The Nintendo 3DS, released in 2011, was a revolutionary handheld console that brought glasses-free 3D gaming to the masses. With its extensive library of games, innovative features, and backward compatibility with Nintendo DS titles, the 3DS became a beloved device for gamers of all ages. Over its lifespan, the 3DS hosted a plethora of critically acclaimed titles across various genres, offering something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Nintendo 3DS games that defined the handheld and continue to be celebrated for their creativity, gameplay, and enduring appeal.
1. The Legend of Zelda
When The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds was released in 2013, it quickly became one of the most acclaimed titles on the 3DS. As a spiritual successor to the classic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on the SNES, this game transported players back to the familiar world of Hyrule, while introducing new mechanics that breathed fresh life into the franchise.
The game’s most innovative feature was Link’s ability to merge into walls as a 2D painting, allowing players to solve puzzles and explore the world from a new perspective. This mechanic added depth to the already rich gameplay, making dungeons more complex and engaging. The freedom to tackle dungeons in any order was another welcome change, giving players a sense of autonomy rarely seen in the series. Combined with its nostalgic yet updated visuals, tight controls, and a captivating story, A Link Between Worlds was a triumph for both old and new fans of the Zelda series.
2. Fire Emblem Awakening
Fire Emblem Awakening, released in 2013, is often credited with revitalizing the Fire Emblem franchise, making it accessible to a broader audience while retaining the deep strategy elements that longtime fans adored. This tactical role-playing game was a perfect blend of engaging storylines, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay, setting a new standard for the series.
The game follows Chrom, the prince of Ylisse, and his group of warriors as they defend their kingdom from various threats. The story is filled with twists and turns, and the relationships between characters play a significant role in both the narrative and gameplay. Players can pair characters to develop bonds, resulting in powerful team attacks and even marriages that can produce offspring with unique abilities. The game also introduced the option to turn off permanent character death, a series staple, making it more approachable for newcomers.
Fire Emblem Awakening was praised for its strategic depth, beautiful art style, and the emotional connections it fostered between players and characters. It not only saved the series from potential cancellation but also cemented its place as one of the best tactical RPGs on the 3DS.
3. Pokémon X and Y
Pokémon X and Y, released in 2013, marked a significant milestone in the Pokémon franchise by bringing the beloved series into the world of 3D graphics. Set in the Kalos region, inspired by France, these games introduced a host of new features and Pokémon, while maintaining the core gameplay that fans had come to love.
The transition to 3D graphics was a game-changer, offering a more immersive experience with dynamic camera angles, detailed environments, and fully animated Pokémon battles. X and Y also introduced Mega Evolutions, allowing certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve into more powerful forms during battles. This mechanic added a new layer of strategy to competitive play and became a staple in subsequent games.
Additionally, X and Y were the first games in the series to feature character customization, allowing players to change their avatar’s appearance with various outfits and accessories. The games also expanded online features, making it easier for players to battle and trade Pokémon globally. Pokémon X and Y were not only technical achievements but also provided a fresh and exciting adventure that captured the essence of what makes Pokémon so enduringly popular.
4. Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario 3D Land, released in 2011, was a critical and commercial success that showcased the 3DS’s capabilities while delivering the timeless platforming gameplay that the Mario series is known for. The game blended elements from both 2D and 3D Mario titles, creating a unique experience that appealed to fans of both styles.
The game’s level design was brilliant, offering a wide variety of challenges that took full advantage of the 3DS’s stereoscopic 3D feature. The use of 3D not only added visual depth but also influenced gameplay, with certain puzzles and platforming sections requiring players to think in three dimensions. Super Mario 3D Land also reintroduced the Tanooki Suit from Super Mario Bros. 3, allowing Mario to float and attack enemies with his tail, which added to the nostalgic appeal.
The game’s tight controls, creative level design, and charming presentation made Super Mario 3D Land a must-have title for 3DS owners, solidifying its place as one of the best platformers on the system.
5. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Animal Crossing: New Leaf, released in 2012, offered players a charming and relaxing life simulation experience that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. In this installment, players assume the role of the mayor of a town populated by anthropomorphic animals, with the freedom to design, build, and manage their community as they see fit.
One of the game’s standout features was the ability to customize your town more extensively than in previous titles. Players could place public works projects, decorate their homes with a vast array of furniture, and even visit other players’ towns via online connectivity. The real-time clock and calendar system meant that the game world changed with the seasons, holidays, and time of day, creating an ever-evolving experience that kept players engaged for years.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf was praised for its charming art style, relaxing gameplay, and the sense of community it fostered among players. It became a staple for the 3DS, offering a delightful escape into a world where the only limit was your imagination.
6. Mario Kart 7
Mario Kart 7, released in 2011, was a highlight of the 3DS’s multiplayer offerings, providing fast-paced, exhilarating racing action that could be enjoyed both online and locally. The game introduced new features such as gliding through the air, driving underwater, and customizable karts, adding new layers of strategy and fun to the familiar Mario Kart formula.
The game’s tracks were a mix of new designs and classic courses from previous Mario Kart games, all beautifully rendered in 3D. The online multiplayer was seamless, allowing players to compete against others from around the world with ease. Mario Kart 7 also took full advantage of the 3DS’s hardware, using the gyroscope for tilt controls and StreetPass for sharing ghost data with other players.
Mario Kart 7 was a critical and commercial success, praised for its polished gameplay, vibrant graphics, and the sheer joy of racing with friends or against players worldwide. It remains one of the best racing games on the 3DS, offering endless hours of entertainment.
7. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, released in 2015, was a significant entry in the Monster Hunter series, offering deep, rewarding gameplay that captivated both newcomers and veterans alike. The game’s premise is straightforward—players hunt down massive monsters in various environments, crafting weapons and armor from their spoils to take on even more formidable foes.
What made Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate stand out was its improved movement mechanics, allowing players to climb and jump more fluidly during battles, adding verticality to the combat. The game also introduced new weapon types and monsters, expanding the already vast variety of content. The online multiplayer was a major highlight, enabling players to team up with others to tackle challenging hunts together.
The game’s addictive loop of hunting, crafting, and upgrading, combined with its engaging multiplayer, made Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate one of the best experiences on the 3DS. It was a game that demanded skill and strategy, rewarding players with a sense of accomplishment after every successful hunt.
8. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, released in 2013, was the much-anticipated sequel to the GameCube classic Luigi’s Mansion. In this game, players once again take control of Luigi as he explores haunted mansions, captures ghosts, and solves puzzles with the help of his trusty Poltergust 5000 vacuum cleaner.
The game was praised for its charming atmosphere, clever puzzles, and the use of 3D to enhance the spooky yet playful environments. Each mansion had its own unique theme and set of challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh throughout the adventure. The game also introduced a cooperative multiplayer mode, where players could team up to clear floors of ghosts in the ScareScraper mode.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon was a delightful mix of humor, exploration, and lighthearted scares, making it a standout title on the 3DS and a worthy successor to the original game.
9. Bravely Default
Bravely Default, released in 2014, was a love letter to classic Japanese RPGs, offering a deep and strategic turn-based combat system that harkened back to the golden age of the genre. The game’s unique “Brave” and “Default” mechanics allowed players to either take multiple actions in one turn or store actions for future use, adding a layer of strategy to battles.
The game’s story follows four heroes on a quest to restore balance to their world by awakening four elemental crystals. The narrative was rich with character development and plot twists, keeping players engaged throughout the journey. The game’s hand-drawn art style and 3D character models were beautifully crafted, creating a visually stunning world that was a joy to explore.
Bravely Default was a critical success, praised for its gameplay depth, captivating story, and nostalgic appeal. It revived interest in traditional JRPGs and paved the way for a sequel, solidifying its place as one of the best RPGs on the 3DS.
Conclusion
The Nintendo 3DS was a treasure trove of unforgettable games that spanned a wide range of genres, offering something for everyone. From the epic adventures of The Legend of Zelda to the strategic depth of Fire Emblem and the charming life simulation of Animal Crossing, the 3DS library is filled with titles that have left a lasting impact on gamers worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of action, RPGs, racing, or strategy, the 3DS has a game that will capture your heart and imagination, making it one of the most beloved handheld consoles of all time.