DS/3DS game recommendations

I'm currently deciding which handheld to get out of these options, PSP, Vita, 3DS.

I was initially looking at a Vita but it seems like nothing more than a portable PS3 with a very high price tag and all games are expensive since it's new, I then researched a PSP 2000/3000 but the whole scan-line thing bothers me about the 3000 series, and I really see nothing that I'd want to play except for some Final Fantasy games as well as few others so buying a 2000 serious wouldn't help with that aspect.

I absolutely love the design of the PSP/Vita though, and I know the Vita's analog sticks are supposed to be significantly better than the PSP's.

I think it's a safe assumption I'm going to get a 3DS.

I'm also not getting a 3DS for the 3D aspect, it's price and variety of games has my interest, though there aren't too many, even in the DS library.

I've checked the obligatory lists from top gaming sites of "the best" DS/3DS games to play.

Games I'm sure I will get

Ocarina of Time: 3D - I'm aware that there's a new one coming out as well as Majora's Mask is expected to make an appearance

Professor Layton - 1 or 2 games in the series.

Chrono Trigger DS

Unsure about Mario Kart.


Are there any highly underrated games I should check out or great games I missed ?

It's really only going to be used as entertainment while I'm traveling as if I played it while not traveling I'd go through games too quickly, and you really can't play touch-screen games on an ipod touch while bouncing around in a car.

I know the 3DS is supposed to fully support the entire DS library, so feel free to recommend DS games as well, just clarifying that.

I also want to know if the DS games look worse on the 3DS since the DS games are at a lower resolution as well.
Edited by Ascii Aficionado - 3/5/12 at 5:40pm

Yup, planned on getting SM 3D Land

I already own a PS3 and most games worth owning, I don't want to buy them again just to play them on a handheld. I also only plan on playing while I'm traveling and in down-time while traveling and while not actually physically moving, if you understand that.

I think a PSP 2000/3000 is still a possibility.

Zelda OoT 3D is an absolute must, considering a new zelda should be coming out for it this year, then Nintendo said it's likely Majora's Mask would make an appearance after that.

Super Mario 3D land was on my list already.

I'm checking out that Resident Evil game, how is the controlling for a game like that on the 3DS ?

I also have access to the entire DS library, though it seems most of the great DS games have to be bought from Amazon since they're so old.

The only real issue I have against the Vita is it's price, if the 3DS still had it's original price tag I wouldn't consider it either.

I can get a 3DS with 1-2 great games and some entertaining ones for the price of a Vita 3G with no games.

I also want to know if the 3G Vita needs some type of monthly fee for the 3G access ?

I'll pass on the Pokemon games only because I played red/blue/yellow back in the day and I don't want to have to catch up with 34234234 sequels, but it is a possibility so I'll contemplate it.

The trailers I saw for 999.9 Hours 9 Persons 9 Doors were just odd, but i'll check it out.

The Professor Layton games seem to be a great time-sink during down-time that you can just play and stop after 20 minutes.

That's really what I'm looking for, just down-time entertainment, but not casual to the point where all I would have time for would be simple card games.