The eighth generation of consoles brings us the stereoscopic 3D effects in a handheld console. The DS successor: The Nintendo 3DS and its exceptional Nintendo 3DS games represented it.
Augmented reality, compatibility with older Nintendo DS games, StreetPass, and SpotPass tag modes, besides the huge list of unbeatable titles make this device a good option against the competition.
Here is a small selection of the most appreciated Nintendo 3DS games developed for this console and of which you have surely heard.
10 Memorable Nintendo 3DS Games
Check out these amazingly interesting Nintendo 3DS games.
1. Kid Icarus: Uprising
In 2012 after a long rest, the NES classic returns in an epic adventure. This time the angel Pit must help her friend and light goddess Palutena to save the world from Hades. But, it will not be easy. An interminable list of new events, villains, and allies waiting for us in this third-person shooter game. And that too in a Greek mythological style.
We can get “hearts” to adjust the game’s difficulty level. It has several multiplayer modes, and it supports six players. The controls issue can be complicated at first, nothing that the training mode can’t solve.
Besides, the graphics look very good. The 3D environment for scenarios and characters is phenomenal. It has a great soundtrack that generates an ideal atmosphere for launching into the adventure without distractions.
Take your weapon and dive into this story full of surprises and unexpected situations that will raise us heavenly high.
2. Shovel Knight
The brave Shovel Knight will fight to rescue Shield Knight, defeating “The Order of No Quarter” who have been sent by the Enchantress to impede him from reaching the Tower of Feat where his beloved damsel is. Our hero is not a typical knight because he uses a shovel as the main weapon to attacking enemies and dips up treasures.
Knight Shovel launched in 2014 for 3DS a Wii U. It is a 2D side-scrolling platform game. Although the company developed it for other game systems, 3DS exclusive StreetPass Arena, the touchscreen management, and the compatibility with Shovel Knight series Amiibo figures make this version an excellent choice.
It features a chiptune soundtrack and the graphics of 8 bits that mimics the old video games of NES as a tribute to the origins with innovative touches. This captivate both the adult players and the new generation.
3. Zelda
Ganondorf is looking for the Triforce, a sacred relic that grants the wishes of its holder. A link has to stop him; learn to play and perform several songs on an ocarina, and navigate various dungeons to awaken sages who have the power to seal Ganondorf away.
3DS remastered the greatest action-adventure game from N64 to show it to the public in 2011. It is acclaimed as the best game remake for Nintendo’s device. This classic doesn’t suffer changes, only improvements, and the fans are grateful.
Moreover, updated graphics and stereoscopic effects add depth and join the music to create a magical exploration atmosphere.
With the magnificent adaptation, the master quest, boss rush, and optional hints for newer players deserve the attention of anyone who enjoys video games. It’s as exciting as it was in the first version.
4. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
If you want to face giant monsters and defeat them, this action role-playing game is for you. The fourth Monster Hunter installment was released for 3DS in 2015.
New weapons, a huge beast list, and premiering the online mode guaranteed many hunting hours as a Hunters’ Guild member.
Now the player can climb walls fluidly and mount creatures; you can get two new weapons: the Insect Glaive and the Charge Blade. Besides, for more action, a virus makes the monsters more aggressive.
The multiplayer mode is challenging, and we will have to work hard to increase our hunter range and have access to a new “Guild Quest”. It is too fun in local and online mode. Unfortunately, voice chat is not available.
The creature’s design and modeling are very strong and impressive. The 3D effect makes you feel that the monster will come out of the screen to bite you. The soundtrack is composed of the saga’s usual epic melodies with plenty of songs for specific monsters and areas. Moreover, the sound effects create a sense of dread with the strong roars of the beasts.
This game is a must-have for any RPG fan and a worthy exponent among the best hunting games of all time.
5. Fantasy Life
Don’t limit your wishes, and save the fantasy world of Reveria.
Fantasy Life is an original role-playing life simulation game for 3DS. It was released worldwide by Nintendo in 2014. You can change to one of 12 Life classes at virtually any time to access different abilities.
A purple meteorite falls into the peaceful fantasy world of Reveria. King Erik needs you to investigate the strange occurrences foretold in an ancient prophecy because these “Doomstones” fill creatures with dark, destructive energy. Embark in this adventure to discover why the only way to save the world is to gather many people’s wishes.
You can customize your avatar and decorate your house with the furniture as you like. Playable characters include King Erik’s daughter Laura, Port Puerto governess Olivia, and others that will unlock during the game.
This shininess open world, beautiful and vast, has awesome animated graphics and a splendid soundtrack for live your life as you see fit. This saves the world, cooks, or fishes.
Explore your taste for the unknown and be free.
6. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
Zen and Rei’s memories have been taken. Persona 3 and Persona 4 drawn from their time periods are sent into a replica of Yasogami High School. The groups must explore four labyrinths to recover treasures hidden within which can restore the fall memories, using their abilities against hostiles, known as “Shadows”
It is an RPG video game published in 2014. The Persona series’ first entry on a Nintendo platform in the Etrian Odyssey way.
The characters were redesigned in a deformed “chibi” style. They focused on what stands out visually for each character, based on the fan’s opinion. The music has unique elements that stay in the Persona series tradition.
The developers make a perfect match between the gameplay and aesthetics around the supernatural.
You can pick characters from both, Persona 3 and Persona 4 and go to another dimension, with the lighthearted tone that makes Persona series games so fun.
7. Super Mario 3D Land
Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser again, let´s help Mario and rescue her now in true 3D in the first Mario game for the 3DS, released in 2011, developed and published by Nintendo.
The Tanooki suit returns to attack enemies or float with a novelty depth and distance effect, mixing the traditional 2D and modern free-roaming 3D Mario games, including new creative enemies.
Super Mario 3D starts a little easy. However, after a few surprises, you’ll find yourself sitting around for hours. It’s a fun, bright, and visually pleasing masterpiece accompanied by impressive sound and StreetPass functionality.
This game will hook you instantly. This is because it represents another Nintendo success that justifies the 3DS handheld console purchase.
8. Fire Emblem Awakening
Intelligent Systems ‘success saved the Fire Emblem saga with the thirteenth entry, an ambitious tactical RGP video game by turns, sold by Nintendo for 3DS in 2013.
You will have an amnesic avatar named Robin, who is rescued by Chrom, Prince of Ylisse. His mission will be to help Chrom’s army (The Shepherds) and defend Ylisse from the undead monsters called “The Risen” and the adverse nation of Plegia attacks.
You can develop relationships with your team, taking advantage of their skills, creating your own character crafted as you see fit. Also can adjust difficulty levels and disables the permanent death of characters.
Despite the 3D effect, it is not remarkable counts with an exceptional character design, quality full-motion cutscenes, and detailed scenarios that immerse us in this world of fantasy. The soundtrack is outstanding, reinforces the character’s actions.
It would be the last one, but it turned out to be so successful that it is considered the best game developed for 3DS and the perfect excuse to buy one if you don’t have it.
9. Resident Evil: Revelations
Resident Evil: Revelation shows the great work done by Capcom. It’s a survival horror game originally released for Nintendo 3DS in 2012 that tells the story of the events between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, divided into episodes.
Almost the whole story takes place in a mysteriously abandoned ship. You can play several characters: Jill, Parker, and Chris, among others. This helps prevent the bioterrorist organization Il Veltro from infecting the Earth’s oceans with a virus. Limited ammo, memorable bosses, and more wait for you in this mission where frights will be the rule.
It is a perfect match between action and terror. The online mode is as good as the single-player mode; exploiting all 3DS small screen possibilities with well-done graphics, impressive 3D effect, and a creepy soundtrack that make you live a very realistic horrifying experience. Revelations really set the 3DS as a worthwhile console. No one should miss the opportunity to play this game. Maybe you have nightmares, but it doesn’t matter, right?
10. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Would you like to be a ghostbuster?
If your answer is yes, Luigi needs your help to clear a lot of ghosts by recovering the fragments of the destroyed Dark Moon to pacify the hostile ghosts living in five different mansions in this action-adventure game released in 2013, which is a sequel to the Nintendo Game Cube Luigi’s Mansion.
With “The Poltergust 5000” (a vacuum ghost cleaner) and a flashlight, Luigi has to save Evershade Valley while rescuing his brother, Mario, from King Boo, our villain this time, solving puzzles to move to the next level.
The graphics take advantage of the virtues of the 3DS to give the fans of Nintendo a brilliant, colorful game and far from an experience of fear. It is a magical and entertaining way to have a good time, alone or accompanied. This is because it offers a cooperative local multiplayer mode or if you prefer it, online.
Final Words On The Best Nintendo 3DS Games
The 3DS, all its accessories, and improvements are, without doubt, one of the best devices to enjoy your favorite adventure.
Despite it being discontinued in September 2020, it represented a great success for Nintendo that will remain in place for many years to come. This was due to the long list of Nintendo 3DS games that support it and the emotions it will continue to generate in the fans.