The Nintendo 3DS is the most recent addition to our list of current generation gaming consoles. Having launched late last year, it does not yet have a substantial catalog of impressive games, a fact which will put off many gamers who are considering picking one up.

I recently acquired one myself and have been thrust headfirst into the world of mobile stereoscopic gaming. I won’t beat around the bush – like most of Nintendo’s platforms these days, the vast majority of titles released for the 3DS are shovelware, and should be avoided at all costs. Having said that, the 3DS does have a slowly growing range of decent games, and it is gradually becoming a device worth owning.

Here are 5 games that any new 3DS owner should check out.

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

It’s a remake of one of gaming’s most beloved releases. Ocarina of Time was originally released back in 1998, and was praised for its innovative level design, compelling gameplay and epic soundtrack. Gamespot’s Jeff Gerstman  said that Ocarina of Time is “a game that can’t be called anything other than flawless”, and IGN called it “the new benchmark for interactive entertainment” that could “shape the action RPG genre for years to come”.

The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time

The 3DS remake is a straight forward modernisation of the original game with tweaked graphics and of course stereoscopic 3D. Whether or not you played the original, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time should be an early port of call for new 3DS owners.

Super Mario 3D Land

What would a Nintendo handheld console be without a new Mario game to go with it. It’s not quite Super Mario Galaxy, but Super Mario 3D maintains many of the core design principles which made the original Mario games such classics, and delivers them in gorgeous 3D, which not only looks awesome but also has interesting gameplay implications.

Super Mario 3D

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

Capcom’s 3DS adaption of its iconic fighting series is nothing short of totally awesome. It completely encapsulates the full Street Fighter IV experience, with fluid and responsive controls, tonnes of features and of course fantastic visuals. This is probably the best mobile fighting game we have ever played.

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

Gamers looking for something more cerebral should check out Shadow Wars. Ubisoft’s turn-based strategy game puts players in control of an elite special forces unit in the US army. The game feels solid and was one of the 3DS’ standout launch titles. The story and characters are a little thin, but the gameplay is compelling and rewarding enough to make up for it.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

Resident Evil: Revelations

Revelations is not actually out yet, so I was a little hesitant to recommend it. However, based on early reviews from Game Informer and Nintendo Power, it seems safe to expect nothing short of something great from Capcom on this one. According to Game Informer, the story is interesting and coherent and the gameplay has been adapted perfectly for the 3DS. Lets hope they are right. Resident Evil: Revelations comes out on 27 January 2012.

Resident Evil Revelations

Unlike other current generation gaming platforms, the 3DS is lacking a bit in quality titles. The situation is steadily improving, however, and there is at least now a handful of games worth checking out.