The Nintendo 3DS may be a handheld from the past, but its game library is still one of the most impressive in gaming history. Even years after its release, many of its titles remain timeless. With thousands of games published, the system offered everything from Pokémon adventures to RPG epics, multiplayer favorites, and even indie eShop gems.
For gamers who still collect physical cartridges, replay their old favorites, or explore retro libraries, the big question remains: What are the best 3DS games of all time?
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top 3DS games, including fan favorites, best-sellers, and hidden gems that still stand tall today. If you love gaming history, you might also enjoy exploring the best GameCube games that still shine today or even looking back at classic PS2 games.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
This remake of the classic N64 masterpiece gave players updated visuals, smoother gameplay, and a chance to re-experience Link’s legendary quest. Playing in stereoscopic 3D made Hyrule feel alive, and it’s often ranked among the best video games ever made.
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
An original adventure built for the 3DS, this Zelda game introduced the wall-painting mechanic, allowing Link to slip into walls and solve puzzles in clever new ways. It blended nostalgia with innovation, and many fans place it next to Ocarina as one of the best 3DS exclusives.
3. Pokémon X and Pokémon Y
The first fully 3D Pokémon titles shook up the series with Mega Evolutions and the lush Kalos region. These were not only innovative but also welcoming for newcomers. For collectors, they sit alongside the most iconic entries in Pokémon’s long history.
4. Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon
Set in the tropical Alola region, these games broke away from the Gym Leader formula and gave Pokémon a refreshing new twist. Sun and Moon remain top picks for fans who want new Pokémon forms, a warmer atmosphere, and a relaxed island vibe.
5. Fire Emblem: Awakening
This title didn’t just save the Fire Emblem franchise—it reinvented it. With deep tactical strategy, branching romances, and heartfelt storytelling, Awakening became one of the best Nintendo 3DS RPGs and a turning point for the series’ global popularity.
6. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
In this cozy life sim, you play as mayor of your own town, customizing it and making friends with charming animal neighbors. Many fans still call it the best Animal Crossing game, even compared to the Switch’s New Horizons. Its cozy charm makes it timeless.
7. Mario Kart 7
One of the best-selling 3DS games, Mario Kart 7 added gliders and underwater racing, changing the way fans raced forever. With both online and local multiplayer, it became a staple for parties and remains one of the best multiplayer 3DS games.
8. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
The first Smash Bros. to go portable brought an enormous roster of fighters and fun stages. Whether playing locally or online, it was a must-have. Today, it stands among the top 3DS fighting games and one of the system’s best sellers.
9. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Luigi stepped out of Mario’s shadow in this ghost-hunting adventure. With multiple mansions, co-op play, and lots of charm, Dark Moon became a surprise hit and one of the best 3DS exclusives.
10. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Known for its epic battles, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate delivered huge monsters, deep weapon systems, and online multiplayer. It gave handheld gamers a chance to enjoy one of the deepest RPG adventures on the go.
11. Kid Icarus: Uprising
Reviving an NES classic, Kid Icarus mixed flying shooter stages with action-packed ground combat. Combined with witty dialogue, it became one of the most unique and underrated 3DS games.
12. Bravely Default
A love letter to old-school RPG fans, this Square Enix gem featured a unique Brave/Default battle system that rewarded strategy. It became a cult favorite and is often recommended as one of the best 3DS JRPGs for serious RPG players.
13. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
A huge open-world RPG condensed onto a handheld, Xenoblade Chronicles proved how powerful the New Nintendo 3DS hardware could be. With its vast story and beautiful world, it’s one of the most ambitious games ever released on the system.
14. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Remakes of the Game Boy Advance classics, these games let fans revisit Hoenn in full 3D. Packed with nostalgia and enhanced with Mega Evolutions, they’re some of the best Pokémon 3DS games to replay today.
15. Shovel Knight
This indie hit became one of the best 3DS eShop games. With retro-inspired graphics, smooth platforming, and modern polish, it proved that indie developers could thrive on Nintendo’s handheld.
The Best Multiplayer 3DS Games
The 3DS wasn’t just about solo play. Its local wireless and online features made it one of the best handhelds for multiplayer fun. Popular picks include:
- Mario Kart 7
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
- Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Pokémon X/Y and Sun/Moon
These games kept the handheld community alive for years and are still fun to revisit with friends.
The Best-Selling 3DS Games
According to official sales figures, these are the best-selling titles:
- Mario Kart 7 – Over 18 million copies sold
- Pokémon X and Y – Over 16 million
- Pokémon Sun and Moon – Over 16 million
- Super Mario 3D Land – Over 12 million
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS – Over 9 million
Unsurprisingly, Nintendo’s big franchises like Mario and Pokémon dominated the charts, much like how franchises in other consoles—such as the best PS2 classics—defined gaming eras.
Why the Best Nintendo 3DS Games Still Matter
Even though the 3DS has been retired, its game library remains legendary. It combined innovation, portability, and variety, offering RPGs, platformers, multiplayer hits, and indies in one system.
For collectors, exploring the 3DS is like opening a treasure chest of gaming history. Whether you want Pokémon adventures, Zelda epics, or cozy sims like Animal Crossing, the 3DS delivers.
And if you’re into retro gaming in general, you might also enjoy learning about quirky gaming culture, like unblocked browser games or even the history of lottery-style games.
✅ In short: The 3DS may be gone, but its library lives on. From Pokémon X/Y to Fire Emblem: Awakening and Animal Crossing: New Leaf, these are the best Nintendo 3DS games that every fan should experience at least once.
