The Nintendo 3DS remains a beloved handheld console, boasting an incredibly vast and diverse library of games. However, navigating the sheer volume of titles, particularly newer releases and remakes, can be challenging for enthusiasts looking for truly exceptional experiences. In the accompanying video, several compelling arguments are made for some of the best and newest Nintendo 3DS games worth buying, offering valuable insights into what makes these titles stand out.
This article expands upon those recommendations, delving deeper into the gameplay mechanics, unique features, and overall appeal of each title. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enrich their Nintendo 3DS game collection, ensuring you make informed choices that align with your gaming preferences. Discover these remarkable 3DS games that continue to offer engaging adventures and memorable moments for players of all stripes.
Unearthing Hidden Gems: The Best Nintendo 3DS Games to Play Now
The Nintendo 3DS ecosystem is surprisingly vibrant, with new experiences continually being released or reimagined. From innovative RPGs to classic remakes, the platform provides a rich landscape for gamers. Many players appreciate the nuanced experiences offered by these titles, often seeking more than just a casual playthrough.
Consequently, identifying games that truly capture attention and deliver substantial value is crucial. The following selections represent some of the most engaging and noteworthy options currently available. These titles offer significant gameplay hours and unique mechanics, establishing them as essential additions to any 3DS library.
Monster Hunter Stories: A Fresh Take on a Familiar Franchise
For those who may have found the traditional Monster Hunter series a bit too slow or clunky, Monster Hunter Stories offers a surprisingly refreshing departure. The video highlights how this game successfully blends elements of classic adventure titles like Ocarina of Time with the monster-collecting appeal of Pokémon. This innovative approach presents a heartwarming RPG narrative centered around bonding with creatures known as Monsties.
The combat system in Monster Hunter Stories is particularly inventive, utilizing a rock-paper-scissors mechanic that adds layers of strategic depth. Players must anticipate opponent moves to counter effectively, which becomes increasingly complex with the introduction of skills and the “kinship meter” for powerful finishers. Furthermore, the game features over 100 eggs to collect and hatch, and notably, duplicate Monsties are not merely redundant; they can be “spliced” into others to enhance abilities, providing a satisfying sense of progression and utility. With approximately 50 hours of engaging gameplay, this title delivers a substantial adventure without requiring the intense grind often associated with its mainline counterparts, making it one of the top Nintendo 3DS games for RPG fans.
Miitopia: An Unconventional RPG Adventure
Miitopia, initially a title that might be overlooked, proves to be a surprisingly delightful and often hilarious RPG. Its premise involves a dark twist where a villain steals the faces of characters, and players embark on a quest to retrieve them. What truly sets this game apart is its integration of Miis for almost every NPC, antagonist, and party member.
Players can customize their party with Miis of friends and family, creating highly personalized and often comical interactions. These Mii characters develop friendships, leading to unique social dynamics and amusing in-game events, which significantly enhance the personal investment in the narrative. While the armor and weapon aesthetics can be quite whimsical, the turn-based RPG battles are engaging. Moreover, the distinctive class choices, such as “cook” or “pop star,” contribute to the game’s overall charm and personality, distinguishing it from other Nintendo 3DS games.
Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition – Portable Creativity
The arrival of Minecraft on the New Nintendo 3DS Edition was somewhat belated, but it still offered a unique portable experience for fans. As mentioned in the video, this version brings the iconic block-building and survival gameplay to Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld. Although the draw distance and world sizes are more limited compared to its console counterparts, the core experience remains intact.
A notable advantage of the 3DS version is the implementation of the dual screens. The lower screen conveniently serves as an inventory and crafting interface, eliminating the need to pause gameplay, which enhances immersion. Primarily aimed at a younger demographic, this version provides an accessible entry point to the expansive world of Minecraft for those without a Nintendo Switch or Wii U. It stands as a testament to the 3DS’s versatility, proving that even a demanding title like Minecraft can be adapted effectively for portable play.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions: A Beloved Remake
For fans of classic RPGs, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions offers a magnificent return to form. This remake of the original Game Boy Advance title has been thoroughly updated with polished graphics, refreshed sprites, and new gameplay additions, including the “Bowser’s Minions” side story. The video passionately praises this game, particularly for its vibrant storytelling and character development.
A significant highlight is the exceptional portrayal of the relationship between Mario and Luigi, allowing their distinct personalities and brotherly dynamics to shine through in ways rarely seen in other Mario titles. The innovative control scheme, where Mario’s actions are mapped to ‘A’ and Luigi’s to ‘B’, adds a creative layer to both overworld navigation and turn-based combat. Furthermore, the battle system rewards skill and timing, enabling players to potentially avoid damage entirely through mastery of enemy patterns. This commitment to rewarding player proficiency, combined with engaging gameplay and timeless music, solidifies its position among the best Nintendo 3DS games, reminding us of the enduring appeal of Mario RPGs, of which there are now an impressive 11 in total.
Metroid: Samus Returns – A Triumphant Comeback
The announcement of Metroid: Samus Returns at E3 2017 was a momentous occasion for fans, marking a significant return to the series’ 2D roots. This title is a complete reimagining of Metroid 2 for the Game Boy, a game that many felt was long overdue for a modern update. The original, released in 1991, suffered from monochrome limitations; this remake brings it to life with stunning visuals and intricate background details.
Samus Returns successfully revitalizes the classic formula with new abilities, such as a potent melee counter-attack, and enhanced suits for Samus. It maintains a challenging difficulty, appealing to those who appreciate retro-style gaming with a modern polish. The 3D effects are lauded for their depth and contribution to the immersive environments. This approximately 10-hour campaign is celebrated for being a powerful declaration of the Metroid series’ enduring relevance and a truly essential experience for any 3DS owner or Metroid enthusiast. It certainly ranks as one of the most impactful Nintendo 3DS games released in recent years.
Yo-kai Watch 2: A Quirky and Charming RPG
While often compared to Pokémon due to its monster-collecting premise, Yo-kai Watch 2 carves out its own distinct identity with a unique blend of humor, urban exploration, and unconventional creature designs. The video highlights its immediate appeal, drawing players into a sprawling city environment rather than the traditional small starting town.
In this game, invisible Yo-kai are the mischievous culprits behind everyday annoyances, and players, equipped with the titular watch, uncover and befriend them. The humor in Yo-kai Watch 2 is notably more mature than its contemporaries, offering subtle innuendos and witty dialogue that appeals to a broader audience. The Yo-kai themselves are incredibly varied and often bizarre, ranging from grumpy old men to sentient objects, providing a constant source of surprise. While the real-time combat system is simpler than some RPGs, it emphasizes strategic micromanagement of a six-Yo-kai team through a rotating wheel, healing, and special abilities. This differentiation in gameplay, coupled with its charming world and personality, establishes Yo-kai Watch 2 as a delightful and genuinely surprising entry among the best Nintendo 3DS games, particularly for those looking for an alternative monster-collecting adventure.
Ultimately, the Nintendo 3DS continues to prove its worth with a library rich in diverse and engaging titles. These featured Nintendo 3DS games represent just a fraction of the console’s enduring appeal, each offering unique reasons to dive back into handheld gaming. Whether you seek thrilling action, strategic RPG combat, or heartwarming narratives, there are plenty of new 3DS games worth buying to explore.
