15 Best Nintendo 3DS Games of All Time: Definitive List
The Nintendo 3DS is one of the most fascinating and beloved consoles ever released. A direct successor to the phenomenally successful Nintendo DS, it kept the iconic dual-screen, clamshell design but supercharged the hardware under the hood. Its signature feature—a glasses-free 3D top screen—was a technological marvel that, when used effectively, added incredible depth and immersion to its worlds. Combined with a robust online system, the introduction of StreetPass, and an analog "Circle Pad," the 3DS became a powerhouse for unique and unforgettable gaming experiences.
While the digital eShop has closed and the console is no longer in production, its physical library remains a treasure trove of classics. From sprawling RPGs to perfectly crafted platformers, the 3DS is home to some of the best games ever made. Here is our definitive list of the best Nintendo 3DS games of all time.
15. Kid Icarus: Uprising
A revival of a classic NES-era franchise, Kid Icarus: Uprising was a stunning showcase of the 3DS's power. This third-person shooter combined fast-paced aerial combat with frantic on-foot battles. The game was visually spectacular, with a witty, fully voice-acted script that gave it a ton of personality. While its control scheme was admittedly divisive, mastering it revealed one of the deepest and most rewarding action games on any handheld.
14. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Mario's timid brother stepped back into the spotlight with a brilliant sequel to the GameCube cult classic. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon expanded on the original's ghost-busting formula with multiple mansions to explore, each with its own unique theme and puzzles. The gameplay loop of stunning ghosts with a flashlight and sucking them up with the Poltergust 5000 was immensely satisfying, and the game's charming, cartoonish horror aesthetic was a perfect fit for the 3DS.
13. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
For many, this was the game that turned the Monster Hunter series from a niche import favorite into a global phenomenon. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate refined the series' notoriously complex systems, making them more accessible to newcomers without sacrificing depth. The introduction of verticality—allowing players to mount massive beasts—completely changed the flow of combat. With hundreds of hours of content and a robust online multiplayer, it remains a high watermark for the series.
12. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Bringing the full-fat Super Smash Bros. experience to a handheld was no small feat, but the result was a technical marvel. The game ran at a silky-smooth 60 frames per second, even with the 3D slider turned up. It featured a massive roster of iconic characters, countless stages, and addictive game modes that made it a must-own for any 3DS owner who enjoyed a bit of friendly competition.
11. Pokémon X & Y
Marking the series' first true transition into a 3D polygonal art style, Pokémon X & Y felt like a monumental leap forward. Set in the beautiful, France-inspired Kalos region, the game introduced players to Mega Evolutions, the new Fairy-type, and a host of memorable new Pokémon. It was a visual feast and a fresh take on the classic formula that reinvigorated the franchise for a new generation.
10. Metroid: Samus Returns
This title was a ground-up remake of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus. More than just a simple remaster, Samus Returns completely reimagined the original with modern gameplay mechanics. It introduced a new melee counter system that made combat more dynamic and added new abilities that made exploring the planet SR388 a true joy. It was a spectacular return to form for 2D Metroid.
9. Bravely Default
For fans of classic, turn-based JRPGs, Bravely Default was a dream come true. It took the best elements of old-school Final Fantasy titles and modernized them with the brilliant "Brave" and "Default" combat system. This mechanic allowed players to save up turns ("Default") to unleash a flurry of attacks later ("Brave"), adding a rich layer of risk-and-reward strategy to every battle.
8. Shovel Knight
A masterclass in retro game design, Shovel Knight is a love letter to the 8-bit era. You play as the titular knight, using your trusty Shovel Blade to bounce on enemies, dig for treasure, and defeat the evil Enchantress. With flawless controls, brilliant level design, and an incredible soundtrack, Shovel Knight proved that great gameplay is timeless. Its stereoscopic 3D effect was also one of the best on the system.
7. Mario Kart 7
A new Nintendo handheld is never complete without a Mario Kart entry, and Mario Kart 7 delivered in spades. It introduced gliders and underwater racing, adding new strategic dimensions to its expertly designed tracks. The online multiplayer was robust and reliable, providing endless hours of competitive fun. It remains one of the most polished and purely fun racing games ever made.
6. Fire Emblem: Awakening
This game single-handedly saved the Fire Emblem franchise from obscurity and launched it into mainstream stardom. Awakening blended deep tactical combat with compelling relationship-building mechanics, where pairing units on the battlefield would strengthen their bonds and even lead to marriage and children who could join your army. With a gripping story and accessible yet challenging gameplay, it's a masterpiece of the strategy genre.
5. Super Mario 3D Land
Acting as a perfect bridge between 2D and 3D Mario games, Super Mario 3D Land was a system-seller for a reason. It took the linear, goal-oriented structure of classic Mario and set it in beautifully designed 3D levels. It was also one of the few games where the 3D effect felt essential, helping players judge jumps and distances with perfect accuracy. The return of the Tanooki Suit was just the cherry on top.
4. Pokémon Sun & Moon
While X & Y brought the series into 3D, Sun & Moon dared to reinvent the formula. Set in the vibrant, Hawaii-inspired Alola region, these games replaced traditional Gyms with the Island Challenge, a series of unique trials that tested players in new ways. The story was more ambitious than ever before, and the introduction of regional Pokémon variants gave a fresh twist to beloved classics.
3. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Animal Crossing: New Leaf took the charming life-simulation formula and made one crucial change: it made you the mayor. This new role gave you unprecedented control over your town, allowing you to fund public works projects and enact ordinances to customize your village like never before. It was a dangerously addictive and wonderfully relaxing game that kept players hooked for years.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
How do you improve upon a game widely considered to be one of the greatest of all time? By giving it a careful, loving restoration. Ocarina of Time 3D is more than just a port; it's a complete visual overhaul that makes the world of Hyrule more vibrant than ever. With updated controls that utilized the touchscreen for easy item management, this remake presented the definitive version of an undisputed masterpiece.
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
While remaking a classic is one thing, creating a worthy successor is another. A Link Between Worlds returned to the Hyrule of the SNES classic A Link to the Past but introduced a game-changing new mechanic: the ability for Link to merge into walls as a 2D painting. This single ability opened up a world of brilliant puzzle design and exploration. By abandoning a linear dungeon order and allowing players to rent items to tackle dungeons in any sequence, the game offered a breathtaking sense of freedom that was both a tribute to the past and a bold step into the future. It stands as the pinnacle of the Nintendo 3DS library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nintendo 3DS still worth it?
Absolutely. While its online services and eShop have been discontinued, the 3DS has a massive library of excellent physical games that can be purchased secondhand. Its unique features, portability, and strong collection of exclusives make it a fantastic console for collectors and anyone looking to experience some of gaming's best.
Can you still play 3DS games online?
As of April 2024, online play and other functionalities using online communication have ended for Nintendo 3DS software. Most games are no longer playable online, though their single-player modes are fully functional.
What was the best-selling game on the Nintendo 3DS?
The best-selling game for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems is Mario Kart 7, which sold over 18.9 million units worldwide. It was closely followed by Pokémon X & Y.