The 3DS has been a stalwart system, holding on beyond the bitter end even with the monolith that is the Nintendo Switch looming over it. It's had at least seven different hardware iterations, and that's without going into the limited editions, and countless fantastic games.
So to celebrate our underpowered workhorse, we thought we should have a look at the 31 best games that have graced the system, and believe us when we say it was not difficult finding that many superb games. In fact if anything we had to be a bit brutal in cutting many out. Make sure you gasp in awe at all of them in the video above, and let us know your favourite 3DS memories in the comments below.
Comments 88
Again, text lists are appreciated. :<
How about we get some of those games on the Switch.
List can be found here Courtesy of AdReNaLiNFaLc0n
I wanted to make a list but luckily, some people here have more patience than I do.
3DS had such a phenomenal library. I’m sure I will be desperately trying to catch up with my backlog on the system for years to come.
soooo many great games on this amazing lil machine. hrmmm, faves include all the fire emblems, all the etrian odysseys, all the monster hunters, all the pokemon, all the laytons, all the atlus, square, nisa, marvelous.... its had soo many vc games too. my fave console ever =D
@TobiasAmaranth agreed, sitting in a hospital and don’t want to intrude others with a video. Would love a written article or list to kill the time. But hey, beggars can’t be choosers. I’m looking forward to watching it when I get home!
I get you want Youtube ad revenue but text lists are really appreciated by many of your readers, including me. Can't we have both please?
@TobiasAmaranth Or better yet, watch the video
Anyone want to type out the list?
I traded in my old 3DS when I got the Switch and now really want it back for MonsterHunter Stories, metroid and the Alliance Alive.
Should have just kept it.
Well, The Alliance Alive and Dragon Quest XI are still coming out next year.
For me anyway, so far my favorite game is Fantasy Life, such a good game. Better even than Metroid and Zelda imo, and I'm a big fan and loved those games.
video only is the worst, but better than nothing i guess
Not a bad list, but I disagree with some of the choices.
I'd replace MH Generations with MH4U, Bravely Second with Bravely Default, SMT IV with SMT IV: Apocalypse, and Etrian Odyssey V with Etrian Odyssey IV, for example.
Oh, and the complete lack of Virtue's Last Reward on this list is incredibly disappointing.
The fact that there are still so many stellar games left off this list is a testament to the sheer quality of the 3DS' library. While the Switch might one day beat it, I do think the 3DS is currently my all-time favorite Nintendo console.
I totally agree with AC being number one, can't wait for the switch version. Some excellent games on that list. 😊
@Kalmaro How about you just play them on the 3DS? I never realized how annoying port begging was until the Switch came out and Switch started acting like their Wii U and 3DS had become completely unplayable.
Dark Moon? Robobot? Not on the list.
Ports of games from other systems? Many.
Hmmmm...
I have more downloaded virtual titles on this thing then on the DSi, Wii, Wii U, and Switch conbined. Party due to being an ambassador, but also because there were just so many great eShop games on this thing.
@Crono1973 Well some folks don't feel like carrying a Switch and a 3DS to play games on the go. If I had to choose, I'd pick my switch and have been doing so since March. I like the bigger screen and being able to play a 3ds game on my TV would be nice. Not all 3ds games make that much use of both screens anyway or touch screens.
Not to mention that, if ported properly, they could run better on the Switch's hardware.
Also, who's begging? No one is begging for anything, unless all questions or observations count as begging now.
#31-#6 “in no particular order”:
—- Metroid: Samus Returns
—- Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
—- Stella Glow
—- Ever Oasis
—- Super Mario 3D Land
—- Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth
—- Kirby: Planet Robobot
—- Fire Emblem Awakening
—- Rune Factory 4
—- Kid Icarus: Uprising
—- Fantasy Life
—- Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS
—- Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
—- Shin Megami Tensei IV
—- Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World
—- Monster Hunter Generations
—- SEGA 3D Classics Collection
—- Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
—- Mario Golf: World Tour
—- Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
—- Rhythm Heaven Megamix
—- Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call
—- New Super Mario Bros. 2
—- Bravely Second: End Layer
—- Star Fox 64 3D
—- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
~~~~~
#5: Mario Kart 7
#4: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
#3: Pokémon Ultra Sun / Pokémon Ultra Moon
#2: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D / The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
#1: Animal Crossing: New Leaf
A text list would be great. Video only is annoying.
Off the top of my head, some of my 3DS favourites are Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, Zero Time Dilemma, Etrian Odyssey IV, Pokemon Ultra Moon, Kid Icarus Uprising, and Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX.
Probably full of RPG’s which I don’t play so the list is already no good for me
I'd switch out mario maker and sega 3d classics for resident evil revelations (really deserving of a spot in this list) and pilotwings resort (a personal favorite )
@Agramonte never understood this trade mentality. I just keep my consoles always. If I have trouble buying another then I keep saving until I can afford it, games will always be there.
4 ultimate beats generations if only because it has G rank and village high rank. they're functionally the same game, but you trade the bulk of the content in 4U for hunting styles and artd in generations. both great but in this case more content>better gameplay.
This top 5 is rubbish. A link between worlds is number 1. Fe awakening 2 and 3D land 3.
I decided to take a sip of whiskey each time an RPG was mentioned in this list. I woke up in the hospital just now.
where the hell is awesome launch games ridge racer and ultra street fighter IV, which is probally better than the switch street fighter lol. And no mention of dead or alive which is also awesome. Nintendo life fails!.
SMT 4 A deserves to be here, awesome game. I'd add Persona Q as well.
The 3ds is in my top 3 console all time alongside with the PS2 and SNES. But the Switch may over throne PS2 and then my top 3 will be composed only by Nintendo stuff!
Can I just say that I adore the 3ds! It is my favorite handheld of all time. I'm sad to see this system go but damn did I have a good time with this system. I have almost every game listed with the exception of about 4 titles. I'm glad to see Kid Icarus Uprising get some love finally. It seemingly is left off of every best of 3ds list I've seen.
My all time favorites are #1: Puzzles & Dragons Super Mario Edition, #2: Tomodachi Life, #3: Style Savvy Fashion Forward, #4: Miitopia, and then a long list of other games that would fluctuate in rank depending on mood.
@AdReNaLiNFaLc0n thank you, text version is much better
Proceeds to gasp in awe at each new entry
Overall, this is a solid list.
3DS should be able to have greater connectivity with switch and Wii u
I know I'm in the minority, but I have have always been underwhelmed by the 3DS library. There are some real gems, of course, but overall, I don't like it as much as the Vita or DS's libraries, or the Gameboy if you can include GB, GB Color, and GBA as one library. I guess that's unfair to 3DS since it can play DS games, but unlike other backwards compatible systems (like PSP on a Vita), DS games look worse on a 3DS as opposed to better.
@Kmno not really about the money. I just do not like keeping around extra gadgets I'm not sure I'm going to use (I always sell my games back to Amazon also) But totally jumped the gun on the 3DS.
Worst thing is, I could just go get a $69 refurbished one and call it a day. But I want either the Metroid or the Red/white Pokemon New 2DS edition. LOL!
@bones Just delete them instead of apologizing...
@AdReNaLiNFaLc0n Thanks for the list. I'd like to name an honorable mention: 3D Streets of Rage 2.
There will never be a text release with those types of videos, as Alex wants the clicks on his "professional" videos. Really wish he would bring back his review for Sonic Forces back, thankfully somebody re-uploaded. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIlcFOhFK5Q
Judging by his attempts at wit and the forced smile, Alex really does hate his job, more so he can't even review a demo properly.
My most played includes stream world heist and several Layton games. Loved the Layton series on 3ds.
Glad to see Rune factory 4 and Fantasy Life. Both excellent!
@Kmno Agreed and some people still own their Wii U and/or 3DS but refuse to play them because now they have a Switch. They think thousands of people should go to work porting games for them so they never have to turn on their Wii U and 3DS again. It's insanity.
I remember asking my mum if I can get Animal Crossing New Leaf and she said: "No, that game is for 5-year olds. Why would you waste your time playing that?" My mum still plays Candy Crush...
@Kalmaro Here's the definition of port begging:
"Port-begging" is a term within the video game community that describes the act of requesting for a certain video game to be ported to another platform outside of the one it is currently available for.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=port-begging
AC: New Leaf is my no.1
I've put 100's hours into it and Felyne is moving in today! 😽
Also, shout out to Yo-kai Watch which is criminally underated. 👻
@Crono1973 I see, thanks.
Like a lot of other people have said, you are doing yourselves a disservice by not having a text story covering this. I can't be bothered to watch a 25 minute video but I would read an article about it.
Not much to argue with about that list, though I was surprised Mario Kart 7 is top 5. Admittedly not played it much, and played MK8 first, but 7 seems quite bland.
@AdReNaLiNFaLc0n Thank you so much, I was looking to add some of these to my eShop Wish List but didn't want to go through the video again.
@Crono1973 I can understand home consoles, it is a “hassle” to change the consoles when you want to alternate games. But portables? Man just pick up and play, no hassle at all.
This is not the best 31 Nintendo 3DS games "of all time". It's a list of 31 3DS games the guy in the video thinks are good.
@AdReNaLiNFaLc0n
Thanks for the list. Like may others, I'll echo the sentiments that a text list would be preferred. I'm on a data cap, I don't like wasting data on 25 minute long videos.
@Onion In a post net neutrality world we are all going to have more trouble watching videos and are going to have to be more picky about which ones we watch. List videos won't make the cut for me.
I'd strongly argue that a Professor Layton game and an Ace Attorney game each deserve a place on this list - unless it was physical games only, but Ace Attorney is physical in Japan and is certainly a fully fledged game. They are by far some of the best games I have played not just on 3DS but on any system, and this website has reviewed them all extraordinarily well, so I'm a bit surprised they weren't at least mentioned.
@Kalmaro Thanks!
@Bunkerneath @Handsomistic15 @DancingPants @Onion @matii No prob!
Video was excellent as always, but I agree with others who wanted an actual article write-up, since not everyone has the time or data allowance to watch a 25-minute video. But both formats bundled together would be awesome!
Having beaten BoTW a couple of times, I went back to the 3DS and 100%’d A Link Between Worlds. My god, that game is good.
@AdReNaLiNFaLc0n Just using my powers of top posts for good!
In all seriousness, thanks for making the list.
This is a phenomenal list!
Need to add Stella Glow and Majora's Mask to my library.
A Link Between Worlds is my favorite, and it's not even close. Though being a sequel to Link to the Past helps, as that's my favorite Zelda game.
Can't wait to see what the 2D Zelda team does on Switch.
Kind of a wish wash list. 3D Land, Link Between Worlds, and Awakening should've been on the higher places
I am making a top 50 for my own purposes.
I am going to specifically mention that exact placing isn’t too important. #1 is gonna be better than #25 and #25 will be better than #50 but being say five places higher doesn’t necessarily mean I think the other game is much better.
Just a little thought.
Sadly, Nintendo life doesn't listen to a single word the community (US, YOUR READERS) ask for, such as a text list. Or the little flag icons back beside usernames.
Lets just all agree that all these games are great and that the 3ds is the best system ever, and hope the switch becomes a 3ds 2.0
...and then games from 2018 will make this "31", a well-deserved "50 Best 3DS Games".....until 2019 comes around.
Great list. LOVE MY 3DS since day one..taking pictures in 3D... ambassador program ... Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater!
Also Castlevania Mirror of Fate makes excellent use of the 3D effect.
No Castlevania Mirror of Fate?
@Agramonte The Switch is great but I would be lying if I told you that you aren't missing much with Monster Hunter Stories. I loved the game, I think it's my favourite game of the year and the best character/ monster collecting game out there despite strong contenders like LBX, Dragon Ball Fusions and even Pokemon. It seems that the game got a mobile device port that has exactly the same content and everything with upgraded visuals, but right now it's just out in Japan.
Yes, Nintendo could make BOTW run on 3ds, in the same way Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors can run on it. BotW in 3D would be something interesting. Then again, draw distance would be somewhere inside your eyes...
A great list overall, though a little heavy on RPGs and a little low on action games. Resident Evil: Revelations should have been in there somewhere.
Please have text versions as well.
Well as this is video and i cant view it at work, Mr personal top 5.
5) Star Fox 64 3D
4) Super Smash Bro's 3DS
3) The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
2) The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
1) The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (prob the best handheld Zelda game ever made)
Nice list, but absolutely not MY list. It is interesting to see how personal taste works. My list is based largely on my gaming log on 3DS. My 5 most played games are: Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (It was my first 3DS game and I still play it), Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars (my favorite strategy game, yes, over Fire Emblem), A Link Between Worlds (to me the OoT and MM remakes don't even touch it), Star Fox 64 3D and last but not least Pushmo. It is crazy the amount of time I have given to that little game.
I haven't even played AC: New Leaf and it is a game that I have never even considered buying, I just don't get it. Same with Pokémon, I tried playing X and Y and I tried playing Sun and Moon, but I just can't get into it.
Not one Professor Layton, Phoenix Wright, nor Style Savvy title in that list. I'm out. Although it may be NL's list, it is not mine but I can't disagree with the selections. It is kind of surprising that both FE: Fates and FE Echoes are not there. No RE Revelations nor Super Street Fighter IV either :-S
What a system... I can't even start, and I don't even know what I would consider #1... but it wouldn't be Animal Crossing
7 different iterations? 3ds, 3ds XL, 2ds, New 2ds XL, New 3ds, New 3ds XL. What am I missing?
Also, I think you should try putting something like "Nlife's 31 Best Games" in the title, rather than just stating them as the best. It makes you seem very full of yourselves.
@briwipdx Depends on the time of day, for me.
@roy130390 Oh wow - thanks for letting me know. Yeah, I've seen tons of reviews on YouTube - It looks amazing. And I usually do not care about Amiibos but the ones for this game actually look awesome.
I was reading that Nintendo would need to give the OK for a US release of the mobile version. I guess they payed for the English translation.
@TobiasAmaranth Agreed.
@tmad13 Yeah, I agree.
Some people don't have 25 minutes to see this whole thing.
What's the 7th 3ds variant? I only know of 6....
This is a good list, but it needs more fighting games. Where are "Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition," "Dead or Alive: Dimensions," and/or "BlazBlue 2: Continuum Shift"?
did this chap just say "Yah-shi" instead of "Yoh-shi"?? surely that's not what they say in jolly ol' England? blimey! time to eat some fish n' chips!
@AdReNaLiNFaLc0n Tahnks for the list.
I'm only missing Fantasy Life (I can't find it at a reasonable price) and Pokemon Ultra Sun/Moon (I have the plain Pokemon Sun, tho). But I haven't played, but have, Dragon Quest VIII
@datamonkey I agree that text would be great. This has been suggested numerous times now so it appears it is something that the staff at Nintendolife should take a look at. I for one am not always in a position to watch a video but still would appreciate the content in list format as well.
@EVIL-C @TobiasAmaranth
The listeners should be the most important consideration when thinking about content and the format the content is presented in. Overall I think they do a great job but this is becoming a regular complaint by many listeners. It is a simple request that if implemented would benefit the site.
I still think Nintendo will keep making the 3ds/2ds for sometime. It would be a bad move to discontinue it anytime soon.
The 3DS started a bit slow but ended up having a great library, not sure how I'd fill out a top 30, rankings would probably change constantly as I replay and put more thought into older games but I know for sure these are my top 10 (in order) as of right now...
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
2. Metroid: Samus Returns
3. Resident Evil Revelations
4. Mario Kart 7
5. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
6. Super Mario 3D Land
7. Super Smash Bros.
8. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
9. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Dual Destinies
10. Kid Icarus Uprising
The 3DS really has an amazing library. 32 great games, and not even counting different games of the same series (Pokemon, Fire Emblem, Monster Hunter, Shin Megami Tensei etc.), plus several great games not mentioned (Professor Layton, for instance).
No Mario and Luigi Dream team bros?! Animal crossing on 1? Mariomaker 3DS, the cheapskate-version?
Yeah, this list is full of hogwash Alex!
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...