Beating the half-term boredom!

Next week it is February half-term. This time last year, we headed off for a city break in Paris, but with no such plans for a half-term getaway this year, I know it won't be long before the chorus of 'Mummy I'm bored!' begins.

If the weather is good then we will try to get outdoors a bit. Despite D seemingly abandoning his love of cooking, usually when the holidays come around, he finds the energy to bake something again so having a bit of fun in the kitchen is another favourite school holiday pastime of ours.

And of course they have their favourite consoles and gadgets for gaming. We tend to relax the rules on gaming over the school holidays and can often spend hours playing games. After all that school work and homework, they need a little downtime and that is what they enjoy doing the most at the moment.

Sshh! Don't tell the kids but I've got a little surprise in store for them. I got sent a press release from Nintendo recently with the very exciting headline of

With over 100 Nintendo 3DS titles to try for free*, Nintendo eShop is a must visit

Whilst we often watch the trailers for new games, I have to admit that I didn't realise that you can actually download demo versions of games to play. These are compatible with what Nintendo call the Nintendo3DS family systems – which includes Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL. The Nintendo eShop is the online app store built into Nintendo 3DS family systems.

It is a really great way to try out new games before buying them and entertaining the kids for free** as some of the games are 'free to start' so you can start playing the levels and then decide whether to purchase. There are even some You Tube video trailers featuring some of the 'free to start' games  here.

Here's what Nintendo have to say:

Simple and stress-free, downloading games and demos from Nintendo eShop allows players to keep their demos together on their system – accessible at just the touch of a button. Nintendo eShop can be found on the HOME Menu of any Nintendo 3DS family system – just look for the orange shopping bag***!

My kids are going to think it is Christmas all over again! I know they are going to LOVE Fullblox with its loveable cute characters and puzzle challenges. With so many games to choose from we won't know where to start.

*Wireless internet connection required. The registration of Nintendo Network ID and acceptance of the network related terms and privacy policies required.
** Includes optional in-game purchases. Wireless internet connection required. The registration of Nintendo Network ID and acceptance of the network related terms and privacy policies required.
*** System update may be required to access Nintendo eShop. See more information here.

Further information from Nintendo can be found as follows:
Nintendo UK on Twitter https://twitter.com/nintendouk
Nintendo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nintendo