Casual gaming is the ultimate go-to remedy for life's hustle and bustle. When reality's persistent knocking becomes a bit too much, all you need is a virtual escape that fits right in your pocket. The Nintendo 3DS boasts an impressive lineup of casual games that are perfect for those moments when you just want to kick back and enjoy some leisurely gaming.
RELATED: 3D Nintendo Games Everyone Needs To Play Once
When the world insists on deadlines and responsibilities, these casual games swoop in to save the day. Grab that stylus and brace yourself for a rundown of the best lineup of laid-back gaming on the 3DS.
9 Fantasy Life
Why settle for one boring job when you can be everything from a hunter to a tailor? Embark on a whimsical journey in the enchanting world of Fantasy Life. This unique game blends role-playing and simulation elements seamlessly, allowing you to create your own character and live multiple lives.
It lets you live out your wildest career fantasies without worrying about pesky things like bills or bosses. Need a break from reality? Just pick up your 3DS and dive into a world where being a magician is a viable life choice. Who knew escapism could be this enchanting?
8 Animal Crossing: New Leaf
No list of casual games on the Nintendo 3DS would be complete without mentioning Animal Crossing: New Leaf – where mortgages are cute and your neighbors are adorable talking animals. Become the mayor of your own town and enjoy a tranquil life filled with fishing, bug catching, fossil hunting, and building relationships with quirky villagers.
The game's real-time clock and changing seasons keep things fresh, making it a game you can return to again and again. Just remember, your virtual loans may be just as forgiving as your real ones.
7 Terraria
Terraria – where digging holes and fighting monsters becomes an oddly obsessive pastime. The game brings an expansive sandbox world to the palm of your hand. Dig, build, and explore as you embark on a journey filled with creativity and discovery.
RELATED: Tips For Building Epic Structures In Terraria
Uncover hidden treasures, battle fearsome monsters, and build your own structures in this 2D adventure. With its fantastic gameplay loop, Terraria offers endless hours of casual enjoyment. It's like gardening but with more swords and fewer weeds.
6 Mario Kart 7
Put the pedal to the metal in Mario Kart 7 and embrace the joy of throwing shells at your friends without any actual consequences. The beloved racing game features your favorite Nintendo characters, which you can use as you race through vibrant tracks, utilizing silly power-ups and shortcuts to secure victory.
Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the franchise, the accessible gameplay and multiplayer options make Mario Kart 7 a must-have for casual gaming sessions. Just be ready for the occasional blue shell-induced rage.
5 Mario Golf: World Tour
Tee off in style with Mario Golf: World Tour. This game combines the fun of golfing with the whimsical charm of the Mario universe. Essentially, The Mushroom Kingdom characters ditch their go-karts for golf clubs.
Take on challenging courses, customize your Mii character, and engage in both single-player and multiplayer modes. With its colorful courses and Mario-style power-ups, this game makes golf fun for everyone, even if your swing technique is more reminiscent of a windmill than a pro golfer.
4 Nintendogs + Cats
Nintendogs + Cats – where virtual pets don't shed, chew your shoes, or need trips to the vet. For all the animal lovers out there, this game is the perfect companion. Raise and care for your virtual pets, teaching them tricks, taking them for walks, and entering them in various competitions.
The addition of cats to the mix adds an extra layer of cuteness to this endearing pet simulation game. You can experience the joy of being ignored by your virtual feline companion – just like in real life.
3 Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning
Say goodbye to city smog and hello to rural tranquility. Experience the joys of rural life in Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning. Plant crops, raise animals, and build a thriving farm from the ground up.
RELATED: The Best Harvest Moon Games, Ranked
With its relaxing farming gameplay and charming characters, this game captures the essence of simple country living while offering players a chance to escape into a tranquil world. No sunscreen is needed for this digital sun, and no sore muscles from tilling soil either!
2 Kirby Triple Deluxe
Join the lovable pink puffball in Kirby Triple Deluxe on a vibrant platforming adventure. Navigate through imaginative levels, inhale enemies to gain their abilities, and save Dream Land from the clutches of the mysterious Taranza.
With its cheerful visuals and engaging gameplay, Kirby Triple Deluxe is a delightful casual game suitable for players of all ages. Just sit back, relax, and let Kirby do what he does best – being effortlessly cute. It's like a sugar rush for your gaming soul, minus the inevitable crash.
1 Tetris Ultimate
Tetris Ultimate proves that sometimes, oldies are still goodies. Time to relive the nostalgia of trying to fit an L-shaped block into a perfectly formed gap. This game brings the classic puzzle game to the Nintendo 3DS with a modern twist.
Challenge yourself with various modes, including Marathon, Ultra, and Sprint, or compete against friends in local or online multiplayer. The timeless appeal of Tetris combined with new features makes Tetris Ultimate a fantastic choice for quick gaming sessions. Play it anywhere, anytime, and see how soothing it is to make the rows disappear.
NEXT: Hidden Gems On The Nintendo DS And 3DS
