Our retail list has a mix of duplicates with the Community results but also a few other titles, perhaps helping to showcase the depth of the 3DS library further. Let's get to it.

Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario 3D Land

The autostereoscopic 3D effect of the 3DS hasn't always been well utilised, yet this Mario platformer puts it to great use. Puzzle rooms and general platforming are easier to judge and look fantastic with the 3D effect enabled, and Nintendo certainly brought its A-game with this first all-new 3D Mario game on a portable (following the remake / remaster Super Mario 64 DS in the previously generation).

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

We were surprised this didn't finish higher than 9th in the Community vote, and if we were rating these it'd be a little higher. While it's naturally not as slick as its Wii U equivalent, this portable entry is nevertheless a remarkable technical achievement and a lot of fun for some drop-in brawls.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Animal Crossing: New Leaf

A game that perhaps did more than most to boost 3DS hardware sales in its mid-life, turning the summer of 2013 into an Animal Crossing bonanza. This title was all over social media and captured the hearts and long-term fans and newcomers alike, also including some nifty online features. Some, of course, are still running their towns to this day.

Kid Icarus: Uprising
Kid Icarus: Uprising

This writer is was caught out when this didn't make it into the community top 10, but it was a very strong performer among our hardy band of staff voters. Masahiro Sakurai's team went all out with this 3DS title, with fantastic production values and an interesting blend of air and ground based levels that utilised stylus controls. Quite a divisive game because of those controls, but much-loved by many.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Another title pushing out some high profile rivals, it's nice to give this adorable platformer a nod. As it's a Kirby game it's not a particularly taxing experience, but it's packed full of charm, colourful visuals and delightful moments. A cuddly and lovely game, and we're looking forward to its follow-up - Kirby: Planet Robobot.

Pokémon X & Y
Pokemon X & Y

Another that missed out on the community list, history will likely regard this one highly as an important evolution, in various senses, of the franchise. Though not without flaws on a technical level, this brought the main Pokémon series into a 3D world, while introducing Mega Evolutions and some terrific online features. It laid the groundwork for ORAS and Sun & Moon, after all.

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

Poor old Luigi, often teased for having the launch game for the underperforming GameCube, forever in Mario's shadow. With this portable sequel, however, Next Level Games joined the top table of developers closely association to - if not owned by - Nintendo. A fantastic game full of wit, clever design and stylish diorama-effect visuals. Another title that shows the impressive depth of the 3DS library.

Fire Emblem: Awakening
3. Fire Emblem: Awakening

A game that, as admitted by Intelligent Systems, effectively saved the franchise. This was Fire Emblem's last shot at finding a big audience and it succeeded; it delivers an engrossing and challenging turn-based strategy experience that can be hardcore or accessible, thanks to the optional disabling of permadeath. When you add in the DLC this gives a lot of bang for buck, and is highly regarded by various members of the team; our European writers can't vote for its sequel just yet...

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

It's no surprise this is much loved in our team, more-so than the 3D remasters that have graced the portable.. Considered a sequel of sorts to the iconic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, it has lovely visuals and clever gameplay design to keep anyone hooked in the adventure. Whether moving through walls as a 2D painting or trying out new items, this provides a lot of memorable gaming.

Mario Kart 7
Mario Kart 7

Though it's since been outshone by its Wii U successor, this is a title that was hugely successful on 3DS and stands up as a fun entry in the series. With some enjoyable tracks and visuals that help showcase just what the 3DS can do, this also provides solid online play for endless replayability. Plus it's still a laugh occasionally seeing someone try to exploit glitches that have been patched out...

Honourable Mentions that just missed out:


So there you have it, some of our favourite games that we recommend. Some big hitters missed out due to - perhaps - a limited voting base, but some of these titles are well worth considering beyond many of the notable choices that featured in the community results. Let us know which of these you like in the comments.

Further Reading