When the Nintendo 3DS launched back in 2011, I really didn't care for it. I'm not a fan of 3D, the launch lineup was weak and I already had my heart set on the PlayStation Vita. Dual analog sticks, 5'' touch screen and a rear touchpad; how could this thing not be better than a 3DS? At the time, the 3DS was going though a pretty big dry spell. So I bought the Vita on day one with Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Wipeout 2048, and eventually I got LittleBigPlanet and a couple of PSN titles. All good games that provided me with hours of entertainment. And then...nothing. A couple of months ago I checked out what the rest of the year has to offer for the Vita and there was just nothing for me. Judging by Sony's E3, it seems to me that they're setting up the Vita to be a companion to the PS4 with features like remote play. So I made the decision to sell it.
The Vita is having a slow year all while the 3DS is hitting its stride. I kept reading comments from 3DS owners about how much they are enjoying their system. So I bought one at a time where there were plenty of great games available. I got mine with Ocarina of Time 3D (a game I had never played before) and absolutely loved it. I now see why people hold that game in such high regard. I spent a good 30 hours on it. I decided to keep playing catch up by getting Super Mario 3D Land and Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon. The latter of which is one of my favorite games of the year.
Looking ahead in the year, I still have plenty of games to look forward to. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team alone looks like it could keep me busy for a long time to come. But there's still Pokemon X & Y to look forward to. A series that no matter how insignificant the changes are in each entry always seems to hook me for hours on end. And of course there's also The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. And if that wasn't enough, there are still some already-released games that I want to check out, like Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance and Fire Emblem: Awakening. The 3DS's hot streak is the reason why that, despite its own struggles, I'm confident the Wii U will be safe.
I really do hope the Vita finds its footing and doesn't wind up being an accessory to the PS4, because it's certainly a system full of potential. But so far, I don't regret selling it in favor of the 3DS, and it doesn't look like I will anytime soon.