The Nintendo 3DS first came out in 2011 with a vast collection of unique and interesting games. This system has been a groundbreaking creation of its time, and with the announcement of the latest Nintendo Switch 2, it’s not surprising that a few old-time gamers want to get the same feeling they had while growing up with the Nintendo 3DS. If you’re one of the folks looking to relive nostalgia, keep reading as we list out the best 3DS games right here.
1. Super Mario 3D Land
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD Tokyo
- Release Date: November 3, 2011
The first item on our list of greatest 3DS games is Super Mario 3D Land. The game makes use of some game mechanics from the classic 2D Mario and implements them in a 3D environment. This way you can revive your childhood along with a fresh new experience of playing as Mario and saving the Princess.
This naturally means colorful environments, refreshed aesthetics and some amazing level designs. Speaking of the latter, there are a few interesting puzzles that require your close attention to the in-game perspectives and the environment as well. So if you want to revisit the Mario time, check this one out.
2. Super Smash Bros.
- Developer(s): Bandai Namco Studios
- Release Date: September 13, 2014
Next up is another title featuring all the characters from your favorite Super Mario game but with a unique twist. Here, you’ll be thrown into a 2D platform or stage where you battle against your enemies.
You can play with four of your friends in an all out battle or even play in teams of two. Choose your favorite characters including Mario, Princess, or Bowser and give it your all in the matches. Super Mario Bros. will be especially fun for Mario veterans as it jam packs all your favorite characters into a single game. So if you want to try a nice multiplayer game that we also consider one of the coolest 3DS games, check it out.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: November 22, 2013
Making a list of the best Nintendo based games without including any one from The Legend of Zelda series is simply impossible. A Link Between Worlds is one of the most impressive games on Nintendo 3DS. The wall painting puzzles and how smoothly they blend with the environment will astound you. Moreover, the story will keep you on your toes, always making you think about the next puzzle.
The story focuses on a young Link who must go on a journey to defeat an evil magician once again. A Link Between Worlds created the bridge for future Zelda games and cemented its place as one of the best 3DS games.
4. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Developer(s): Capcom
- Release Date: September 14, 2013
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was one of the best parts of the series. With two new weapons, ability to mount monsters and better mobility than ever before, it was worth every penny you paid for.
You’ll be facing unique monster battles including a new spider monster that could also entrap you. The sheer volume of content, monster species, and missions makes this title a must try. Want a game that challenges you to the core and lets you win through hard work? Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the one for you.
5. Metroid Samus Returns
- Developer(s): MercurySteam/Nintendo EPD
- Release Date: September 15, 2017
Metroid Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid 2, which came out for the Game Boy. This version has many new features, including grapple hooks, the ability to shoot even when in the air, and a slowdown time.
Although the boss fights can be a bit repetitive, you get 40 of these battles in the game. Samus Returns removes all those frustrating Metroid moments where you get stuck in some area by bringing a new scanner that gives you directions for where to go in order to complete the game.
6. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: November 8, 2012
The next game on our list is Animal Crossing: New Leaf. This one is for all Animal Crossing fans as this version comes with something new. New Leaf allows you to become the mayor of your town and change it however you feel like.
This is one of the most fun and relaxing games that you can enjoy in your leisure time. However, we warn you, this game will suck all the time out of your life. This is all you’ll be doing.
7. Resident Evil: Revelations
- Developer(s): Capcom
- Release Date: January 26, 2012
Now it’s time for an action-packed game with a few horror elements. For this genre, Resident Evil Revelations is one of the best picks. With phenomenal graphics and story, this Nintendo 3DS game was way ahead of its time.
You’ll be playing as Chris Redfield along with your partner Jill Valentine to save the world against a bio terrorist organization, looking to poison the aquatic life with a virus. So hopefully right on and show off your skills to defeat the evil. While we won’t rank it as one of the best Resident Evil games, it sure comes close.
8. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- Developer(s): Monolith Soft
- Release Date: April 10, 2015
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a 100-hour action-RPG game that welcomes all the newcomers who haven’t tried any from the series. This is a massive open world game, turn-based battles, and timed attacks. Furthermore, you’ll have many options to customize your character with all skills and passives you prefer.
However, do note that the game is only available on the new Nintendo 3DS models. Nonetheless, this title goes to show just how powerful the console is and how far we’ve come.
9. Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse
- Developer(s): WayForward Technologies
- Release Date: October 13, 2014
Next up is a platform game called Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse. Its pixelated environment invites players of all ages. The story is about stopping an evil pirate from using dark magic to revive himself.
You will play as Shantae along with the Genie as your Ally in this quest. You can use many tools and weapons to defeat the bosses. While a bit on the lighter side, you’ll still have fun with this 3DS game. So make sure that you don’t miss out on this gem.
10. Kid Icarus: Uprising
- Developer(s): Project Sora
- Release Date: March 22, 2012
Kid Icarus Uprising is one of the best creations of Sakurai, and it has the most enjoyable gameplay you’ll get on the Nintendo 3DS. You’ll be facing enemies in both air and land battles, the former of which might seem similar to an intense Star Fox fight, while the latter is similar to any hack and slash fight.
Apart from all these, you can select from a huge variety of weapons each having unique stats, attributes and abilities. So, choose your favorite character and jump into this title and you’ll experience the masterpiece of a handheld device.
11. Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
- Developer(s): Level-5
- Release Date: February 26, 2011
This title is all about small mini-games in which you must use all your analytical skills to solve puzzles. Professor Layton invites gamers from all age groups to stop the Masked Man and his menaces. Apart from that, you will definitely enjoy the immersive storytelling features and connect with all the characters.
12. Kirby: Planet Robobot
- Developer(s): HAL Laboratory
- Release Date: April 28, 2016
Kirby Planet Robobot features another of Sakurai’s most popular creations, Kirby in robotic armor. This is a platform game with 3 different progress-saving options.
The story revolves around a Drill boss taking over Kirby’s world, and you, as Kirby, need to stop this from happening. There are six different locations you travel to, and each one of them is completely replayable. With lots of content to uncover, this title is one of the coolest 3DS games we suggest checking out.
13. Ever Oasis
- Developer(s): Grezzo
- Release Date: June 23, 2017
Ever Oasis is an underrated and unique game on the Nintendo 3DS. The game starts with selecting the protagonist of the story, a Seedling. Seedlings are said to be the guardians of the Oasis, where they live peacefully with Water Spirits.
However, the Oasis is attacked by a monster named Chaos, and you must do everything to stop him from consuming all of his life in this paradise. As you progress in the game, you’ll attract several other Seedlings to help you in your adventure. There are dungeons you can explore, side quests for leveling up, as well as design the town as you like.
14. Fantasy Life
- Developer(s): Level-5
- Release Date: December 27, 2012
Fantasy Life is another game that will help you relax after a long and tiring day. There is no such determined goal and you can do pretty much whatever you like. You can take up many jobs, including the Cook, Angler, Mercenary, Woodcutter, Wizard, Paladin, and many more.
As you take on various responsibilities, you gain levels and your skills will increase, thereby rewarding you with tasty goodies.
15. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
- Developer(s): Retro Studios
- Release Date: May 24, 2013
Finally, we have a classic Nintendo 3DS game as the last item on the list, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. This is the sequel to the original Donkey Kong Country, released with revamped graphics and gameplay features.
The game looks beautiful with a huge variety between all the levels. Unlike any other platform games, you can choose to make the game progression easy by buying cool new additions like the balloon that saves you from untimely falls, or the bomb barrels that blast your enemies. Overall, if you enjoyed the first part, this one is also a must try.
With that, the list of best Nintendo 3DS games ends here. Have we missed out on any games that deserved to be placed here? Let us know in the comments below!
