Nintendo’s latest handheld, the 3DS, has been on shelves for months, but gamers really aren’t jumping on the bandwagon just yet. Sales of the system have been great, but not anywhere close to that of the release of its predecessor, the DS. Adding a joystick, accelerometer, gyroscope, and amazing 3-D graphics that don’t require glasses are all awesome features that evolve how we play games; but there is still one very important feature the 3DS is lacking. There simply aren’t quality games available for purchase during its young lifespan. The price drop from $249.99 down to $169.99 will surely entice some gamers, but it’s the games that truly determine the value of a system. While the 3DS is certainly lacking in the quality games department, here are eight games to be released by the end of the year that will make your purchase of the system worthwhile.

1. Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights
Genre: Adventure/Puzzle • Release: September 30, 2001 Rating: E10+
    This family friendly game has drawn many comparisons to the Professor Layton series, in which the title character works with friends to solve puzzles as the game’s story progresses. While many are quick to yell, “Rip-off,” there is one aspect that may put the game in its own league. Unlike Professor Layton, Doctor Lautrec is ready to throw down if their situation gets too dangerous. Combat adds an interesting twist to the genre and should lure in classic RPG fans. Especially since the latest Professor Layton game won’t be released in the U.S. for a while, keep this game on your radar.

2. Shinobi
Genre: Action • Release: November 15, 2011 Rating: T
    For the old school gamers out there; yes, this is designed in vein of the original platformer that kicked your ass those many years ago. Players take control of Shinobi, a bad-ass ninja who acquires devastating magic attacks while slicing through the countless bad guys in his way. This is classic Shinobi, with cool touch screen puzzles that only make the game more fun.

3. Bit. Trip Saga
Genre: Action • Release:  September 13, 2011 Rating: E
    Remember when Valve packed a bunch of amazing games together to create The Orange Box? This is pretty much the handheld version of that masterpiece. Bit. Trip Beat, Core, Void, Runner, Fate and Flux are all packaged in a unique collection of the coolest retro-inspired games released in recent memory. Each game plays differently, but they all revolve around a character running and/or shooting around a colorful pixilated environment. The series is also known for its great 8-bit soundtrack that keeps you pumped as you play.

4. Cave Story 3-D
Genre: Action/Adventure • Release: November 8, 2011 Rating: E10+
    Cave Story was an indie hit that proved a one-man studio can create games as great and memorable as big budget productions such as Halo. The story starts out like many Japanese-made RPGs, with an amnesic protagonist who is eventually called to save the world. It does sound cliché, but many have praised its great story and huge game world that bring back great memories of searching through planet Zebes in Metroid and Dracula’s Castle in Castlevania. A cool feature we can thank to the advanced 3DS engine is updated graphics that will make the world even more beautiful.

5. Sonic Generations
Genre: Platformer/Action • Release: November 1, 2011 Rating: RP
    This is certainly a strange direction for Sonic, but it could be the true return to classic Sonic as we know it. Celebrating Sonic’s 20 year anniversary, this title sends the modern era Sonic to the past to team up with his former retro self. The stages are designed to be reminiscent of the Genesis classics and are sure to please the nostalgic gamers. You can play as both Sonics, who each have their own gameplay advantages. This could be something special.

6. Star Fox 64 3D
Genre: Flight • Release: September 9, 2011 Rating: E10+
    It seems that the re-release of Nintendo 64 classic Ocarina of Time on the 3DS has started a great trend of updating the greatest games of that generation. Fans have been clamoring to get back into Star Fox’s cockpit and feeling the power of the Arwing’s lasers once again. Just as the developers behind Ocarina of Time did, the game is seeing a complete graphical overhaul while keeping the smooth gameplay intact.

    You are probably now asking “Where the heck are the other two games you say I must own?” Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 are slated to release this November and December, respectively, and will most definitely be two gems for gamers to love. Why am I not talking about them? Because it’s Mario Land and Mario Kart…they’re going to be friggin’ awesome and that’s all you need to know.