Each December, my partner and I go back to our mutual hometown to spend the holiday with family. No matter the length of the trip, we always have an excellent time.

It usually happens in the week before we leave that I start mentally planning out what to pack. This, of course, includes which games to take. Do I take both handhelds? How many games for each?

I am a notoriously light packer. I do not like checking baggage. I typically have one carry on duffel, and one additional tote that will house my in-flight entertainment. With these self-imposed restrictions, I try to be reasonable with my intent. As much as I may want to play a certain game, I know, inevitably, I will want to spend time with people more. We will be out and about, and the time for gaming will be at a minimum.

As much as I love games, time is precious, and I will always err on the side of people first, gaming later.

That being said, here is the (tentative) list of games I will be bringing along for the trip.

PS Vita

Bringing my Vita along is an easy decision. The bulk of the games I own for it are downloaded on the unit, thus allowing me more options. The only cartridge I will bring is Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc. I can’t wait to start in on that.

Others I’m looking forward to: Muramasa Rebirth, Silent Hill Origins, and maybe even some Persona 4 Golden, though I have a feeling that will have to wait for a less time-constrained opportunity.

3DS

Bringing the 3DS is also an easy choice. I still love checking in with Animal Crossing New Leaf (even if my townsanimals are filled with passive agressive banter), and I genuinely would like to finally get into Okamiden. Okami is one of my favorite games of all time, and ever since I got my 3DS, I’ve had Okamiden on the backburner.

Other cartridges that will make the trip: Kirby Triple Deluxe, Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon, Mario Kart 7, and Pokemon X. I will have no shortage of excellent options!

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade

No trip to Portland would be complete (for me, anyway) without some serious time at one of my favorite places: Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade. I wrote about my love for GK in one of my very first pieces, and I can’t wait to get back. I have loads of quarters, and I’m going to snarf up some Killer Nachos upon my arrival to sustain all that Bubble Bobble, Dr. Mario, and Centipede.

I couldn’t love this place any more than I do. And hopefully this time around, I can snag one of their new hoodies as a souvenir. Goodness knows in the Pacific Northwest, I could use the additional warmth at this time of year.

And now, I’m wondering about other folks out there. If you travel for the holidays, how do you game while you are away? Do you prefer to escape to a corner and play solo, or do you scrabble everyone together to play something wonderful and silly?