3DS Checklist: What Nintendo Needs To Do

3DS is off to a wonderful start, and 2012 should be even better than 2011, thanks to games like Resident Evil: Revelations, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D and Kid Icarus: Uprising.

That said, and although the system is relatively young, Nintendo still has quite a few things left to accomplish, from announcing new titles to redesigning the machine.

With this in mind, we created a 3DS checklist of things we hope to see this year and beyond.

Announce a new Pokemon

You know it's only a matter of time before Nintendo reveals a 3DS exclusive entry in the immensely popular Pokemon franchise. Pikachu and Co. continue to thrive on portables, and it's a foregone conclusion that this sequel (either a spin-off of Black and White or something new entirely) will sell in the millions, catapulting the handheld to record numbers. Come on, big N. Give us a peek.

Update status of Mario & Luigi series

We love the fact that Paper Mario will make the jump from console to handheld this year, but we'll always have a soft spot for the thoroughly entertaining and downright hilarious Mario & Luigi RPG series. Thus far, there have been three critically acclaimed titles (one for GBA, two on DS), and we need more.

Add NES and Game Boy Advance to eShop

Last year, 3DS Ambassadors (consumers who purchased 3DS systems at $249.99 a piece) received 20 free video games, ten for both NES and GBA. Beyond that, Nintendo has yet to announce long-term plans for the rest of the 3DS community. Bottom line, fans would love to have titles for each system. It'll happen eventually.

Announce games for other respective franchises

We still don't know the status of Kirby (who always seems to shine on portables), Metroid, Golden Sun, Advance Wars and Donkey Kong, to name a few Nintendo properties. Not that we're worried, mind you. After all, Nintendo chose to resurrect Kid Icarus, a series fans haven't seen in 21 years. Kirby and Co. will get their due.

Redesign the 3DS

We know some fans are happy with the way things are, and we partially agree. The 3DS is cool, but there's room for improvement. Circle Pad Pro is but a patch, not a long-term solution. Nintendo will eventually tinker with the current design, perhaps adding another Circle Pad where the face buttons currently reside (or underneath) and going with a matte finish instead of glossy. Whether you like it or not, this system will evolve, perhaps in 2013.

Create or sign a cool first person shooter

This goes out not only to Nintendo, but third parties as well. Now that the system has another Circle Pad, we demand a first person shooter that takes full advantage of the machine's capabilities. Rumors of a portable Conduit hit the web a while ago, but we'd prefer Activision's Call of Duty, complete with online multiplayer and StreetPass support. Besides, PlayStation Vita owners shouldn't have all the fun.

Bring Monster Hunter Stateside

With Monster Hunter Tri G dominating Japan, it's only fair that Capcom localize and bring this impressive title to the U.S. and Europe. Let us team with friends and hunt creatures. Then, after we've had our fill, unleash Monster Hunter 4. That'll keep us busy.

Did we forget something? Be sure to add your own suggestions.