Best 3DS games of all time, ranked

The Nintendo 3DS, released in 2011, quickly became a fan favorite and one of Nintendo’s most popular handheld systems. It wasn’t simply an upgrade to the DS; it captured the heart of what Nintendo fans adore – delightful game worlds, clever gameplay, and familiar, comforting franchises.

The 3DS breathed new life into classic game series. We saw fantastic new Zelda adventures like A Link Between Worlds, plus updated 3D versions of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. Pokémon made the leap to full 3D with X and Y, then continued to grow with Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Fire Emblem found a new audience with Awakening, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf became a beloved daily habit for many players. Plus, Super Mario 3D Land reminded everyone that Mario is still king of handheld platformers.

With all that in mind, here’s our ranking of the best Nintendo 3DS games.

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Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Release date:

July 12, 2013

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Mario and Luigi embark on the adventure of their dreams in a hilarious action RPG that combines the resort world of Pi’illo Island with the wild landscapes of Luigi’s imagination, where anything can happen. Meet a host of hilarious characters as you strive to rescue Princess Peach and help Prince Dreambert free his petrified Pi’illo people from the bat-king Antasma’s curse.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call – Limited Edition

Release date:

September 16, 2014

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: A limited edition of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call that includes a music CD.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy

Release date:

February 28, 2013

4(8 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Journey across the globe aboard the airship Bostonius while solving mind-bending brainteasers themed to their environments. Can you help Professor Layton and his assistants solve the greatest puzzle mankind has ever faced and uncover the mystery surrounding the ancient Azran civilization?

The Professor Layton series couples brilliant puzzle games with a fascinating story to create a riveting formula that has provided great entertainment for mystery fans and puzzle-solving gurus alike. And now, you can complete the Professor Layton storyline with this brand new puzzle-driven narrative from LEVEL-5. This fun adventure can either stand on its own, or act as the glue that connects the two Layton trilogies into one epic story.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies

Release date:

July 25, 2013

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Android
Nintendo 3DS
iOS

More info

What it’s about: Dual Destinies continues the style of gameplay from previous installments, in which the player must utilize evidence and find contradictions in witness statements to prove their client innocent. Like previous installments, gameplay is split up between Investigations, in which players find evidence and question witnesses, and Trials, where they must use the evidence to expose contradictions. The game now features full 3D graphics and character models, allowing more dynamic camera angles during gameplay, such as quickly panning around the courtroom in the moments before a dramatic reveal. The 3D camera also allows investigation sequences to take place in 3D spaces, permitting greater investigative depth, such as being able to rotate around a room to look for clues.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

Release date:

May 23, 2013

4(8 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Over 70 levels of banana-hoarding fun featuring Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Run, jump, climb and defeat enemies through diverse environments until you retrieve Donkey Kong’s stolen banana hoard. Rebuilt and optimized for portable play on the Nintendo 3DS system.

Star Fox 64 3D

Release date:

July 17, 2011

4(4 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The Star Fox team triumphantly returns to one of its greatest missions with this remake of Star Fox 64 in full 3D, featuring a complete graphical update.

The entire Star Fox universe spreads out realistically into the depths of the Nintendo 3DS screen while the 3D visuals give the player a clearer grasp of distance and position. This makes the game more approachable and intuitive, thereby allowing players to focus on the action.

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

Release date:

February 26, 2011

4(4 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The ultimate version of Street Fighter makes its seamless transition to the Nintendo 3DS with Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition. The console experience is now in the palm of your hand with rich new features that utilize the capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS to its fullest. Packed with 35 playable characters, bonus stages and cinematic Ultra combos, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition expands the action by allowing you to fight your friends around the world using Wi-Fi. New to the franchise are the figurine mode, which utilizes the Street Pass feature to add a collectible meta-game, and the 3D over-the-shoulder camera option that takes fighting to new depths. For those new to the franchise, a simple mode has been added allowing players to pull off challenging moves with a single touch of the screen.

Rhythm Heaven Megamix

Release date:

June 11, 2015

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Test your rhythm by chopping wood, sticking speeding viruses with forks and playing badminton while flying an airplane, all in time to catchy tunes in this deceptively challenging rhythm game. The accessible controls and catchy music, combined with the new visual feedback system, make this a great entry in the Rhythm Paradise series. Can you match the beat and reach Rhythm Paradise ?

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Release date:

July 28, 2012

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a side-scrolling 2.5D action-adventure platform game for the Nintendo 3DS. As the direct sequel to New Super Mario Bros., it is an indirect follow-up to New Super Mario Bros. Wii. The game’s main focus is on coins, with the primary goal being to collect one million. To reach the goal, the game includes many new items to aid the player, such as the Gold Flower, which turns Mario into Gold Mario.

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Release date:

March 22, 2012

4(8 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: One of the most beloved franchises in Nintendos long history makes its glorious return in spectacular 3D! Pit of Kid Icarus fame is back in a new game designed specifically for the Nintendo 3DS system, by Masahiro Sakurai, creator of the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. franchises, and his development team at Project Sora.

Kid Icarus: Uprising is a fast-paced and action-packed blend of aerial and ground-based shooting built on elegantly intuitive and streamlined play control. This follow-up to the original Kid Icarus released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 has been at the top of gamers wish lists for years.

Boasting gameplay that is easy to pick up but incredibly deep, the game is sure to satisfy novice gamers as well as fans who have been clamouring for a new installment in the franchise.

The hero, Pit, teams up with Palutena, the goddess of light, who bestows on him the miracle of flight for limited stretches. With this gift, Pit soars through the skies, shooting down swarms of enemies, then alights and engages in frantic ground-based battles against Medusas underworld army.

Find and collect numerous weapons and items that offer bonuses and ability boosts. Players can choose weapons before they send Pit into battle, giving them countless layers of strategies in each level.

Players can choose between a basic Blade, basic Claws and a basic Orbitar weapon. Blades are well-balanced, Claws have limited reach but increase running speed and the Orbitars can shoot two shots that grow in power over distance.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

Release date:

February 10, 2016

4(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a post-apocalyptic role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus for the Nintendo 3DS. It is set in the same universe as Shin Megami Tensei IV and forms part of the Shin Megami Tensei series, the central series of the Megami Tensei franchise.

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past

Release date:

February 7, 2013

4(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Travel to the past to save the present in this classic Dragon Quest adventure that has been completely remade from the ground up for Nintendo 3DS. The world has been rebuilt, the characters have new 3D models and the story has been completely re-localized. Even customize your party with over 30 classes and rank up in turn-based battles to learn new spells and abilities.

Monster Hunter Generations

Release date:

November 28, 2015

4(19 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The Monster Hunter series is just as dense as the giant hunks of meat its hunting heroes scarf down: every proverbial bite is chock full of rich combat and succulent character customization, making for a dense, thoroughly satisfying action RPG feast.

SteamWorld Heist

Release date:

December 9, 2015

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mac
Nintendo 3DS
iOS
Wii U
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
Google Stadia

More info

What it’s about: Join Captain Piper Faraday, smuggler and occasional pirate, as she recruits a rag-tag team of steam-driven robots and sets out on a daring adventure. With your hearty crew you’ll board, loot and shoot your way through enemy spaceships. Overcome the challenges of the vast frontier by upgrading your robots with unique abilities, weapons – and even stylish hats!

Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan

Release date:

July 5, 2012

4(7 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: For centuries, the tree Yggdrasil has been a constant presence in the lives of the people of Tharsis. It looms on the horizon, visible from everywhere in the city. But its roots are in a far-off land where no one has ventured until the Outland Count of Tharsis sponsors an Explorers Guild to reach Yggdrasil and discover its secrets. You are the latest explorer arriving in Tharsis to seek your fame and fortune. Board your skyship and set out into the clouds in search of treasure, glory, and the answer to Tharsis’ oldest mystery.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Release date:

December 27, 2018

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The remaster of Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story released in Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey.

Pushmo

Release date:

October 5, 2011

4(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: A kindly old inventor created a park and filled it with incredible puzzle-like climbing toys called Pushmo. But a little trickster has trapped kids inside the Pushmo, and now it’s up to our hero, Mallo, to push, pull and climb his way through the puzzling playground to save his friends! The Pushmo game features more than 250 fun and challenging puzzles. As you solve them, you’ll discover new gadgets that will add to the challenge. Complete certain sets of Pushmo to open additional game features, such as Pushmo Studio, which lets you create, play and even share your very own Pushmo puzzle creations.

Bravely Default

Release date:

December 5, 2013

4(11 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Bravely Default follows the story of main character Tiz, a humble shepherd and the lone survivor of a cataclysmic event, as he joins a group of loyal companions on a journey to restore balance to the world. The battle system is what differentiates Bravely Default from other RPGs. Here players can strategically choose when to initiate two complementary commands: Brave and Default. This innovative system encourages players to think carefully about strategy during every enemy encounter. Selecting “Brave” lets players increase the number of actions a character can take in a turn, while “Default” allows players to store actions for later use.

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright

Release date:

June 25, 2015

5(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Fire Emblem Fates is split into three story paths. Birthright is one of the two base stories, the other being Conquest. The other story path can be bought digitally at a discount through the in-game store. The third story path is Revelation, a DLC that was released later. You need to be have completed Chapter 6 in either game to access the other stories and DLC.

Birthright is the easier path as it has the ability to use scouting missions to grind experience and money and simpler mission objectives.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice

Release date:

June 9, 2016

4(18 reviews)

Platforms:

Android
Nintendo 3DS
iOS

More info

What it’s about: Ace Attorney 6 continues the investigation and courtroom of its predecessors, in which players take the role of the defense attorneys; Phoenix Wright, Apollo Justice, and Athena Cykes, and try to defend their clients. The game continues the 3D navigation introduced in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Dual Destinies, allowing players to navigate environments from various angles. Along with returning gameplay elements, such as the Mood Matrix introduced in Dual Destinies, the game introduces Spirit Medium Vision, in which the players are shown the memories of victims moment before their deaths and must find contradictions in their five senses to determine what really happened.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D

Release date:

April 2, 2015

4(11 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS
New Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a port of the well-received Xenoblade Chronicles for Wii. The new version offers 3D visuals and allows players to view the maps and character stats on the bottom screen. An additional bonus mode lets players view 3D models of the characters and listen to music tracks from the game.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Release date:

September 13, 2014

4(15 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is the first portable entry in the renowned series, in which game worlds collide. Up to four players battle each other locally or online using some of Nintendo’s most well-known and iconic characters across beautifully designed stages inspired by classic portable Nintendo games. It’s a genuine, massive Super Smash Bros. experience that’s available to play on the go, anytime, anywhere.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

Release date:

April 20, 2017

4(9 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: In 1992, the second game in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem Gaiden, launched exclusively in Japan. Now, for the first time, fans outside of Japan will get a taste of this classic game on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is inspired by the 1992 original, reimagined on a grander scale. Every aspect of the Fire Emblem Gaiden game’s presentation has been updated, along with the game being fully voiced. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia recreates classic Fire Emblem gameplay with a modern twist, mixing in exploration of dungeons crawling with enemies.”

Pokémon Ultra Moon

Release date:

November 17, 2017

4(4 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: “Take on the role of a Pokémon Trainer and uncover new tales, and unravel the mystery behind the two forms reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon. With new story additions and features this earns Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon the name “Ultra!” Another adventure is about to begin! New Pokémon forms have been discovered in the Alola region in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon! These forms are reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma, first revealed in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Head out on an epic journey as you solve the mystery behind these fascinating Pokémon! In this expanded adventure, get ready to explore more of the Alola region, catch more amazing Pokémon, and battle more formidable foes in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon!”

Pokémon Ultra Sun

Release date:

November 17, 2017

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask

Release date:

February 26, 2011

4(5 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Professor Layton’s first adventure on the Nintendo 3DS system takes him to the colorful city of Monte d’Or, where he must stop a mysterious man from wreaking havoc with the powerful Mask of Chaos. Unravel new details about Professor Layton’s past alongside Luke, assistant Emmy Altava, and a whole new cast of characters in this riveting story. Wrack your brain with hundreds of puzzles weaving their way throughout the story. In addition, download free daily puzzles for a year! With a robust hint system to help players of all experience levels, and an epic tale packed to the brim with all-new puzzles, Professor Layton makes his triumphant return-only for Nintendo 3DS.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Release date:

October 11, 2014

4(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (called Monster Hunter 4G in Japan) is the newest installment in the popular Monster Hunter series, which has sold more than 28 million units worldwide to date. In Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, players will take on the role of a hunter that joins up with a traveling caravan to explore new lands and towns along the way. This grand adventure will include hundreds of quests to take on a variety of extraordinary creatures that yield valuable resources used for weapons and equipment. Launching on Nintendo 3DS, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate represents the biggest leap forward ever for the series with more new content and exciting features than ever before. Also, for the first time ever for the Monster Hunter series on a handheld system, players will be able to join up with friends over the internet via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, as well as the previously available local wireless option.

Metroid: Samus Returns

Release date:

September 15, 2017

4(14 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Metroid: Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid 2: Return of Samus. It uses a 3D graphic style with a side view camera that zooms in and changes for cutscenes. It also has new mechanics, items, and abilities. “Brave the hostile terrain of an alien planet teeming with vicious life forms as legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran. Her mission? Terminate the Metroid menace in this masterful reimagining of her 1991 Game Boy adventure. Samus Aran’s arsenal has been enhanced with new moves and abilities that are sure to help her face the deadly surprises that await. This intense, side-scrolling action platformer is a great entry point into the Metroid franchise and perfect for returning fans as well, and it’s available only on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.”

Shovel Knight

Release date:

June 26, 2014

4(19 reviews)

Platforms:

Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 3
Mac
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

More info

What it’s about: Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. It’s a hot mashup of new and old! You play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest. Shovel Knight has come to this land with two goals: to defeat the evil Enchantress and quest for his lost beloved. He wields a Shovel Blade: a multipurpose weapon whose techniques have now been lost to the ages. Always honest and helpful, Shovel Knight is a shining example of the code of Shovelry: Slash Mercilessly and Dig Tirelessly! But, between Shovel Knight and his beloved stands a cadre of villainous knights. These terrible foes, known as The Order of No Quarter, have been dispatched to prevent Shovel Knight from reaching the Enchantress, and will pursue their mission at any cost. If you love games with perfect platforming, beautiful art, infectious music, crazy bosses, humor and levity, and real heart… Shovel Knight is for you!

Pokémon X

Release date:

October 12, 2013

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: An all-new 3D Pokemon adventure packed with never-before-seen Pokemon will launch worldwide in October 2013. Pokemon X and Pokemon Y will present a new generation of Pokemon, and introduce players to an exciting new adventure in a breathtaking 3D world.

Pokémon Y

Release date:

October 12, 2013

5(4 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Your adventure in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y takes place in the Kalos region, home to beautiful skies and forests! The Kalos region is full of interesting places to visit and explore! Progressing with the game let you enter the central city of the Kalos region is Lumiose City, a thriving metropolis filled with customers checking out its variety of shops. Many roads extend from the iconic tower at the city’s center.

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon

Release date:

March 20, 2013

4(12 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Luigi is back on a mission to remove a bunch of stubborn ghosts from some spooky mansions. Armed with his trusty Poltergust ghost-sucking vacuum cleaner, Mario’s brother takes center stage to capture these pesky phantoms. Luigi’s Mansion 2: Dark Moon gives players multiple mansions to explore, a variety of puzzles to solve and new ghosts to capture. Armed with the Poltergust 5000, a ghost-sucking, vacuum-like invention, Luigi must complete a number of missions assigned to him by Professor E. Gadd.

Fire Emblem Awakening

Release date:

April 19, 2012

5(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Armies clash as the world burns. As an inevitable war draws ever closer, you must stand with Chrom and his forces–knights, mages, archers, and more–commanding them against the armies of kingdoms, empires, and the dead themselves.

Plan your strategery. Move your troops on the battlefield, then choose their weapon and attack. Using the new Pair Up and Dual systems, support your attacks with the help of nearby allies and watch their skills and relationships grow.

Mario Kart 7

Release date:

December 2, 2011

4(6 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The seventh installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities, such as soaring through the skies or plunging to the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D

Release date:

February 12, 2015

5(13 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D is a remake of the original Nintendo 64 game with more up-to-date graphics, streamlined UI and different additional game modes. Most textures are significantly more detailed, and many models are more faithful to the game’s concept and promotional art. In addition, the frame rate has been increased to 30 FPS compared to the original’s 20 FPS.

Super Mario 3D Land

Release date:

November 3, 2011

5(9 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: Super Mario 3D Land is the second 3D Super Mario platformer for a handheld device, and the successor to Super Mario Galaxy 2. The game is closely based on side-scrolling Mario games, as it combine elements from both traditional 2D Mario games and modern free-roaming 3D Mario games. It also introduces elements into the series, including power-ups and gameplay mechanics.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

Release date:

January 1, 2011

5(6 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a remake of Ocarina of Time with more up-to-date graphics, streamlined UI and different additional game modes. Most textures are significantly more detailed, and many models are more faithful to the game’s concept and promotional art. In addition, the frame rate has been increased to 30 FPS compared to the original’s 20 FPS.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Release date:

November 8, 2012

4(10 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The charming community-building franchise returns for with Animal Crossing: New Leaf. The Nintendo 3DS entry into this popular franchise introduces a number of options new to Animal Crossing, including the ability to become the head of the village and boost its development, a way to install certain items in the village to make its characteristics more personalized for each player, and the ability to view homes of other players who are tagged through StreetPass connections.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Release date:

November 22, 2013

5(15 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo 3DS

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the first Zelda game made exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS. It is an indirect sequel to A Link to the Past with the same version of Hyrule but with new characters and gameplay elements. Unlike the series’ tradition, many areas of the world are accessible from the beginning of the game and the dungeons can be visited in any order. Puzzles are encountered not only in dungeons but also in the open world, a part of them revolves around the game’s 3D visual effect. The 3DS touch-screen display shows the world, dungeon or map depending on where you are.

2026-01-17 04:52