Hey there, Nintendo 3DS fans! I’ve got some great news for you; I’ve picked out the top games for the 3DS that you just won’t be able to stop playing. Sound good? Let’s dive in!
Did you know that the 3DS was originally called the “Nintendo Revolution”? It’s amazing how things change over time! But before we dive into the list, I’m going to tell you about the history and facts of the Nintendo 3DS. So bear with me.
History and Facts of the Nintendo 3DS
We all know how every Nintendo handheld console seems to outdo the previous one. Well, back in 2011, they released the Nintendo 3DS, and it blew everyone’s minds. Can you believe it’s been almost 10 years already?
The console was way ahead of its time. I loved how it had two screens, and the 3D effect was unbelievable. You didn’t even need glasses for it! And it’s no wonder it’s been such a hit; it sold over 75 million units worldwide! I mean, have you seen the 3D tech on that thing?
I can tell you’re excited to start gaming on the 3DS! So let’s jump right into the list. Oh, and by the way, you won’t need any funky 3D glasses for these games.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
As an old-school gamer, I loved the classic Donkey Kong game. Then, I got to know about Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, which was developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo. The game first came into the market in May 2013 for the 3DS and soon became an instant hit.
In the game, you get to control Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Furthermore, you are on a mission to get back Donkey Kong’s stolen bananas in the Kong Jungle.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D | 684 Reviews |
$30.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
As you progress in the game, the challenges will get difficult. But don’t worry; our Donkey Kong has got some classic moves, like the Ground Pound and Barrel Roll.
Developers: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: May 24, 2013
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds was developed and published by Nintendo. Well, I personally feel that Nintendo never fails to surprise their fans. They know how to create masterpieces. The game was first released in November 2013.
So, in this game, you play as Link, and your main goal is to stop this powerful sorcerer named Yuga. He wants to merge two worlds together – Hyrule and Lorule – and you can’t let that happen. Lucky for you, there’s a cool new ability called “wall-merging” that allows you to go through walls and find hidden spots.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds |
$31.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
Just like every masterpiece, this game was also a big success.
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: November 22, 2013
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was the extended version of Monster Hunter 4. Furthermore, it is an action RPG developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo 3DS. The game first came onto the market on October 11, 2014.
This game is awesome; you get to be a hunter and take down huge monsters to get resources for making weapons and armor. The latest version has some cool new stuff too, like two extra kinds of weapons, better landscapes, and the ability to ride on monsters!
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Standard Edition - Nintendo 3DS | 1,036 Reviews |
$59.97 |
Buy on Amazon |
The game has got some sweet new locations like the icy Yukumo and the huge Dunes desert. Plus, it’s got a cool multiplayer feature where you can team up with three other players and take down some monsters.
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: October 11, 2014
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Dual Destinies
Collect evidence and get your voice ready cause it’s time to dive into the court. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Dual Destinies is an awesome game by Capcom for the Nintendo 3DS. It’s all about the story and characters, like a visual novel.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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![Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Dual Destinies - 3DS [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613CkzmxGTL.jpg)
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Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Dual Destinies - 3DS [Digital Code] | Buy on Amazon |
In the game, you get to be a lawyer and defend your clients in court. First, you gotta snoop around crime scenes to find evidence, and then you use that stuff to prove your client is innocent. It’s dope, especially when you get to grill witnesses and defend your client in court.
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: October 24, 2013
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon
I remember when I was a kid — my teacher asked me what I wanted to become when I grew up. I told her that I wanted to be a “Pokémon Master”. What next? Everyone started laughing. Then my teacher told me that there is no such thing called a Pokémon. Nonetheless, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon exist for you to be a virtual Pokémon master!
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Pokémon Ultra Moon - Nintendo 3DS | 4,685 Reviews |
$46.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
The games take place in the Alola region, which is inspired by the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It’s time to fulfill your dream of becoming a Pokémon Trainer. In the games, you get to explore the location, catch new Pokémon, and battle other Trainers.
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: November 17, 2017
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
If you are a fan of the Smash Bros series, then you are going to love Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. And, if you have never played the game, then what are you waiting for? I mean, you are missing some great gaming experience. So allow me to tell you about it.
This game offers a fast-paced fighting experience. You get to choose from over 50 different characters from all sorts of Nintendo games, plus some other popular characters like Sonic and Mega Man.
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Super Smash Brothers - Nintendo 3DS |
$44.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
There are many different stages to battle on, including some classic ones from older versions of the game. The game becomes even more intense and fun when you play against your friends.
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: December 7, 2018
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Kirby: Planet Robobot was developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. In the game, you play the role of Kirby, who can inhale enemies to copy their abilities. But the best part is that Kirby can also inhale specific objects to turn into a robot and use the Robobot Armor. With this armor, Kirby can destroy obstacles, fly around, and use new techniques to take down enemies. It’s so much fun!
The story is set on Planet Popstar. However, things are not so peaceful in Popstars because of evil robots from Haltmann Works Company.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Kirby: Planet Robobot - Nintendo 3DS Standard Edition |
$42.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Now it’s time for you to become the savior and use your skills to stop the bad guys and save the day. The end goal is to rescue Planet Popstar from destruction.
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: June 10, 2016
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a super fun adventure game where you get to be Luigi and search for a hidden Dark Moon fragment in five different mansions in Evershade Valley. The action is nonstop, and it’s developed by Next Level Games and published by Nintendo.
The game features a new Poltergust 5000, a powerful vacuum cleaner that can be used to capture ghosts, solve puzzles, and explore mansions. Needless to say, this will be your main weapon.
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Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon | 1,633 Reviews |
$31.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
If you’re a fan of the Mario franchise, this is definitely a game worth playing!
Developer: Next Level Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: March 24, 2013
Super Mario 3D Land
Did you know Super Mario 3D was the first Mario game released for the 3DS? Nintendo made and released this cool platform game for the handheld console back in 2011. It was available everywhere around the world by November of that year!
The game is a mix of old-school 2D levels and 3D exploration. You get to guide Mario through different worlds, grab coins, fight bad guys, and figure out puzzles. They’ve even added new power-ups, like the Cat Suit that lets Mario climb walls and ceilings. It’s pretty cool!
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Nintendo Selects - Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) | $23.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Not just cool, but the game was also a commercial success. The game got nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards.
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: November 13, 2011
Conclusion
Although the Nintendo 3DS is no longer widely used, it’s perfect if you want to take a trip down memory lane. With such amazing games, it’s a surprise that more people haven’t been exposed to the wonders of the Nintendo 3DS!
In case you can’t get enough of Nintendo consoles and their games, take a look at these Switch VR games!
