Before Nintendo revolutionized gaming with the Switch, they created incredible games for the Nintendo 3DS. This portable system was innovative for its compact size and 3D graphics displayed without special glasses, solidifying Nintendo’s reputation as a leader in handheld gaming.
When you look at all the great games available for the Nintendo 3DS, a few really stand out as flawless. Titles like Mario Kart 7 and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds are so well-made, it’s hard to imagine how they could be any better.
Super Mario 3D Land Showed Everyone What the 3DS Was Capable Of
Although it wasn’t available when the console first released, Super Mario 3D Land quickly became a defining game for it. Each level brilliantly demonstrated the console’s 3D graphics and gave players plenty of chances to experience Mario’s moves.
The game’s brilliant level design and memorable music made it one of the strongest Mario titles ever created. Even players who weren’t typically Mario fans found 3D Land to be an essential game for 3DS owners.
Mario Kart 7 Brought Classic Kart Racing Back to the Small Screen
A Mario Kart game is a staple for every Nintendo system, and Mario Kart 7 continued that tradition with fun and exciting kart racing. It featured beautiful 3D graphics, fresh items to shake up the races, and more ways to customize your kart than ever before.
As a huge kart racing fan, I honestly think Mario Kart 7 is the best one you can play on a handheld system. Nintendo made some really smart little tweaks to how the game played, and they made such a difference! It’s no surprise those changes stuck around in Mario Kart 8 – they were that good!
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team Was a Dream Come True For RPG Fans
I always have a blast playing the Mario & Luigi games, and Dream Team was no exception! It was another super weird and funny RPG where Mario and Luigi team up. This time, Luigi actually got to be the star – his power to jump into dreams was how we beat Bowser, which was a really cool twist.
The core turn-based gameplay remains excellent, and the addition of the Dream World introduces fresh and interesting features. It wasn’t just a good addition, but a highlight of the ‘Year of Luigi’ in 2013.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon Was a Silly and Spooky Time
The ‘Year of Luigi’ also included a new game in the popular Luigi’s Mansion series. Called Dark Moon, it sends the often-scared plumber on an adventure through several haunted mansions to defeat King Boo.
Honestly, every haunted house feels totally different, which is awesome. They added some really cool new stuff to how you hunt ghosts, making it way more fun than before. Plus, this is the first time you can play with friends! There are a ton of great Mario games on the 3DS, but don’t sleep on Luigi’s spooky adventures – they’re seriously good.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Remade the Most Iconic Game of All Time
Many consider Ocarina of Time to be the definitive Legend of Zelda game, and the 3DS version stays true to that legacy. This was Link’s first adventure in 3D, and the remake features updated graphics, small improvements to gameplay, and extra ways to play.
The heart of the game is still wonderfully preserved, letting new players enjoy a classic experience. Even though it’s been remade, Ocarina of Time remains one of the best games on the 3DS.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a Perfect Sequel
While Ocarina of Time 3DS was a remake of an older game, A Link Between Worlds continued the story of the SNES game A Link to the Past. This time, Link can transform into a painting, allowing him to freely move between two different versions of the land of Hyrule.
This ability opened up exciting new possibilities for battles and exploring dungeons, and it’s easily one of Link’s most impressive transformations. By combining this fresh gameplay with a classic Zelda feel reminiscent of the SNES era, A Link Between Worlds stands out as a top-tier Zelda game on any handheld system.
Kid Icarus Uprising Was a Perfect Series Revival
Man, I was so hyped when Pit finally came back in Super Smash Bros. Brawl! It totally reminded me how awesome the Kid Icarus series was. Then, Kid Icarus Uprising dropped on the 3DS, and it was incredible! Seriously, playing as Pit and battling all those huge villains from Greek mythology was an amazing adventure.
Kid Icarus Uprising is an action-packed adventure that seamlessly switches between fast-paced shooting and more deliberate, ground-based combat. It’s easy to learn, incredibly funny thanks to its witty writing and memorable characters, and boasts stunning visuals that really stand out on the system.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Took the Brawl Everywhere
Both the 3DS and Wii U received installments of the Super Smash Bros. series. While the 3DS version had the same number of playable characters, it included special modes and features tailored for portable play.
Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 3DS successfully brought the series’ signature fast-paced, four-player battles to a handheld console. It also included an improved combat system, plenty of collectibles, and a lot of additional content released after the game came out.
Fire Emblem Fates Told a Complex Story Across Multiple Games
The Fire Emblem series became incredibly popular on the Nintendo 3DS. Following the huge success of Awakening, the next game, Fire Emblem Fates, really cemented the series as a favorite for all players. Fates told a grand story of two rival royal families, with the young Prince or Princess Corrin caught between them.
These two games both delivered the tactical, grid-based battles that players enjoyed, but each one had unique story elements and gameplay tweaks to keep things interesting. Together, they were among the most popular and highly-rated JRPGs available on the Nintendo 3DS.
Nintendo 3DS Players Really Dug Shovel Knight
While some 3DS platformers tried new things, Shovel Knight went back to basics. It intentionally looked and sounded like older games, with simple 8-bit graphics and classic chiptune music. The game, where you play as Shovel Knight trying to defeat the evil Enchantress, was a loving tribute to the 2D platformers Nintendo made famous.
I was blown away by how popular Shovel Knight became! It’s amazing to see the franchise still thriving today. And it’s so cool to see Shovel Knight popping up in other games too – he’s definitely become the face of indie gaming for me.
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2026-05-10 20:44