Best Nintendo 3DS Games

The Nintendo 3DS, first released back in 2011, would go on to become one of Nintendo's most successful systems throughout its long and celebrated lifespan, selling over 380 million units, and amassing a huge catalog of games. Though the system didn't have the staggering launch lineup of the Switch, it wasn't long before Nintendo began to bulk up the 3DS game selection, not only with first-party titles but also those made by third-party developers who wanted to utilize the handheld's powerful hardware.

The truth is though, considering the 3DS now contains such a staggering number of titles, it can be a little tough knowing which of its games are worth playing since they all vary wildly in their overall quality. This list is going to make this easier by stacking up the best of the best that this ambitious system has to offer to see what exactly makes them so beloved, and why they are considered to be the true standouts.

Updated on May 12, 2024, by Ewan Lewis: Opinions on old gaming hardware are always changing, and in the case of the 3DS, while a few games have always been seen as the best, some others have started to also garner more attention over the years too. Now that developers are no longer making games for the 3DS, this list will determine which titles have really managed to stand the test of time and are still worth picking up.

7 Metroid: Samus Returns

Metacritic User Score: 8.7

By the time Metroid: Samus Returns was released in 2017, many fans had begun worrying that Nintendo had started to lose their magic touch with the series, especially after the controversial entries released for the Wii. Thankfully though, this excellent remake of the second game in the series proved that Nintendo still cared for Metroid, and was more than able to please new fans by sticking to the classic 2D platformer format, while also refining the gameplay for modern audiences.

While the game follows the same story and level structure as the original, there are a few new additions that make everything feel much smoother, including a deadly melee counterattack, and the ability to free-fire Samus' arm cannon in any direction. The game also throws in plenty of abilities that weren't seen in the original Metroid 2, including the Super Missiles and Power Bombs. Of course, there's also the jaw-dropping visual upgrade, which makes it even harder to put Samus Returns down after it's been booted up.

6 Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Metacritic User Score: 8.7

It's not uncommon to see many Animal Crossing fans touting New Leaf as the best in the series, which is certainly saying something given how beloved these games have become over the years. There are many reasons why this New Leaf has earned such a glowing reputation, but a major one is due to its progression system, which perfectly suits the relaxed and chilled-out nature of the gameplay. For example, players can become a town mayor, which will allow them to customize each and every inch of their town, and also unlock public projects that can be used to collect funds for building purposes.

A few other smaller additions include the ability to swim around the island, being able to customize more aspects of the player's character, and possessing the authority to pass laws, granting an immense amount of player freedom. The beauty of New Leaf though is that, if players don't want to get too involved with the game's more complex systems, they are free to explore their village at their own leisure, since there are still plenty of fun minigames to play and a ton of bubbly NPCs to chat to.

5 Kid Icarus: Uprising

Metacritic User Score: 8.7

Kid Icarus Uprising may be a lot more complex in its mechanics than the previous Kid Icarus games, but the game's memorable story, lovable characters, and addictive gameplay still make it a game that is well worth learning. As players follow Pit's journey across Angel Land, they will stumble upon a small arena that can be used during the high-speed flying sections to take out the swarms of enemies who will try to stop them in their tracks.

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These adrenaline-pumping segments are complemented by on-ground sections which tend to be a little slower and more strategic, especially when going up against bosses, who can be absolutely brutal. As mentioned previously, Kid Icarus Uprising contains an incredible story that digs quite deep into its Greek mythological inspirations, while also providing a satisfying character arc for Pit himself. As far as third-person shooters go, Masahiro Sakurai and the team at Sora proved that not only can these types of games run on the 3DS, but they can also provide an enthralling overall experience when developed with time and care.

4 Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Metacritic User Score: 8.7

Despite Monster Hunter 4 retaining the series' traditional gameplay formula of acquiring gear and resources to take down dangerous monsters spread out across the map, it's clear Capcom spent a lot more time refining the movement this time around. This might sound like a small change to those unfamiliar with the series, but being able to climb walls and jump around faster adds a whole new dimension to the fights since it allows players to come up with more strategies on whether to take on a monster head-first, or catch it by surprise to attack from above or behind.

The removal of the irritating underwater sections from Monster Hunter 3 was also a very welcome change, and the monsters themselves have been made to be a lot smarter and more aware of their environments, adding an extra layer of immersion. The Guild Quests also provide a nice change of pace after the main story, and because they are designed to be agonizingly hard while also offering valuable rewards, it makes them all so replayable.

3 Super Smash Bros: 3DS

Metacritic User Score: 8.8

Considering how chaotic an average match of Super Smash Bros can get, some fans were skeptical that it could ever work on a handheld. Luckily, Masahiro Sakurai found the perfect workaround through using a sharp cel-shaded visual style which emphasizes the characters and makes them easy to keep track of. Speaking of fighters, Smash Bros 3DS offers a staggering roster of 58 playable characters to choose from, alongside a few DLC fighters such as Bayonetta and Cloud Strife.

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The classic Smash mode makes a triumphant return for this entry, but it's also accompanied by Classic mode which plays like a traditional fighting game arcade mode, alongside a lengthy Trophy Hunt minigame, and even a brutally challenging Home-Run Contest. As if that wasn't already enough, every stage in the game can also now be toggled to Omega form where it will become a flat surface with all obstacles being removed, meaning players won't be forced to always visit Final Destination for those fierce 1v1 bouts.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Metacritic User Score: 8.9

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a fun, charming, and honestly pretty ambitious game that feels like it brings together everything fans loved about the series into one big package. Rather than Ganon being the big baddie from the get-go, the villain this time around is actually an evil sorcerer known as Yuga, a mysterious individual whose layers are slowly peeled back as the story goes on. As Link journeys through the ever-expansive land of Hyrule to stop his new nemesis, he will be able to make use of a magical bracelet to stick to walls, essentially becoming a living 2D mural painting.

This not only provides a nice contrast to the regular top-down 3D camera angle, but it also introduces some genuinely tricky platforming and puzzle sections which add so much variety to the overall gameplay loop. It also wouldn't be Zelda without a few dungeons, and A Link Between World s contains what some consider to be among the best in the series because of how different they all feel. Whether it's the creepy Dark Palace or the warm and vibrant Desert Palace, all of these areas bring something new to the table, and they're a ton of fun to explore with the help of Link's brand-new items.

1 Fire Emblem: Awakening

Metacritic User Score: 9

When developing Fire Emblem Awakening, Intelligent Systems was told that if the game didn't sell well, the series as a whole would need to come to an end. As a result, they went above and beyond to make this the best Fire Emblem game ever made, and they certainly didn't disappoint. The turn-based RPG gameplay system is back, but now, there's also a new pair-up mechanic where units can boost each other's stats and even fight in the same turn, adding even more strategy to the intense battles. What also makes the gameplay so enjoyable is the map designs, which are among some of the best in the series due to the fact they contain just enough gimmicks and systems without ever becoming too overly complex.

It also helps that the game was made to be a little more accessible, not only since permadeath can now be switched off, but also in the story, which manages to be both simple to understand, yet incredibly emotional and heartbreaking when it needs to be. Combine all of this with arguably one of the best RPG soundtracks ever made and an unforgettable cast of characters, and it's no wonder why Fire Emblem Awakening has so many passionate fans around the world.

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