Holiday Gift Guide – run and jump!
08/12/2016
The holiday season is a time when we all look forward to kicking back and…well, not much else, really! So while you’re doing nothing (and eating everything in sight!) this winter, you can run, jump and stomp your way through these top platformers for Nintendo 3DS family systems and Wii U. At least these lot are getting some exercise…
Nintendo 3DS family systems
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS
Create the Mario courses of your dreams and pack them with surprising moments wherever you are, in Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS! Take on 100 Nintendo-designed courses in Super Mario Challenge, or connect to the internet to play Recommended Courses and 100 Mario Challenge in Course World.
Also available: Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Planet Popstar is being invaded by a metallic menace, and it’s up to Kirby to take back his home planet! In Kirby: Planet Robobot, run, jump and float through stages, using Kirby's Copy Abilities to borrow cool enemy powers.
Yoshi’s New Island
Help Yoshi save the day in Yoshi's New Island! In this laidback platformer, Yoshi’s good old Flutter Jump, Ground Pound and egg-throwing return, along with new abilities and challenges.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Jump, race and roll your way across Donkey Kong Island on a quest to rescue DK’s beloved banana hoard in Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D! Stomp on enemies, grab banana bunches and ride rockets, rhinos and much more in classic platforming gameplay.
Wii U
SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD
Journey with Mario, Luigi and more to the Sprixie Kingdom in SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD! Bowser has kidnapped the Sprixie Princess, and it’s up to Mario and his friends to rescue her, racing to the Goal Pole at the end of various stages along the way.
Also available: SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (Nintendo 3DS)
New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U
Experience classic platforming action at its finest with New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U! Run, leap and stomp through a 2D side-scrolling Mario adventure in New Super Mario Bros. U, then pit yourself against the clock in 82 fiendishly difficult courses in New Super Luigi U.
Also available: New Super Mario Bros. 2 (Nintendo 3DS)
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong island’s in a deep freeze! Control the Kongs as they leap, run and roll through action-packed stages in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze! Use each character’s unique moves to explore every corner of all six islands, unearth special items and even hidden exits.
Yoshi’s Woolly World
Discover a wonderfully woolly world on an adventure with the ever-adorable Yoshi in Yoshi’s Woolly World! In this cute and colourful platformer, explore a world made entirely out of wool that’s positively bursting at the seams with bags of charm and hidden collectibles.
Where to buy
As well as being available at retail – though check with your local retailer for availability! – all of these games are available as downloadable versions in Nintendo eShop. If you can’t decide on a specific game, you could always purchase a Nintendo eShop Card, available from these retailers (PDF, 272 kB) in denominations of £15, £25 and £50.
You can also order games, systems and more directly from Nintendo at the Nintendo Official UK Store.
Looking for gifts for another gamer in your life? Head back to the Holiday Gift Guide homepage, where you’ll find a huge range of different gaming experiences and gift ideas.
Have fun this holiday season!