The 3DS is a fantastic handheld, and since its release in 2011. It’s safe to say that we will easily remember the device as one of the greatest inventions ever. From its world-class glasses-free 3D technology to the unparalleled library of exclusive first-party software, there was a little something for everyone on the handheld—whether it be action-adventure games (Super Mario) or RPGs (Bravely Default)… even life simulations. The console itself may not have been a hit worldwide, but its games live on, so for us, the search is still to find out what some of the best 3DS games remain alive.
The 3DS had that standout library with top-tier releases in all genres Between the epic adventures of Link in The Legend of Zelda and Fire Emblem’s strategic brilliance, there were countless options for fans from all walks to get their game on. The announcement that sold me on the New 3DS, even more than head-tracking in games like Super Mario 3D Land or Xenoblade Chronicles being locked behind a new system, was knowing I’d be able to transfer my DS games; extending its playability through backward compatibility only made it all the better and solidified this as an important influence during Nintendo’s handheld gaming legacy.
In this article, we will walk you through the top 10 best games for Nintendo fans and how to experience the best pound-for-pound package of nostalgia fulfillment offered on every sold version. There’s a good mix of action and town-building available on the console, so everyone should at least give these games a go.
Why the Nintendo 3DS Still Matters
Even though the 3DS is no longer in production, it remains relevant for several reasons:
- Innovative 3D Technology: The glasses-free 3D display was a real offer breaker, adding a tantalizing sense of depth and immersion when playing games like Super Mario 3D Land and Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon. Pre-3D, these games are amazing, but in 3D, they become almost enchanting.
- Extensive Game Library: The 3DS Library contains over, like, what? You have the likes of RPGs, platformers, and puzzle games.
- Backward Compatibility: The 3DS was also backward-compatible with all Nintendo DS games so that it could hold thousands of handheld gems (plus Pokémon Hillary Clinton).
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What Makes a Great 3DS Game?
When looking at the best 3DS games, we need to consider several key factors that set them apart:
- Innovative Gameplay: The best 3DS games often took full advantage of the handheld’s hardware. These games feel like they were made for the 3DS, whether through cool 3D effects or dual-screen touch functionality in intriguing ways.
- Genre Diversity: There was a 3D recommended game for every possible genre, from turn-based strategy games like Fire Emblem: Awakening to casual simulation games such as Animal Crossing: New Leaf. For a system that was built to be as diverse in its winkling of change, this broad appeal meant 3DS has always felt friendlier and more approachable than any other gaming device.
- Replayability: A lot of the best 3DS games have great replay value, with things like multiplayer modes and NightlyLabs or just hundreds upon hundreds of hours worth of content.
The Legacy of the 3DS in Handheld Gaming
Following in the footsteps of the Nintendo DS and Game Boy—which both have become an indisputable part of gaming legacy, whether it’s personal or not — was the console tasked with carrying out that torch; that privilege (and duty) fell upon none other than THE Nintendo 3DS. Several factors contribute to this visit giving comfort in times of pain.
- Strong First-Party Support: Nintendo brought some of its best franchises to the 3DS, including games from Zelda, Mario, and Fire Emblem, among others.
- Iconic Releases: Top 3DS games proved to be iconic in their rights—Mario Kart 7 and Pokémon Sun & Moon showed up the gates swinging, compliments of an ever-growing catalog.
- Retro & Modern Appeal: The 3DS also played host to updated re-releases of beloved games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, so modern audiences weren’t left out.
Top 10 Best 3DS Games
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- Release Date: November 22, 2013
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Action-Adventure
Game Details:
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds takes place in what is the heart of A Last to the Past’s world. A Link Between Worlds put a fun twist on the usual Legend of Zelda formula with its new mechanic that lets you turn into a 2D drawing mode and traverse walls, which helped to spice up the puzzle-solving process. Nonlinear dungeon progression lets players take on challenges in any order they please.
Why It’s One of the Best:
This is a rare game that effectively blends nostalgia with fresh ideas. Its mechanics feel like a breath of fresh air, and the art style positively oozes love for those long-suffering Zelda fans who were forced to put up with that same dated engine for so goddamn turmellonlong. One of the best-rated action-adventure games that have received high ratings on 3DS, thanks to its tight gameplay gorgeous graphics, and extensive freedom exploration.
2. Fire Emblem: Awakening
- Release Date: February 4, 2013
- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Tactical RPG
Game Details:
Fire Emblem: Awakening takes place across the continents of Ylisse and Valm, with you controlling a customizable avatar and their team of unique characters battling an ancient evil. Combat is turn-based, and the player grows closer to characters on a campaign with them, resulting in more effective fighters who also have a wider range of narrative options as they have bonded. However, the game is very newbie-friendly: it has both casual (characters don’t die for good) and classic modes (permadeath), so everyone from newbies to veterans can enjoy it.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Fire Emblem Awakening came out after the series was almost canceled and revitalized a stale tactical RPG genre. The story, strategy, and relationships with its characters culminate in one of not just the best 3DS games so far but probably even among RPGs in general.
3. Pokémon Sun & Moon
- Release Date: November 18, 2016
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: The Pokémon Company, Nintendo
- Genre: RPG
Game Details:
Sun & Moon takes place in the tropical Alola region and introduces several changes to the old Pokémon formula. Rather than the traditional system of gym battles, players engage in island trials with puzzles and battles, completing a grand trial to challenge each island’s Kahuna. Upon arrival, the player soon finds that new forms of classic Pokémon (called Alolan) and powerful Z-moves have taken their place. This is a tale centered around the player character and his/her dealings with an enigmatic creature called Nebby.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Pokémon Sun & Moon, the latest in a line of more difficult hacks aimed at creating an intense but balanced and fair iteration for veterans who found Pokémon easy. The return to Kanto, the shadowy Team Rocket antagonists, and the unique feature of following Pokémon by walking all tick boxes but from a new perspective that changes everything: this could be subtly radical in the way Gen 7 introduced us to modern mechanics like regional forms.
Editors’ Recommendations
4. Super Mario 3D Land
- Release Date: November 13, 2011
- Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Platformer
Game Details:
Over the years, we have been seeing some of the most out-of-box and weirdest mechanics implemented in Super Mario games with 3D Land blending that is best on offer. There, players can use classic power-ups like the Tanooki Suit but also will have new abilities added to Mario’s tool kit, such as a rolling move that offers an extremely accurate level of control. The game was targeted to highlight the penalty evolution of the 3DS, using similar technology as puzzle AI platforming gameplay.
Why It’s One of the Best:
One of the best all-round Mario games ever made. Super Mario 3D Land is a master class in the use of 3-D, and not just because its depth-perception tricks make for some great head-turning surprises. This game delivers tight controls that, when combined with creative-level design, deliver this Nintendo platformer as one essential title for fans and a very able showcase piece.
5. Mario Kart 7
- Release Date: December 4, 2011
- Developer: Nintendo EAD, Retro Studios
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Racing
Game Details:
Breaking from the series tradition, Mario Kart 7 adds new gameplay mechanics, including segments taking place in zero gravity and on land as well as above-water driving, modes that require different strategies for players to master. Players can outfit their karts with various parts affecting speed, handling, and acceleration. The game features online multiplayer, so players can compete against other humans across the world. It also reintroduces the favorite tracks of fans in previous games and new areas to zip across.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Marrying the old with a bit of the new, it has some strong mechanics in Mario Kart 7. Racing fans love its online multiplayer, easy-to-learn controls, and kart customization.
6. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- Release Date: June 9, 2013
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Life Simulation
Game Details:
Animal Crossing: New Leaf allows players to play as the mayor of a town, taking on responsibilities such as public works projects and ordinances In the game, players control a character who has moved to an uninhabited island after purchasing vacation packages from Tom Nikkei to explore and cultivate it. Game play is open with things like water fish catching bugs decorating homes crafting collectibles socializing then visual interactions with anthropomorphic animal villagers The original New Leaf was a fun and cozy game that progresses with real-world time, complete with seasonal events and plenty of customization options.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Animal Crossing: New Leaf is the ideal getaway for folks seeking relaxation and a chance to create their version of a utopian society (or town). The adorable characters, relaxed vibe, and sheer amount of customization options have been a long-standing hit with fans.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
- Release Date: June 19, 2011
- Developer: Grezzo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Action-Adventure
Game Details:
The 1998 classic, remastered in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, offers updated graphics and enhanced gameplay for one of the most beloved games of all time. This time you play as Link on a quest to save the land of Hyrule from Ganondorf. The puzzles of the game, along with its dungeons and narrative, have not changed since then (this is generally a good thing), but now come bundled together with its tougher counterpart, Master Quest, designed for players who thought regular memories on their own were simply too lenient.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Ocarina of Time is considered by many to be one of the greatest games ever made and a more or less unassailable favorite among Zelda fans. While it’s a three-year-old game, the quick hit of updated graphics and passage past PS2-era load times renders this version definitive in handheld form for experiencing one of gaming’s best adventures.
8. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
- Release Date: March 24, 2013
- Developer: Next Level Games
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Action-Adventure
Game Details:
In Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon, Luigi must hunt for ghouls in multiple haunted mansions with the household Strobulb and trusted Poltergust 5000. Every mansion hosts different puzzles, kinds of ghosts, and a lot more. This, paired with its clever puzzles and lighthearted nature, is what makes it a great game. The dimension of depth added by the stereoscopic 3D effect brings to life these creepy but atmospheric mansions, turning every corner and corridor into an even more immersive experience.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Its charming personality, smart level design, and adorable world make it super rewarding to play. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a title that helped to define Luigi as both a character and capable protagonist in his own right, outside of the series’ traditional savior — brother Mario.
9. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Release Date: February 13, 2015
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Genre: Action RPG
Game Details:
For a more traditional experience, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is bringing the series’ beloved monster-hunting gameplay to Nintendo’s portable on February 13. Players assume the role of a hunter who is given the task of killing large monsters using various weapons and strategies. The game also has a cooperative multiplayer that lets players create teams with local friends and others online. Combat is more vertical, and you can now jump onto monsters to unleash attacks while clinging to them.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a stellar step up in the series, undeniably meatier in discriminatory combat mechanics than it’s been at its inception for ages, with an absurd wealth of cooperative multiplayer content that could make this potentially one of the most satisfying romps fans after brutal battles and teamwork may have ever wanted.
10. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- Release Date: April 10, 2015
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Action RPG
Game Details:
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is an open-world action RPG that takes place on the bodies of two giant titans, Bionis and Mechonis. Shulk explores the secrets of the powerful Monado blade and faces off against mechanical enemies during his journey. This ranks along some of the larger on-foot areas and is a prelude to the remainder of this excellent 3DS version; with only a few occasions due to story-specific changes, you might feel like “Aren’t I doing this right now anyway?”.
Why It’s One of the Best:
By Tom Mc Shea Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a massive, sprawling world that combines storytelling depth with deep combat. Among the most expansive games made for 3DS, and a must-play RPG just as well.
Conclusion:
The Nintendo 3DS has a library of games that remain unbeatable Copyright Holder: If you have nearly $300 to burn on old handhelds, the only place selling new units is Gamers Mart. With 10 of the best games on the system, there’s something here for just about every Nintendo fan. Though the 3DS is no longer being produced, you can still experience some of its best titles — play as Link or race with Mario on the go in your pocket, or build your ideal village and meet cute animal friends in Animal Crossing.
What are your favorite 3DS games? Let us know in the comments below!
