Best Nintendo 3DS Games of 2025

James Ryan Avatar
James Ryan
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Nintendo 3DS games offer a wide variety of options for gamers of all ages. From classic titles like Super Mario Bros. and Legend of Zelda to newer additions like Animal Crossing and Pokemon, there is something for everyone. The 3D capabilities of the console add an extra layer of immersion to the gaming experience. Additionally, the handheld device allows for easy portability and accessibility, making it a great option for on-the-go gaming. With a constantly evolving library of games, the Nintendo 3DS continues to be a popular choice for gamers worldwide.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land Cover #TOP 1
Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land
ftb score rating icon 9.8
3DS Pokemon X -- World Edition Cover #TOP 2
3DS Pokemon X -- World Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS Cover #TOP 3
Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Nintendo 3DS Games

#TOP 1

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land

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Original Version
Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land Cover
Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land - 3DS

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land is a 3D platformer game that reinvents everything fans love about Mario gaming. It borrows powerups, stages, tropes, enemies, and music from all throughout the series, making it a great experience for both new and longtime fans. The game also makes great use of the 3D effect of the 3DS systems, allowing players to find secrets much faster than without it.

What We Like
Colorful and beautiful
Mix of old and new elements
Utilizes 3D effect for finding secrets

3DS Pokemon X -- World Edition

for Nintendo
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3DS Pokemon X -- World Edition Cover
3DS Pokemon X -- World Edition

3DS Pokemon X -- World Edition is a USA NTSC version game with World Edition packaging. It plays on all USA version (NTSC) 3DS Consoles and features all-new Pokémon and past favorites come to life with detailed graphics and intense 3D battles. Players can become a Pokémon Trainer and set out for adventure in a visually stunning new region filled with new Pokémon to catch, trade, and battle. With Pokémon-Amie, players can pet, feed, and play with their Pokémon to form a deeper bond, which may benefit them in future battles. Players can also connect and communicate with players around the world at any time to challenge them to a battle, trade Pokémon, and much more.

What We Like
Plays on all USA version (NTSC) 3DS Consoles
Features all-new Pokémon and past favorites
Pokémon-Amie allows players to form a deeper bond with their Pokémon
Players can connect and communicate with players around the world

Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS

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Original Version
One Size
Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS Cover
Mario Kart 7 - Nintendo 3DS

Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS lets you race against others via local wireless or online using broadband internet. You can customize your vehicles with accessories that provide advantages, and choose from popular Mushroom Kingdom characters or your own Mii. New kart abilities include gliding over shortcuts and cruising under water. It is compatible with 3DS, and supports SpotPass and StreetPass features.

What We Like
Customizable vehicles with accessories for a competitive edge
New kart abilities such as gliding over shortcuts and cruising under water
Supports both local wireless and online multiplayer
#TOP 4

3DS Luigi's Mansion World Edition: A Classic Game Remade for Nintendo 3DS

by by Nintendo
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3DS Luigi's Mansion World Edition: A Classic Game Remade for Nintendo 3DS Cover
3DS Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo) World Edition

Luigi's Mansion, the classic Nintendo GameCube game, has been remade for Nintendo 3DS family systems in the USA NTSC version with World Edition packaging. Fans of Luigi's Mansion 2 can now explore the original mansion where Mario went missing. Luigi's something of a scaredy-cat, but these classic ghosts and traps are no match for his vacuum cleaner! The mansion's map will be displayed on the bottom screen, and if you work up the courage, you can fight the ghosts of your past battles in the new boss rush mode!

What We Like
Classic game
Portable and convenient
Beautiful graphics and immersive atmosphere
#TOP 5

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - Nintendo

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Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - Nintendo Cover
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - For Nintendo 3DS

The Ocarina of Time 3D by Nintendo enhances your gaming experience with breathtaking graphics and impressive 3D visuals that immerse you in Link's adventures. You can explore a reimagined Master Quest, featuring updated puzzles and redesigned dungeons that challenge even seasoned players. This game is a significant upgrade to a classic title, ensuring you enjoy a richer gameplay experience. With its engaging fantasy elements and vibrant animations, it is perfect for both new players and longtime fans looking to relive this iconic story.

What We Like
Enhanced graphics
Glasses-free 3D visuals
Revamped puzzles
Redesigned dungeons
Rich gameplay experience

Sonic Generations - Nintendo 3DS

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One Color
One Size
Sonic Generations - Nintendo 3DS Cover
Sonic Generations - Nintendo 3DS

Sonic Generations for Nintendo 3DS is an innovative new interactive menu system that allows for complete immersion in Sonic's universe. With iconic environments from gaming history recreated in beautiful HD, the game features both Classic Sonic's famous spin-dash attack and Modern Sonic's 'Sonic Boost'. Players can also join forces with Sonic's friends to take on more challenges. Although the 3DS version is difficult to objectively rate, it is still enjoyable to play through and features exclusive stages, Special stages, and a Casino themed level from Sonic 2.

What We Like
Innovative new interactive menu system
Iconic environments from gaming history recreated in beautiful HD
Features Classic Sonic's famous spin-dash attack and Modern Sonic's 'Sonic Boost'
Exclusive stages, Special stages, and a Casino themed level from Sonic 2
Join forces with Sonic's friends to take on more challenges
#TOP 7

Pokémon Ultra Moon for Nintendo 3DS

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Pokémon Ultra Moon for Nintendo 3DS Cover
Pokémon Ultra Moon - Nintendo 3DS

Pokémon Ultra Moon is a game that allows you to become a Pokémon Trainer and explore the Alola region, encountering new Pokémon and uncovering new tales. With new story additions and features, this game is perfect for any Pokémon fan. The game has been praised for its streamlined and augmented features, making it a great addition to the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon content.

What We Like
Allows you to become a Pokémon Trainer and explore the Alola region.
Uncover new tales and encounter new Pokémon.
New story additions and features.
#TOP 8

LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes for Nintendo 3DS

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LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes for Nintendo 3DS Cover
LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes - Nintendo 3DS

Battle evil forces with super-strength, invisibility, and flight while completing 45 missions across the Marvel Universe. Use quick combat and activate Super Moves like Hulk's Thunder Clap and Iron Man's Arc Reactor to earn rewards. Get tag team assistance or control them in Free Play mode. Touchscreen functionality enhances your experience.

What We Like
Unique gameplay experience
Extra challenges and objectives
Straightforward and enjoyable
#TOP 9

Pokémon Y for Nintendo 3DS & 2DS

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Pokémon Y is an adventure-filled game with detailed graphics and intense 3D battles, featuring new and classic Pokémon to catch, trade, and battle. Pokémon-Amie allows users to form a deeper bond with their Pokémon through petting, feeding and playing, which may benefit them in future battles. The game also enables users to connect and communicate with other players worldwide, challenge them to battles, trade Pokémon, and more.

What We Like
Detailed graphics and intense 3D battles
Opportunity to form a deeper bond with Pokémon
Ability to connect and communicate with other players worldwide

Metroid: Samus Returns - Nintendo 3DS

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Metroid: Samus Returns - Nintendo 3DS Cover
Metroid: Samus Returns - Nintendo 3DS

Metroid: Samus Returns is a complete remake of the classic Metroid II - Return of Samus, with engaging 3D visuals, a mysterious energy resource called “Aeion”, a powerful Melee counterattack, and 360-degree Free aim mode. It offers an immersive atmosphere and plenty of secrets to uncover, and is the longest 2D Metroid game with a run time of 20 hours. The gameplay is smooth and natural, and the Aeon abilities add a new dimension to the existing formula. However, the maps don't interconnect in the same way as other Metroid games, and the Melee mechanic is essential to progress.

What We Like
Engaging 3D visuals and atmospheric color palette
Plenty of secrets to uncover
Smooth and natural gameplay
Aeon abilities add a new dimension to the existing formula
Longest 2D Metroid game with a run time of 20 hours
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Nintendo 3DS Games to Bring Fun to Life

Introduction

If you're looking for a great way to pass the time, Nintendo 3DS games are an excellent choice. The 3DS is home to an incredible variety of genres and styles of games, from classic platformers to puzzle-solving adventures. But with so many titles to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which games to buy.

Consider Your Play Style

Before you begin shopping for 3DS games, it's important to consider which types of games you enjoy playing. Do you prefer action-packed adventures? Strategy-based puzzlers? Or perhaps something more relaxed and laid-back? Knowing your own gaming preferences can help narrow down your choices.

Check Ratings

Once you've identified which genres you prefer, it's time to start checking out reviews and ratings. The internet is full of reviews of 3DS games, so you won't have any trouble finding the information you need. Look at scores given by sites like IGN, Metacritic, and Gamespot to get an idea of how each game is rated.

Read Online Reviews

In addition to ratings, you should also read online reviews written by players. These reviews can provide an in-depth look at each game, including its strengths and weaknesses. You can also find out whether the game has any bugs or glitches that could affect your experience.

Consider Game Length

Some 3DS games are designed for short bursts of playtime, while others can offer hours upon hours of content. Think about how much time you have available to play and pick a game that will offer you the right amount of play time.

Check for Updates

Finally, make sure to check for updates. Many 3DS games are regularly updated with new content and bug fixes. Before purchasing a game, check to see if it has any updates available. This will ensure you're playing the game at its best.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Nintendo 3DS games can be a challenge, but following these steps can help you make an informed decision. Consider your gaming preferences, check the ratings, read online reviews, consider the game length, and check for updates. Doing so will make sure you pick the perfect game for your 3DS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Nintendo still selling 3DS games?

No, Nintendo has discontinued the sale of 3DS games. The closure of the 3DS eShop and the success of the Nintendo Switch marked the end of the 3DS era. This means that many 3DS games have become unaffordable or even completely unobtainable.

2. Why are 3DS games so expensive?

3DS games are expensive due to their increasing demand as retro games and consoles. The 3DS is now considered a classic, and there is a limited number of 3DS consoles in circulation, including rare formats. As a result, reseller prices for 3DS games have significantly increased, making them expensive.

3. Is the 3DS still playable?

No, the 3DS is no longer playable. The closure of the 3DS eShop in March 2023 means that you can no longer purchase or download new games for the 3DS. However, you can still play the games you've already bought and downloaded, at least for the time being.

4. Is the 3DS online shutting down?

Yes, the 3DS online services have shut down. The 3DS and Wii U digital storefronts were closed on March 27th, 2023. While you can no longer purchase games or DLC from the eShop, you can still redownload the games you've already purchased and play online for now.

5. Why did Nintendo discontinue the 3DS store?

Nintendo discontinued the 3DS store and Wii U eShop because they considered it the end of the product's natural life cycle. The 3DS and Wii U had been overshadowed by the success of the Nintendo Switch, which prompted the closure of their digital storefronts.

6. Is the Nintendo 3DS going away in 2023?

Yes, the Nintendo 3DS is no longer available for purchasing or downloading new games from the eShop after March 27th, 2023. Additionally, you won't be able to purchase in-game content, download demos or free-to-play software, redeem download codes, or add funds to your account on the 3DS or Wii U.

7. Can you still play the 3DS online in 2023?

No, the 3DS online services have shut down. As of March 27th, 2023, you can no longer purchase games or DLC from the 3DS eShop. However, you can still redownload the games you've already purchased and play online, at least for the time being.

Editor's Notes

During our nintendo 3ds game research, we found 16 nintendo 3ds game products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 92,616 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nintendo 3ds games list. We found that most customers choose nintendo 3ds games with an average price of $37.22.

The nintendo 3ds games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nintendo 3ds games, including Nintendo, for Nintendo, by by Nintendo, SEGA, WB Games. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,921 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
James Ryan Avatar

James Ryan is a young writer with a degree in journalism. He’s well-versed in topics such as literature, video games, and gaming devices. In his free time, he enjoys editing, playing games, exercising and photography.