Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Game On: Nintendo 2DS #Giveaway

By

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Years ago, when I first became a mom, I had an idealist view of how I would parent – and how my boys would flourish and grow. I’ll make their baby food from scratch! I promised. No television for my boys! I declared. And the kicker – They’ll never, ever be caught with those dreadful handheld gaming devices!

Well, I didn’t make baby food from scratch. And Lord knows I can sing the theme song from almost every Disney Junior show, so there’s that. But I held out on avoiding video game systems for as long as possible, wrongfully assuming that every child who encounters them instantly becomes addicted. Not true at all.

In fact, I found that introducing my boys to the Nintendo 3DS XL has had a very positive effect on their cognitive skills, such as spatial navigation, reasoning, memory and perception. Additionally, I’ve absolutely seen an improvement in their social skills, like sharing, compromise and offering encouragement (although we do have a tug-of-war over the device from time to time, but they’re siblings and it’s to be expected). All in all, you could say that my opinion of handheld gaming systems has changed incredibly over the past few months.

So what’s all the fuss about? The Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL systems feature a stereoscopic 3D display on the upper screen to give objects within the game world a feeling of space and depth. It becomes easier to see the position of characters and obstacles, making many game experiences even more intuitive for all types of players.

(Since the boys are still young, we disable the 3D effect thanks to a built-in 3D Depth Slider, which allows us to adjust the intensity of the 3D settings on the Nintendo 3DS system.)

Of course, one feature we haven’t tried and are eager to as the boys grow: the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL systems can take photos in 3D. Capture eye-popping images of friends and family, have fun with filters like the Merge lens, or even use the system’s AR technology and included AR Cards to make Mii characters and Nintendo heroes appear in the real world. Très cool! 

Now if you’re looking to join in the fun – at a wallet-friendly price – the Nintendo 2DS is a fabulous option. And starting today (April 22,  2014), you can pick up five of Nintendo’s most popular titles for the incredible price of $29.99 each. Titles included: Super Mario 3D Land, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, Super Mario Bros. 2, Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Mario Kart 7.

Not sure which one is for you? Compare Nintendo handhelds here.

So let’s talk about games. This month, the boys are trying their hand (pun intended) at Yoshi’s New Island. In the Yoshi’s New Island game, Yoshi moves from sidekick to hero in a platforming adventure on a new island with new power-ups. Traverse a wide variety of worlds to help Baby Mario reunite with his kidnapped brother.

FEATURES:

• Discover a new island containing six worlds to explore, from slippery snow slopes to watery wonderlands – each filled with creative platforming challenges, rambunctious enemies and a ton of collectibles.

• Use Mega and Metal Eggdozers to find secrets and open up new areas. Launch a Mega Eggdozer to plow through the environment, or skillfully use the heavy Metal Eggdozer to roll over enemies or explore underwater areas.

• Watch Yoshi transform into different vehicles, including a helicopter, submarine and mine cart. All vehicles can be controlled using the gyroscopic controls of the Nintendo 3DS system.

• When Yoshi acquires a certain type of Star in some stages, he can power up and become “Super Yoshi.” He’ll fly like a shooting star through the sky or temporarily be able to run along walls and ceilings.

• The game has a special aid for newcomers to action games. If players are having trouble getting through a stage, they might see the appearance of Flutter Wings, which let Yoshi spout wings and fly through the air.

• Stages do not have a set time limit, so players can take their time exploring as they progress through the peaceful world of Egg Island.

Sounds like fun? Why not experience it all for yourself! One lucky reader will win a Nintendo 2DS with Yoshi’s New Island (total value $175.00). To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. I grew up with the original Nintendo and Sega Genesis. Fun times. Would love to win this for my kids.

  4. I grew up with Atari and Nintendo! I would win this to donate to Toys for Tots at Christmas time. My own kids have enough.

    • He would love to have this for when we travel since he can’t take his Wii with him

  7. yes i did! loved my game boy and super nintendo!! i would love to win this for my daughter

  8. Well not so much did I grow up with video games, hmm Ataris was what we had.
    I would love this for my grandson, would be great for road trips!

  10. No such thing as video games when I was a kid – we played *gasp* at the park or **double gasp** had to use our imaginations !! LOL Now there are so many of them available and so many different “platforms” (not to mention PC’s and iphones and tablets) a lot of kids have forgotten how to use their imaginations.

  13. Yes I grew up playing video games! I first started playing Spyro on the good old PlayStation 1 & 2! And to this day, I think they’re still my favorite system out there. I would love to win this for myself!

  14. I grew up with the Atari and original Nintendo! I know that there was Gameboys back then but I never did have anything like that as a kid. I did have one of those old school (and I mean really old school) Nintendo handheld games it was a donkey king one, they came out in the late 70’s or early 80’s It was actually my oldest brothers but got passed down through all 4 of us kids lol

    • Oh and I would LOVE to win this for my son! His birthday is at the end of June and he has been asking us for a DS, so this would be perfect and make him the happiest little boy ever!

  15. I grew up with an Atari. Lol. Would love to win this for my boys! They love Yoshi!!!! :) thank for the chance.

  16. When I was a teenager my mom finally gave in and bought us a pac man game. Did we ever spent some time playing that game. I, too, told myself that my kids would not have all of these games console but DH wanted to play with them. So, I gave in, like my mom. While they were playing I was making baby food :)

  17. I am entering your giveaway.
    It would be awesome to win a Nintendo 2DS with Yoshi’s New Island.
    In response to your questions of Did you grow up with video games?
    Who do you want to win this device for, and why?
    Yes i grew up with video games.
    I want to win this for my nephew.
    He loves playing video games and i know he would love to have this.
    Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!

  18. I grew up with video games. Remember getting the original game boy and the excitement of the colour game boy!!! I’d love to win this for my huge nintendo fan…my 8 year old son.

  19. I remember getting an Nintendo when I was about 7. It was all about Mario bros. :) I’d want to win this DS for my daughter who has been asking for one constantly! It would make me very popular with her ;)

  21. I did grow up playing video games and still play once in a while. I actually have a 3ds, I would give it to my younger brother

  22. I did, we got our super nintendo when we had chicken pox only so we would stop scratching ourselves lol. We still have our super nintendo, and game cube systems.

  24. I grew up with nintendo but wasnt addicted to it like my gamer husband? I think my son would love this game if I won.

  28. a good chunk of my youth was spent with a game boy in hand, car rides, camping, school, toilet. I would love to win this for my son, he shares the same mario addiction I had as a child.

  29. I grew up playing games with my younger brother and now my 6 year old is following in our footsteps! He LOVES games and would love to have this! :)

  33. I grew up with the Coleco Vision and Q-bert when I was really little, then the first Nintendo and Super Mario. I’d love to win for my 8 year old daughter so she has something to play on when we are out instead of always stealing her dads iphone.

  36. I didn’t grow up with video games though I have a Wii and think they are fun now! I’d give it to my youngest niece as she’d love one but her parents can’t afford one for her and her birthday is coming. It would be an awesome surprise!

  38. I never had a portable video game system although i’ve bought a few for a few people as with other things i’ve never had. I would probably give this to someone who i find out really wants it too.

  39. Yup, growing up i had three younger brothers who always pooled their money to be able to buy the newest gaming system on the market at the time. If i won i would probably gift it to one of them (if they dont already have one) or to my 3 year old. :)

  40. I’d love to win for my son! I grew up with tons of games to be honest…Nintendo NES, Super, 64, Playstation original :p

  41. The first video game didn’t come out til I was around 19 or 20 so I didn’t grow up with any!

  42. We did not have video games growing up. We did enjoy playing at the neighbors as a treat. I’d love this for my kids, the boys are too rough opening and closing a regular DS for it to last long. S

  43. I did but the where different , pacman pong and asteroids where the big ones back then

  44. I loved the original Super Mario Brothers, could not get enough of it when I was a kid! I would love a Nintendo 2DS for my husband who still loves to play video games

  45. I grew up with 2 older brothers and video games was a big part of my childhood. I would love to win this for both my son and my husband because my husband is a huge gamer and he will probably pass on the love of video games to him.

  46. I grew up with Mario games on both the gameboy and N64! Ah, it brings back memories. I would have to sit by the window to get enough light for my gameboy and my Super Mario Bros game “marathon”! lol I would love to win this for my nephew!

  47. I did not grow up with video games. I would like to win this for my niece’s upcoming birthday.

  48. I didn’t grow up with them but when we had my youngest brother, he had many and use to love watching him play pacman. If I won it would be for my grandson

  49. No video games growing up, only because I’m too old! Lol And this game would go to my nephew.

  50. I had a Nintendo loved to play Mario Bros. I would give the game device to my 3 girls who also love Mario Bros. Although they like Peach the best.

  51. I grew up with Frogger and Stargate…. Remember those? I would love this for my nephews. They love to keep busy with different things and this would be new for them.

  52. I grew up with video games. I was an Atari kid. I’d love to win this for my son because he loves video games and would have a lot of fun with this!

  53. I grew up with an atari… YUP, AN ATARI :)) I would love to win for my bff’s little boy as I think we would really love this

  54. I did grow up with video games starting with Nintendo and Super Mario:) Now I’ve upgraded to the Nintendo Wii and Wii fit plus. I would love to win the Nintendo 2DS for my 4 year old daughter Ava. Ava doesn’t have anything like this and I think it would be fun for her to have a handheld game.

  57. Grew up playing the Commodore 64 and then Nintendo! Super Mario is my favourite! My youngest daughter is my game girl…takes after her mom! Would love this for her!

  58. We never had video games until i was about 11 and we bought a gameboy. My daughter would love this. She’s 9 and just gets to look on as her older brother plays games on his PS.

  59. As teenager I had a Super Nintendo in my room – played Super Mario Bros for hours! I would love to win this for my son who is a video game junkie!!!

  60. I did not grow up with video games. My son did have them (he still has his first Nintendo system) and still plays games and so do my grandchildren.

  61. grew up with video games, I think I owned every machine there was lol, in fact I still have my Atari system

  65. always loved playing super mario, or double dragon on the nintendo on saturdays against my brother :D

  68. there wasn’t as many video games when I was growing up, but I did play what we had, and I would love to win this for my son

  71. I did.. remember Atari?? I didn’t think so…………… PONG! was so awesome lol. I would love to win this for my daughter’s birthday. She’s just started playing games on devices. She plays on our comps but last November she won a colouring contest & won her own IPOD touch.. she’s enjoying the apps! I’d like to win so I can see what she looks like holding something else :)

  72. I didn’t grow up with video games but I do remember friends that had the original…white dots…like a tennis game…completely aging myself and I can’t remember the name of the brand either. I finally broke down when Sara was 10 and bought her a PlayStation. I remember hating the noise and regretting my decision. Gee…I sound like a miserable parent…I would give this to my nephew, his birthday is coming up and he loves video games

  73. I grew up with Nintendo games and I loved them I would love to win this for my son who loves playing them just as much as I do

  74. I grew up with an Atari 800 XL lol. After that I remember my brothers getting a Nintendo. I would love to win this for my son.

  76. I grew up playing Donkey Kong & PacMan…lol Would love to win this and surprise my nephew with it, I know he has been asking for one!

  77. Yes I grew up playing Mario . I would love to win this for my oldest daughter because she loves to video games and it would be a great birthday gift for her.

  79. I grew up without video games, mainly because I’m too old lol If I won I would donate this at Christmas to a local charity!

  81. Yes, I can remember when my mom bought me my Q-bert game….I loved it! I would like to win this for my daughter.

  82. I did not grow up with video games but my kids did. I would like to win this for my granddaughter as she absolutely loves playing video games.

  86. No, video games weren’t around when I grew up. I would love to win this for my nephews because they would really enjoy playing with it.

  87. I did grow up with video games… My favourites were ones that included puzzles or missions that you made you think. I wasn’t a fan of the fighting or sports games.

  88. No, I did not grow up with video games. I would like to win this for my youngest because she always get the hand-me-down electronics. This would be all hers and no previous owners.

  89. Yes I grew up with Nintendo and Sega. I would love to win this for my niece as she’s the perfect age!

  90. I did, Nintendo and then Sega. I’d love to win this for my son as we don’t have one yet and he’ll enjoy it in moderation!

  92. I grew up with video games. I was raised by my grandparents and my grandfather was always into video games (and still is at 78!). I would love to win this for my youngest son.

    • Ohh I forgot to say why. My son has been wanting a Nintendo DS so he can play with his friend.

  93. Yes I grew up with video games.. atari, calico vision, Nintendo 64 !
    I would love to win this for my 3 year old he is so in love with Yoshi he is always upset his cousins wont let him play often. Definitely needs his own now!

  95. My sons grew up with video games, but they were before my time.
    I would love this for my grandson.

  97. I didn’t grow up with video games, we didn’t have any at my house. I’d like to win this for my son so he can have a portable game. I think he’d really like Yoshi’s New Island too.

  98. perfect for my son! he loves video games thats who i would win this for ! :) plus yoshi games are so cute!

  99. I didn’t grow up playing video games. But, we had an Atari and I was able to figured out how to hook it up with the television. Played Pong & centipede.

  102. I grew up with Nintendo and Super Nintendo, I would love this for my oldest who will be 10 in a couple of months because he has never has a video game system before and I think he is old enough now.

  103. We had video games when I was a kid but I never played them.
    I would love to win this for my nephew. He loves all things Mario,Luigi, Yoshi etc. He would freak out if I won this for him :)

  109. I grew up with Nintendo so would love to have one of these for the kiddos to keep them occupied!

  110. I grew up with what my kids call “old school Mario” lol
    I would love this for my little guy, he loves yoshi and mario :)

  111. no video games in my childhood! i would love to win this for my daughter and son, they love their games!

  112. I grew up around video games! I had all the old school consoles…Atari, Sega and the big fat chunky GameBoy. Oh how I miss those days! I would love to win this for my brother. He would be so thrilled.

  115. Grew up with some real old school games..this would be wonderful for my daughter thank you

  117. I grew up with my brother having video games, haha. And I plan to share this with my son :)

  119. I’m dating myself by saying no I didn’t grow up with the games, I’ve had to learn the hard way how these things work, and I still have a hard time understanding.

  120. I didn’t have video games growing because they hadn’t been invented yet! I would love to win this for my nephews . They would really love it

  122. I was there when video games was first invented. I want to win this for me. It’s mine. You can’t have it. As for why – because it goes ba-looop in the night.

  124. I didn’t grow up with much in the way of video games. We had that boring tennis game lol….I’d like to win it for my granddaughter who lost all her toys to a slum landlord that took their families stuff and wouldn’t give it back :(

  125. I loved playing Yoshi growing up! Would love to win this for my son so we could enjoy this together

  127. no we didnt have video games at the house but occasionally I played on a machine at the arena.

  133. I grew up playing Atari and Nintendo… I’d love to win for my husband-he loves video games!

  134. I didn’t have video games, but my cousin had pong. This prize would go to Little Miss R for when we travel.

  136. Ahem, being a little older, I didn’t grow up with video games per say. I did enjoy some Atari games in my older teen years. I would love to win this for my 6 year old!

  138. I would love to win the Nintento 2DS for my grandchildren.They would love this.We had Atari and Nintendo here and we used to love Mario games,shooting and racing games.

  139. My grandma bought me my first nintendo as a child , i would love this for my son and step son

  140. We have a Super Nintendo when I was young, but we didn’t have many games to play with it ….I’d love to win this for my son

  143. loved gaming as a kid, my man too, our girl already loves games & would love this too, it would totally entertain her so we can get stuff done or relax,,, thnx

  145. I did grow up with video games but we always had a limit on how long we could play! My son is a little young for this so far so I would win it for myself!

  146. My brother and I had an Atari growing up. I also remember our first Gameboy. I loved playing Tetris.

  148. I love the old nintendo, super nintendo and 2ds all of them :) soo fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! would gift to my nieces

  149. I did not grow up with video games. I would give this to my youngest son who has been asking for one

  150. Yes I did, I still remember the day dad brought home the Atari! We were fascinated! Rules no fighting over who’s turn it was, or it would be taken away! Funny how well we got along when playing that machine! lol

  153. No I am pre video games ….vintage is the term I like to use, and like a good wine I get better with age. Love to win for my nephews! They would love this!!!!!!!

  154. I did not grow up with video games. So, I want to win this device for myself to get caught up with all the cool games I’ve been missing all along!

  155. I lived in Crystal Beach as a child and I when I got sick In the hospital, the town put their money together and bought me the first Nintendo. This evolved into a huge addiction to video games and I became a player. Although I lost my strength at 18 and no longer play, I still enjoy watching others play. This being said, I’d love to win this for my little cousins.

  157. I grew up on nintendo and still play video games! I’d get this for my nephew since he seems to share my love of video games =D

  158. I did not grow up with video games but they did have pac man around as a teenager, more like pinball machines. I would like to win this for my son he saves various different game systems and play them too. It would be nice because he has three children as well and would be nice for my grandchildren to enjoy as well as my son.

  161. I grew up with Atari and intellivision…so long ago! When I was first married it was Nintendo and playstation! I would love to win this for my son…he would be so excited!

  162. I never had video games in my house growing up but others did and I was a huge Pacman fan.
    I would like to win this for my nephew who doesn’t have a game system.

  163. Yes, I did grown up with video games (first gen game boy & Nintendo that had duck hunt) I would give this to my youngest son or keep it for me ;-)

  164. No, I was not lucky enough to have video games growing up. I remember when the original black & white gameboy came out (I was in grade 12) and I wanted it SOOOO bad, but it was so expensive (it was over $100, and this was in 1990 or 1991!). I never did get one. I would love to win this for my 5 year old. My 6 year old has one, but isn’t into sharing. Thanks for the chance.

  165. We didn’t have video games when I was young. I would like to win this for my grandkids.

  166. I only got a video game system when I was a teenager. But, I would love to win this for my niece who is 7

  167. Yes I grew up playing Nintendo! I would like to win this for my niece who loves playing games!

  168. I played Mario brothers on Nintendo. I’d be winning this for my 33 year old husband. Yes, he’s 33.

  169. I grew up playing packman and donkey kong (which my daughter now plays… oddly enough). I would love to win it for her because she’s a gamer and would enjoy it.

  170. I played my cousins’ NES and played SNES too. Finally got my very own Gameboy Pocket and shortly after a N64. I want to win this for myself. Haven’t gotten a 3ds/2ds yet.

  172. Both my sons loved their Nintendo DS’s when they were young. It was particularly useful on long car drives or waiting in the doctors office.

  174. We used to go to the arcade and play pinball and pacman, we love Mario Bros. My kids would really love this.

  176. I didn’t grow up with video games and I would love to win this and give it to my nephew, he loves video games but Mom is a single Mother and cannot afford them.

  178. I grew up watching my big brother play the original Nintendo system, fav game was Zelda. Would love to win this for my little guy, think he would love it & would be his first game system!

  179. I grew up playing the original Mario Bros…..and then eventually the Dr. Mario lol….wow flash back.
    I would love to win this for my niece because she loves these type of games.

  180. Loved growing up with Nintendo systems and Mario! would love to share this with my nephews!

  184. I grew up playing Pac-Man, and Space invaders. I want to win this for my son.

  185. My family grew up playing video games I would love to win this for the my daughter to play with her children!

  189. We were able to play video games when I was in high school….didn’t exist when I was little :)

  191. I grew up jealous of every one who had video games! My parents just didnt have the money. I would like to win this for my girls but my husband will probably be the one who uses it most!

  192. I grew up with video games. We had the first nintendo! I would love to win this for my son..and me!

  195. We had an Atari growing up, yep played pong:) I would give this to one of my girls, then have to get another one for my other daughter, have to be fair:)

  198. I remember playing nintendo when it came out and gameboy, but they sure dont compare to todays games. I would like to win this for my oldest son.

  199. I grew up playing handheld games … pretty cheesy ones compared to todays games. I have 4 kids and Id love to win this for them

  201. I did, but we had a lot of outside time, we only played on the games when it was rainy or to cold to be out, I’d love to win this for my son, so when it is rainy he has something to do and when we go on long trips which we plan on doing lots with the summer coming

  202. The Whiz/Gamer kid in my life – Yoshi’s biggest fan – my son Evan.

    Eva Mitton-Urban

  203. I grew up with Nintendo and Super Nintendo and I still love video games. I would love to win this for my son. He loves any Mario or Yoshi games.

  204. I sort of grow up with video games. I would love to win this for my hubby because I know that he loves video game and it will be perfect for him to play with it while he commutes

  205. when I was younger I got the original Nintendo and have gotten several game systems since then. I would love to win this for my oldest son

  207. I didn’t really grow up with video games. But I love playing them now. Making up for it??

  208. I grew up playing Atari. Would love to win this for my son, he would have fun playing this.

  209. We didn’t grow up with videogames, or even cable. My boys sure aren’t growing up that way though. I’d like to win this for them!

  210. Would like to win this for my nephew — as long as he shares! We’re both big fans of video games.

  211. I want to win this for my son and daughter. I played video games all the time as a child and super Nintendo was my favourite but when I pulled my old system out they were having none of the outdated graphics. They need something new and shiny!

  212. I was the Donkey Kong Champ in my youth! Would love to win for the boys

  213. I grew up with Nintendo 64 and I always use to play Mario Party. Yoshis new island looks like a lot of fun and I would love to win this :)

  214. I never had then when I was growing up. I would love to win this for my grand kids!

  215. Loved playing Nintendo as a kid. I remember the first Mario game and duck hunt! Would live to win for my beat friend’s kid! He would love this!

  216. I grew up playing video games myself and really still enjoy the odd game here or there. I have 4 kids and 3 are boys. I am sure I can find one of them to enjoy this :)

  217. I grew up with the Atari and then the Nintendo. I’d love to win for my daughter.

    • She loves playing games on my ipad so I’m sure she’d love to have it!

  219. My brother had a Nintendo 64. I have three boys so it would come in handy for all if them to share;).

  220. I grew up playing video games and would love this for my daughter since her brother never shares.

  221. The first game I ever played was Supermario with Duck hunt (combo game) on Nintendo. I didnt play often but I remember I would have blow on the cartariges to get it to work. A part of me would love to give this to my nephews but theyre a tad to young games. Although they under how to navigate a tablet. I would love to win this for my significant other. He is gamer and this had been on his list.

  223. I still remember playing Atari with my brother! My 10yr old son would love this.

  224. WE did not have any video games at our house, but our cousins had an original Nintendo System and I loved playing Super Mario Brothers 2 on it!
    I would love to win this for my kids — they LOVE the Yoshi games!

  225. Not in my childhood but in my teens for sure! Original Nintendo. Duck Hunt, etc.
    My 4yr old would love this package.

  227. My son has been asking for a DS since he was 4. I told him he had to wait until he was 7. He turns 7 this year so this would be perfect :). I grew up playing Nintendo and loved Super Mario! It’s fun to see the childhood fun recycled.

  229. I grew up with Atari and super nintendo…LOVE Donkey Kong Country! I’d give this to my gamer BF :)

  230. I grew up with video games. We had an old Sega game system that we played Sonic on. I’d love to win this for my oldest since he loves playing games.

  231. I grew up with Pong & Intellivision and Atari – my mom still has our old Atari and about 30 games. I would love to win this for my younger DD….my older DD already has a DS.

  234. We had an old system but all us kids loved it anyways. Id love to win for my son! he’s starting to like games

  235. My four boys would love this! Great for travelling, as we don’t have a device yet!

  237. We love video games in our house; I played growing up and so did my husband (who still has all his old systems!). My son would love to have his very own handheld system!

  239. Sadly I am old enough to remember “pong” We were amazed. Haha, If we only new what was to come….

  241. I grew up with Atari and Nintendo. I would love to win this for my nephew and be aunt of the year!

  244. What an amazing contest ! We didn’t have video games… our kids are so ahead of us technology wise at the same age ! My youngest will be 9 in a couple months and this will be a great birthday present for him ! Cheers…

  245. When I grew up, Atari was the popular video game. We couldn’t afford one though at the time.
    If I win this I would give it to my nephew.

  247. Oh I loved playing video games like Pacman and Space Invaders! My autistic nephew would love this! He loves to play and it really helps his hand eye coordination!

  248. I grew up with gameboy advanced and a nintendo ds light. I would love to win this for myself. Thank you for this giveaway :)

  249. I grew up with Nintendo NES and before that Intellivision. I want to win this for my daughter. She loves video games.

Trackbacks