Based on the games you listed, I think you'd love the 3DS. If you are wanting to save some money and don't mind buying used, I'm sure eBay will be flooded with 3DS (original and XL versions) once the new 3DS is out.

If you are interested in playing in 3D, then I would encourage you to get the new version. The enhanced 3D effect is really expanding the viewing angle while playing in 3D and will make a huge difference. I love playing in 3D, but the narrow viewing angle makes me often switch it off....too jarring any time the handheld moves (which is often).

@psx2514: really??? Ever??? Or are you always planning on playing a few years behind? Not that you can't do that...just wondering if that is actually your intention or not. That definitely changes the way you approach this imo.

Those are some good suggestions. But, I'd take it a step further. Do you REALLY think you are ever going to finish that backlog? Are you not buying games anymore? If you aren't buying games, then fine...as long as you don't plan on making what is released now your backlog for five years from now. Then sure, you can tackle it and have a great time.

But, I'm an adult like you with limited play time and a huge backlog. I finally came to the conclusion that I needed to cut my list. Sometimes when you have 100 choices to choose from, you are crippled by the overwhelming options. You can come up with a reason for every game why you "don't" want to play it at the moment....and then you just sit there, staring at the TV until you do something familiar (watching a show, playing a sports game that doesn't require progression, etc.).

So, I'd encourage you to be honest with yourself. Create a list for each genre of games and prioritize them. I ended up keeping 5 games in each genre and then would try to stick with one game in each genre until I finished it (or got far enough into the game to realize I really didn't need to finish it). For games that I wanted to see the ending to, but didn't want to slog through it all, I'd just watch videos on youtube or something. That is great for those games that you may decide to cut from your list.

There are just too many great games when you are going back several generations of consoles. Don't cripple yourself with a list that is frustrating to debate with yourself about. It's time to play some games.

What type of games are you into? The 3DS is a great system for sure...and I'd definitely say the XL is a great way to go. However, the "new" 3DS XL is bound to get announced for North America before long...right??? If so, and you are remotely interested in Monster Hunter or slightly increased load times, etc. I'd hold out for that version.

@ferrari2001: Thanks for the feedback. Just the type of specifics that I needed. Happy holidays!

My son (10) is looking to get a gaming laptop in the near future. Any recommendations for one that can play games moderately well around the $500 price point? He is willing to save up a little while longer, so the price could go up a bit (or if there is one cheaper than that, great) if that is needed.

He plays Minecraft of course, but is also starting to get into FIFA and other sports titles. The occasional action/adventure game as well.

Thanks in advance!

What do you mean "no weight"? Europe just got their first cross-buy game within the past few weeks, right? I would say that this fact alone would give this whole idea some "weight". You think Ninty is just going to make this exception for this one game in this one region? Highly doubtful.

Heavy Rain? I just think you are looking for something uber specific and likely aren't going to find many things that match up in a way that will satisfy you.

I'd go Animal Crossing, Super Mario 3D Land, and whatever Zelda game floats your boat (personally, I'd go for A Link Between Worlds). Don't buy two Zelda games at once. Too much of the same thing. Give yourself a Zelda game for when you want something more involved, Mario for when you just want to have quick access to fun, and Animal Crossing when you are feeling a bit lazy or stressed and just need to veg out.

They have been having issues with the eShop for the past day or so as well. Who knows... but, unless the Virtual Console subscription has something REALLY enticing, I will pass. I've already purchased the must-have games on the Wii virtual console and upgraded them on Wii U. Now, if they put Gamecube games up or unreleased gems from SNES....that would qualify as REALLY enticing...but I think this is unlikely.

Cross-buy makes a ton of sense and I'd be excited about this.