The Nintendo 3DS delivered a decade of incredible portable gaming. However, its official discontinuation in 2020 marked the end of an era. Many gamers now seek to revisit the console’s best experiences. This comprehensive list celebrates the 25 best 3DS games of all time, as highlighted in the video above. We delve into each title, offering expanded insights into their impact and enduring appeal.
Reliving these classics offers a unique journey. The 3DS boasts a library of over 1,000 games. Our ranking by playscore offers a definitive look at its greatest hits. These titles shaped the handheld landscape. They showcase the console’s incredible versatility.
Exploring the Best 3DS Games: A Definitive Countdown
25. Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (Playscore: 8.87)
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask kicks off our list. It is a true powerhouse for Nintendo’s sleuthing superstars. This entry combined court trials with classic investigations. Players enjoyed a unique medieval storyline. Both Ace Attorney and Professor Layton styles blended perfectly. It delivered an adorable puzzle-solving visual novel experience. The game proved a beloved adventure on the 3DS.
24. Shin Megami Tensei IV (Playscore: 8.90)
Shin Megami Tensei IV offers a return to Atlus’ renowned JRPG series. Its dooming gloom set a dark tone. The game perfected demon customization. Players could adapt to brutal turn-based combat. Unique demon synergies enhanced battles. Quality of life changes significantly improved gameplay. These features were largely absent in older titles. The game remains a pivotal chapter in the series.
23. Metroid: Samus Returns (Playscore: 8.91)
Metroid: Samus Returns reimagined a 1991 Game Boy classic. Samus Aran utilized the 3DS dual screens. This was one of the first 3DS titles. It fully showcased its 3D effect. No special glasses were needed. Both displays were used perfectly. This improved the side-scrolling gem. Reviewer Kakas Gredepena noted its fresh gameplay elements. It built upon its predecessors’ greatness. The game offered a visually impressive and exciting adventure.
22. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (Playscore: 8.92)
Dragon Quest VIII is a universally loved JRPG. This PlayStation 2 port arrived on the 3DS. Veteran fans eagerly re-experienced this classic. It received praise for its strong JRPG elements. Its story, characters, and power impressed critics. The game delivered a full console experience. This was remarkable for a portable platform. It secured its spot among the essential 3DS games.
21. Pokémon Omega Ruby (Playscore: 8.93)
Pokémon Omega Ruby is an enhanced remake. It brought back 2002’s iconic RPG. Traveling the Hoenn Region looked vibrant. Beating gym leaders was colorful on the 3DS screen. This entry, alongside Alpha Sapphire, offered familiar charm. It mostly stuck to the classic Pokémon formula. Yet, it borrowed elements from X and Y. Requested features were also tweaked. This made it a refreshing yet traditional experience.
20. SteamWorld Heist (Playscore: 8.96)
SteamWorld Heist is set in a unique steampunk world. Sentient automatons populate its galaxies. Players join a band of do-gooding buccaneers. They invade randomly generated ships. These ships are filled with villains. The game features side-scrolling battlefields. Players engage in dynamic turn-based combat. Its innovative gameplay loop earned high praise. This indie gem captivated players with its distinct style.
19. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (Playscore: 8.96)
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS was a key title. It allowed portable fighting game fun. This long-awaited Smash game released alongside the Wii U version. It delivered all the beloved Smash elements. Knocking opponents outside the arena was thrilling. A wide variety of iconic characters were playable. Brawling to victory offered pure joy. It set the stage before Ultimate on Switch.
18. Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward (Playscore: 8.97)
Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward is the second installment. Spike Chunsoft developed this sadistic visual novel. Its gameplay mixed visual novel sequences. Escape-the-room elements added tension. IGN awarded it a 9.5 score. They called it more twisted and memorable than its predecessor. It offers a thrilling puzzle experience. Powerful storylines lead to 24 different endings. This makes it a highly replayable title.
17. Kid Icarus: Uprising (Playscore: 8.98)
Kid Icarus: Uprising revived a 1991 game. It featured an enchanting Greek mythology tale. Pit’s third outing was highly engaging. Players explored dangerous lands. Numerous challenges awaited them. The control scheme differed from modern shooters. However, reviewers widely praised it. Eurogamer called it an essential game. Its strong infrastructure supported the experience. It showcased unique airborne and ground combat.
16. 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Playscore: 9.01)
3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 brought Sega’s classic to life. This enhanced 3D port thrilled fans. Sonic looked dashing in the third dimension. His perpetual quest to thwart Dr. Eggman continued. This game captured Sonic and Sega at their peak. It was the same old classic, made better. It suited modern tastes while honoring older generations. These M2 ports significantly improved classics.
15. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon (Playscore: 9.05)
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon showcased Nintendo’s care for Luigi. Before his Switch adventure, Luigi busted ghosts on the 3DS. He wielded his massive vacuum cleaner. Dark Moon was a huge improvement. Many reviewers cited it as a great sequel. VideoGamer Sam White praised its joy and characterization. Wonderful attention to detail gave it personality. It provided fresh mechanics and multiple mansions to explore.
14. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (Playscore: 9.07)
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D ported from the Wii. This ambitious game performed surprisingly well. It had some technical issues. Yet, Nintendo World Report’s Neil Ronaghan called it satisfactory. It allowed players to experience a modern classic. Its well-loved cast and living world impressed. This first chapter proved a must-buy for JRPG enthusiasts. It pushed the boundaries of the 3DS’s hardware.
13. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Playscore: 9.07)
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a Capcom best-seller. It marked the last MH game for the 3DS. It offered countless hours of hunting. Old and new players found endless replayability. Every aspect from previous installments was streamlined. It created a hardcore action RPG mix. Ultimate is considered the best Monster Hunter portable game. Its robust online play forged communities.
12. Mario Kart 7 (Playscore: 9.09)
Mario Kart 7 launched in 2011. It both ruined and forged friendships. The game introduced new characters. It offered 32 different race tracks. Nintendo’s inventiveness shone through. IGN noted its innovative features. The classic formula felt fresh. Gliding and underwater racing added new dimensions. It reinforced Nintendo’s consistent quality in racing games.
11. 3D Streets of Rage 2 (Playscore: 9.09)
3D Streets of Rage 2 brought Sega’s brawler to 3DS. It was a polished remaster. Players relived favorite fights with Axel, Blaze, and Max Thunder. Plowing through city vermin was satisfying. Devastating attacks cleaned up the streets. This portable fighter delivered raw action. Like other M2 ports, it featured enhanced 3D effects. It also provided various emulation options for fans.
10. Pokémon Moon (Playscore: 9.11)
Pokémon Moon took players to the Alola Region. It released alongside Pokémon Sun. Both were immediate best-sellers. Players worked to become a Pokémon Master. RPG site gave it a 9. They called it vibrant and energetic. It evoked the spirit of Gold and Silver. Its unique island challenge replaced traditional gyms. This provided a fresh take on the series.
9. Animal Crossing: New Leaf (Playscore: 9.12)
Animal Crossing: New Leaf was a monumental 3DS title. Players became the mayor of an anthropomorphic town. This was a unique undertaking. Nintendo delivered a fresh yet familiar experience. Building structures and furniture was engaging. Developing a thriving city delighted players. New content and convenient mechanics enhanced gameplay. It provided a deep and charming life simulation.
8. Pokémon Y (Playscore: 9.13)
Pokémon Y is another iconic Pokémon entry. It ventured into the European-themed Kalos region. Sixth-generation Pokémon shined in a stunning 3D world. X and Y were best-selling installments. It offered classic Pokémon fun in a new universe. Pokémon Y achieved a superior playscore. This entry introduced Mega Evolutions. It drastically changed battle strategies for many players.
7. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (Playscore: 9.14)
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy was a bold experiment. Square crafted a new IP for the 3DS. It borrowed Final Fantasy tropes. However, it introduced a unique Brave and Default combat system. GameSpot praised it. They called it one of Square Enix’s finest RPGs. Players could save turns to unleash powerful attacks. Or, they could borrow turns for immediate action. This innovative system revitalized turn-based combat.
6. Shovel Knight (Playscore: 9.16)
Shovel Knight is lauded for its passionate development. It features deceptively simple mechanics. Players fight for love in an 8-bit castle. Digging through hallways is key. This side-scrolling platformer invigorated classic 8-bit energy. Yacht Club Games bolstered the genre. It offered an enjoyable campaign and fun DLCs. It became a powerful reminder of indie games’ community support. Its retro aesthetic and challenging gameplay resonated deeply.
5. Super Mario 3D Land (Playscore: 9.22)
Super Mario 3D Land debuted on the 3DS. It offered a revolutionary new mechanic. The game maximized the console’s 3D capabilities. It was fully playable with or without 3D. However, 3D was highly recommended. It reduced frustration and added immersion. The game was a treasure trove of Mario’s greatest elements. It encouraged creativity and resourcefulness. It became a staple for the massive Mario community.
4. Fire Emblem Awakening (Playscore: 9.26)
Fire Emblem Awakening is a leading strategy JRPG. It featured lovable characters. Streamlined controls made it accessible. Fluid grid-based combat was a highlight. This game was everything the series needed. It became a household staple. Destructoid gave it a 9 out of 10. They praised its strategy RPG excellence. It merged tactical depth with compelling storytelling. The “casual mode” opened the series to new fans.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Playscore: 9.30)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a tribute. It honored the Super NES classic, A Link to the Past. This 3DS version felt incredibly fresh. It featured gorgeous 3D landscapes. Smart, seamless puzzles challenged players. Polygon’s Arthur Gies gave it a 9.5. He called it accessible yet incredibly deep. It relied on player nostalgia. Familiar sights and soundtracks resonated. The unique wall-merging mechanic offered innovative puzzles.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (Playscore: 9.38)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D was a massive success. This 3DS remaster opened the series to newcomers. It tweaked original gimmicks for the 3DS screens. The popularity of the series continued to grow. Major gaming journalists gave it near-perfect scores. Nintendo Life awarded it a perfect 10. They called it a magnificent remastering. It honored one of the finest Zelda games to date. The three-day cycle added unique tension and narrative depth.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (Playscore: 9.51)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D takes our top spot. It is one of gaming’s most important creations. This critically acclaimed action-adventure reborn for the 3DS. It stands as a testament to Nintendo’s love. It ushered in a new generation of Zelda fans. The fascinating story still tests time. Video games are interactive art pieces. They can be fun, charming, and full of heart. Miyamoto’s influence knows no bounds. This truly is an unbeatable classic among the best 3DS games.
