The Best 3DS Games for Nintendo
The 3DS was Nintendo’s main presence in the gaming market for a time, offering dual-screen technology and more power than its predecessor. It was updated with various models such as 3DS XL, 2DS and 2DS XL. With a vast library of great games, we’ve rounded up the best 3DS titles (in alphabetical order).
The 3DS remains a great console from Nintendo, with access to some of the company’s best games.
Check out the list of the best 3DS games for Nintendo
Super Mario 3D Land
Nintendo’s iconic mustached hero, Mario, has been a staple of the company’s consoles since the beginning. Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS is widely considered to be his best outing yet, with critics praising its addictive gameplay, impressive 3D visuals and creative level design. Released in 2011, it continues to be a fan favorite today.
Newcomers to the Super Mario series will find it easy to pick up and understand, making it clear why Mario is still Nintendo’s most popular character. Super Mario 3D Land continues to be a leader in the platform gaming genre.
Metroid: Samus Returns
Samus Aran is back in Metroid: Samus Returns, a modern take on the classic Game Boy title Metroid II: Return of Samus. Set after the events of the original game, Samus is sent by the Galactic Federation to investigate the power and threat of Metroids on their home planet. As with other 2D Metroid titles, players must collect power-ups to traverse through its twisted world.
Metroid: Samus Returns is a modern take on the classic 2D Metroid game, with vibrant and detailed visuals thanks to the 3DS, and precise and fluid combat mechanics. After 14 years of absence in 2D space, this title looks like a great way to say goodbye to the 3DS as one of its last AAA titles.
Bravely Default
The 3DS boasts a wealth of excellent RPG titles, but Bravely Default stands out as the cream of the crop. Developed by many of the same minds behind Final Fantasia, this classic JRPG is sure to please fans of the genre.
Players of classic JRPGs will find a familiar experience in Bravely Default, as they customize their characters’ appearance and abilities through the game’s task system. Combat encounters play out in turns, giving players control over each character’s actions.
knight shovel
Shovel Knight, the acclaimed indie game from Yacht Club Games, has been praised for its NES-style graphics and gameplay. Players take on the role of Shovel Knight and explore a 2D world while collecting treasure and fighting off the Order of No Quarter. The 3DS version of this game has earned the highest scores among all ports.
Shovel Knight is an addictive indie game for the Nintendo Switch, featuring a simple but challenging formula: battle through multiple terrains, collect treasure, and defeat a boss to progress. With its captivating gameplay, it’s no wonder why Shovel Knight is one of the best indie games on the console.
Ocarina of Time 3D
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has long been hailed as one of the greatest video games ever made. Since its 1998 release on the Nintendo 64, it has consistently topped best-of lists and earned a revered place in gaming history. Despite its age, the title remains beloved by fans, though accessing it can be challenging due to outdated visuals and presentation.
Ocarina of Time 3D is a classic game made even better with updated visuals, a streamlined interface and helpful mechanical changes. These improvements make tedious moments easier to manage, while still fitting into the existing structure of the game. It’s no wonder why Ocarina of Time is considered one of the best games on the platform and port.
Mario Golf: Around the World
Mario Golf: World Tour brings the classic Nintendo franchise to the golf course, allowing players to take on the role of Mario, Luigi and other iconic characters. Compete online against human opponents or challenge bots in tournaments across a variety of courses. With its unique twist on a mundane sport, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
The 3DS offers a limited selection of sports games, but the World Tour stands out with its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. Players can look forward to an even more exciting experience when Mario Golf Super Rush arrives.
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Game Freak has taken the Pokémon franchise to new heights with the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon. The Alola region introduces classic Pokémon forms with varied abilities, looks, and weaknesses, while also addressing topics such as human consumption of Pokémon. This installment builds on the success of X and Y by streamlining gameplay and providing a robust online component.
Give your Pokémon Go-loving brother the perfect gift this holiday season: Pokémon Sun and Moon. The latest installments in the long-running series bring back Mega Evolutions and introduce Z-moves, powerful attacks that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. With unique Pokémon for each version, plus different day and night cycles, it’s worth picking up both games.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Animal Crossing: New Leaf offers a unique gaming experience, providing players with a tranquil city-building simulator. Instead of intense combat or difficult puzzles, the game focuses on creating and maintaining a small town. Players can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while managing their own virtual community.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Nintendo Switch has gone gold, offering players a leisurely-paced game full of activities to enjoy. As mayor of your city, you’ll be tasked with maintaining the village and keeping your villagers happy while unlocking new activities and preparing for vacation. Whether it’s furnishing homes, visiting neighbors or spending time alone in the garden fishing, there’s something for everyone in this deceptively addictive title.
Mario and Luigi: Dream Team
Mario and Luigi are more than just jumping into Goombas and gobbling up mushrooms. Mario and Luigi: Dream Team is one of the best roleplaying adventures available on the 3DS, taking place both on Pi’illo Island and within Luigi’s dreams.
In Pi’ill0, Mario and Luigi team up with Dreamy Luigi in a unique blend of platforming and RPG combat. Players explore the island, engaging in turn-based battles and 2D side-scrolling action. Dream Team offers an exciting mix of genres with a charming twist.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask stands out from the rest of the series for its dark tone and unique mechanic. After completing Ocarina of Time, Link finds himself in Termina, a parallel world to Hyrule. He must save it from destruction within three days or face the consequences when the moon falls.
Majora’s Mask stands out from other games in its creative mask system, which expands on features from Ocarina of Time in unexpected and enjoyable ways. The game’s three-day cycle mechanic, which equates to an hour in real time, adds a unique twist to exploration and progression: if the moon arrives, all progress made since the last collision is lost. Players can avoid this by playing songs on the ocarina to manipulate time, but minor progress and characters’ knowledge of Link will always be gone. Despite this constant pressure of ticking clocks, Majora’s Mask is still a captivating world worth exploring.
Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS offers a huge roster of iconic characters from Nintendo’s franchises, including fan-favorites like Samus and Fox McCloud, as well as lesser-known fighters like Ike, Paulina and Shulk. With frenzied combat spanning multiple arenas drawn from different games, it’s one of the best fighting games available on the 3DS - a rare treat for fans of the genre.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS offers a unique experience compared to its Wii U counterpart, with a different graphics style and control scheme tailored to the 3DS hardware, exclusive stages and the Smash Run game mode. Despite not being as fully featured as Ultimate Smash on Switch, it’s still an essential entry in the series, featuring characters like Bayonetta, Ryu from Street Fighter and Final Fantasy VII’s Cloud Strife.
Final note
Love Nintendo 3DS games? Check out our list of the best titles available. Share it with your friends and let us know if you have any questions.
