 

If the XL model is more your style, you'll definitely want to check out the new The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds bundle, which includes a special gold handheld and a copy of the superb game. It retails for $219.99. 

If you want to score major points this holiday, pick up either of these bundles. Both games are fantastic, especially Zelda.

Speaking of games...

The Best 3DS Games

The 3DS has tons of great game. Here are our 5 top choices for this holiday season, including pricing and linkage.

5. Pokemon X/Y Versions - $35

This duo of games is great for kids and nostalgic adults alike. If whoever you're buying for grew up in the 90s, they're bound to have at least a little of the Pokemon love in their hearts. Which version of the game you buy doesn't matter - both feature basically the same content with only mild alterations, and both are great, lengthy games.

Recommended For: Kids, kids at heart

4. Super Mario 3D Land - $29.99

This one came out back in 2011, but it's still one of the best games on the system. Plus, that time game will get you a sweet little discount. The game is 30 bucks right now on Amazon, and it's not even Black Friday or Cyber Monday yet. Keep an eye on this one, though - Mario games tend to be very popular.

Recommended For: Just about anyone. This game is great for all age groups

3. Animal Crossing: New Leaf - $29.99

Another fantastic 3DS title, New Leaf lets players create and tend to their own town, having amusing conversation with the locals and building up the ultimate house. Like many Nintendo games, this one is great for kids. It requires some light math and a good amount of reading, and aims to foster interest in wildlife and socializing with friends. Players can visit one another's towns, and there are tons of items to collect. But New Leaf is also great for adults; its massive collection of items and series of amusing house rating systems tweaks that same primal urge as something like The Sims.

Recommended For: Those who like a slow-paced, thoughtful game.

2. Fire Emblem: Awakening - $39.99

Fire Emblem: Awakening is sitting pretty at a perfect 5-star user review score on that Amazon link, with over 300 reviews. Our own review also awarded it a perfect score, one of only four that the site has ever given out. This game focuses on strategy, so if you're not big into gaming, think of it as a version of chess with a deep story and numerous options for customizing your troops. That makes it better suited for gamers 9 and up, as it encourages a good amount of thought but also features stylized battle sequences.

Recommended For: Hardcore gamers and those looking to expand their gaming tastes.

1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds - $39.99

This one just came out on Friday, but it's already being declared one of the best games on the 3DS by critics and fans alike. Its unique blend of an oldschool world with new graphics and mechanics makes this Zelda game one that will appeal to gamers of all ages, and one that will challenge their minds as well as their reflexes with challengin puzzles and tough boss battles. 

Recommended For: Pretty much everyone.

Accessories

There really aren't many accessories needed for a new 3DS owner. If we had to reccomend two things for sure, though, they would be:

• This AmazonBasics Carrying Case for the 3DS (note that a 3DS XL or a 2DS will need a different sized case)
• This memory card to store game downloads and saves on