Best Nintendo 3DS Mystery Games of 2026

James Ryan Avatar
James Ryan
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Nintendo 3DS Mystery Games are a collection of captivating games that will keep players on the edge of their seats. With titles like "Detective Pikachu" and "Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy," these games offer intriguing storylines and challenging puzzles. "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy" allows players to step into the shoes of a defense attorney and solve crimes in court. "Corpse Party" is a horror game that takes place in a haunted school, while "Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward" is a thrilling visual novel that presents players with tough decisions to make. These mystery games are perfect for those who enjoy solving puzzles and unraveling complex stories.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon - Nintendo 3DS Cover #TOP 1
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon - Nintendo 3DS
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - 3DS Cover #TOP 2
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - 3DS
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Metroid: Samus Returns - Nintendo 3DS Cover #TOP 3
Metroid: Samus Returns - Nintendo 3DS
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 8 Nintendo 3DS Mystery Games

Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon - Nintendo 3DS

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Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon - Nintendo 3DS Cover
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon - Nintendo 3DS Standard Edition

Befriend and explore ever-changing mystery dungeons with a group of 20 Pokémon, including starters and Pikachu, as players are transformed into a Pokémon and sent out to a world inhabited by only Pokémon. Interact with all 720 known Pokémon while attempting to save the world.

What We Like
Opportunity to choose your Pokémon and partner Pokémon from a group of 20, including starters and Pikachu
Interact with all 720 known Pokémon
Explore ever-changing mystery dungeons with your Pokémon friends
#TOP 2

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - 3DS

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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - 3DS Cover
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity

Experience the vibrant 3D graphics and detailed environments of Mystery Dungeons as a Pokémon in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity. Build your own Pokémon Paradise and befriend other Pokémon as you battle, collect treasure, and explore the ever-changing dungeons. Discover new Mystery Dungeons in the real world using the Nintendo 3DS Camera and explore them with up to three other players.

What We Like
Vibrant 3D graphics and detailed environments.
Build your own Pokémon Paradise and befriend other Pokémon.
Ever-changing Mystery Dungeons with new adventures around every corner.
Discover new Mystery Dungeons in the real world using the Nintendo 3DS Camera.
Explore Mystery Dungeons with up to three other players.
#TOP 3

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
#TOP 4

Nintendo Layton’s Mystery Journey 3DS

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Nintendo Layton’s Mystery Journey 3DS Cover
LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy - Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

The Nintendo Layton Mystery Game invites you to celebrate a decade of engaging puzzle-solving fun. When the famous Professor Layton disappears, you step into the shoes of his daughter, Katrielle, to uncover the truth. This game challenges you to think creatively and solve unique puzzles, offering a fresh way to enjoy brain-teasing adventures. It's perfect for players who love mysteries and want to test their problem-solving skills in a charming, story-driven setting on their Nintendo 3DS or 2DS console.

What We Like
Engaging puzzle-solving gameplay
Story-driven mystery adventure
Creative thinking challenges
Features beloved Layton series
#TOP 5

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - 3DS (Renewed)

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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - 3DS (Renewed) Cover
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity - 3DS (Renewed)

This Nintendo 3DS & 2DS game is an authentic Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, which comes with only the cartridge and label, but they are in nice condition. The product has been fully tested and guaranteed.

What We Like
Authentic Pokémon game
Cartridge and label are in nice condition
Product is fully tested and guaranteed
#TOP 6

Nintendo Selects - Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

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Nintendo Selects - Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) Cover
Nintendo Selects - Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

Enjoy playing Super Mario Maker on the go with Nintendo 3DS. With millions of courses to choose from, it offers the most Mario courses on a handheld console ever. It includes 100 Nintendo-designed courses, split across 19 worlds. Users can create their own Super Mario courses using every tool and course part from the Wii U version, except for the Mystery Mushroom and the linked Mario costumes. Compatible with several consoles.

What We Like
Offers the most Mario courses on a handheld console ever
Includes 100 Nintendo-designed courses split across 19 worlds
Users can create their own Super Mario courses with every tool and course part from the Wii U version
#TOP 7

Nintendo 3DS Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon

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Nintendo 3DS Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon Cover
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon - Nintendo 3DS Standard Edition (Renewed)

Embark on adventures with Nintendo Pokemon Mystery Dungeon for Nintendo 3DS. Befriend various Pokemon and journey through mysterious dungeons with them. You'll transform into a Pokemon and explore a world filled with these creatures. Choose your Pokemon and a partner from a selection of 20, including popular ones like Pikachu and Riolu. Interact with over 700 Pokemon as you work to save the world. This game offers a unique experience of being part of the Pokemon world, making it an exciting and immersive gameplay for fans.

What We Like
Various Pokemon to befriend
Explore mysterious dungeons
Interact with over 700 Pokemon
#TOP 8

Detective Pikachu Game for Nintendo 3DS

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Detective Pikachu Game for Nintendo 3DS Cover
Detective Pikachu - Nintendo 3DS

Partner with Pikachu, the self-proclaimed great detective, to solve strange occurrences in Ryme City. Featuring over 150 animated cutscenes and the option to use an extra-large Detective Pikachu amiibo figure to access all cutscenes up until the current chapter played, you'll have to put your detective skills to the test to foil the mastermind behind the disturbances in Ryme City. All in a day's work for detective Pikachu!

What We Like
Fully-voiced Pikachu
Over 150 animated cutscenes
Ability to use an extra-large Detective Pikachu amiibo figure
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are 3DS games being discontinued?

Yes, the Nintendo eShop for the 3DS officially closed on March 27th, 2023, which means that new purchases and downloads are no longer available for the platform.

2. What was the last Nintendo 3DS game?

The last Nintendo 3DS game released in North America was Flying Axe, which came out in 2021. It is a game where players chop trees and need to sharpen their axe to prevent it from breaking.

3. Is Nintendo 3DS going away in 2023?

Yes, after March 27th, 2023, you will no longer be able to purchase or download new games, in-game content, demos, or free-to-play software from the 3DS or Wii U eShop. Adding funds to your account or redeeming download codes will also be disabled.

4. What is replacing 3DS?

While the 3DS is being phased out, there are rumors of a potential Switch Pro that could serve as a replacement for the 3DS line of systems. Nintendo has a history of introducing innovative handheld consoles.

5. Why is Nintendo shutting down 3DS?

Nintendo stated that the closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShop is part of the natural life cycle of the products. The popularity of the Switch console has overshadowed the 3DS and Wii U, leading to the decision to focus on newer platforms.

Editor's Notes

During our nintendo 3ds mystery game research, we found 16 nintendo 3ds mystery game products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 29,426 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nintendo 3ds mystery games list. We found that most customers choose nintendo 3ds mystery games with an average price of $50.04.

The nintendo 3ds mystery games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nintendo 3ds mystery games, including Nintendo and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 737 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.