We already published the list of best 3DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best 3DS action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the 3DS definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the 3DS and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo
- Release Data: Pixel Toys, 2013
- Genre: Action » General
Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo is a fun 3DS title.
It’s not quite the cream of the crop on the system, but as a platformer, it is fantastic and worth checking out.
In the end, it is a polished, amusing title from start to finish.
#24. New Super Mario Bros. 2
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
There are few series that nail the feel of a platformer quite like Super Mario.
Spread across 6 main worlds (and some hidden ones), you’ll hop on enemies’ heads, find secret pathways, and try to become the richest man in the Mushroom Kingdom.
And, a secret prize awaits for those who can collect 1 million coins.
#23. Fluidity: Spin Cycle
- Release Data: Curve Studios/Nintendo, 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
In this physics-based puzzle platformer game, players must maneuver a pool of water through each stage while avoiding obstacles and enemies.
As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new abilities that allow you to transform your water.
The game also uses the gyroscopic technology of the 3DS in select levels, adding a unique level of gameplay control.
#22. Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX
- Release Data: Sega, 2015
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Rhythm games are very popular in Japan, and Hatsune Miku is an incredibly popular music icon.
Combining these two properties results in a bubbly and happy style of rhythm gameplay, where players must tap the touch screen to the beat of the song.
Also, you might be surprised at just how difficult some of the hardest tracks can be.
#21. ZEN Pinball 3D
- Release Data: Zen Studios, 2012
- Genre: Action » Pinball
If you love the arcade, you’ll fall head over heels for this pinball collection that features 11 different tables.
Thanks to simple controls, anyone can pick up and play this addictive title.
Whether you’re shooting for the high score or attempting to complete pinball missions, this is one 3DS game that keeps you playing for hours on end.
#20. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
- Release Data: Indies Zero/Square Enix, 2012
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
This game takes popular elements of the Final Fantasy franchise and mashes them into a unique rhythm game experience.
By tapping the touch screen and buttons to the beat of memorable music, you’ll destroy monsters and level up, giving you new songs and even higher levels of difficulty.
#19. Mighty Switch Force!
- Release Data: WayForward, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This entertaining action game encourages players to blaze through numerous levels while shooting enemies and solving block puzzles.
In addition to her gun, Patricia can use her special helmet to alter the environment, pushing blocks to uncover paths and defeat enemies.
Any fan of classic platformers and action titles will have a blast with this 3DS original.
#18. Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn
- Release Data: Good-Feel/Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This port of the fantastic Nintendo Wii game brings colorful and relaxing gameplay straight to your 3DS.
And unlike other Kirby games, you cannot suck up enemies or fly, forcing players to use attacks and new transformations to progress through levels.
Also, this version of the game contains exclusive content, including new modes, minigames, and Amiibo support.
#17. Kirby: Triple Deluxe
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2014
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This series is known for being cute and bubbly, with gameplay that’s perfect for younger audiences.
In this game, Kirby can even turn into the rainbow colored “Hypernova Kirby”, which gives him the ability to suck up huge items.
It’s classic Kirby gameplay with a modern twist, giving you a bigger and more exciting experience than ever before.
#16. Azure Striker Gunvolt
- Release Data: Inti Creates, 2014
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This action title gives players awesome electricity powers and asks them to run wild in stages full of enemies.
Gunvolt can chain his attacks between enemies, increasing your score multiplier and increasing your rank.
Also, a wide variety of gameplay mechanics and item-crafting adds a level of depth to this game that few other side-scrolling action games can match.
#15. Gunman Clive 2
- Release Data: Horberg Productions, 2015
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This unique action game blends cool visuals with gameplay variety for an experience that feels both original and retro.
The game is broken up into levels, and vary between side-scrolling stages, flying levels, and much more.
Overall, the fun aesthetic and tight gameplay make this 3DS game one of the most unique games on the system.
#14. VVVVVV
- Release Data: Terry Cavanagh/Nicalis, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Although this game might have simplistic visuals, the addictive and challenging gameplay makes up for it.
There are over 400 unique screens for players to navigate through the dangers.
While the game starts easily enough, you’ll soon find yourself repeating rooms over and over again.
Overall, this ultra-tough platformer is great for quick play sessions and provides an excellent sense of accomplishment.
#13. Star Fox 64 3D
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2011
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
This version of the N64 game delivers new and crisp graphics exclusive to the 3DS version, along with awesome use of the 3D capabilities of the system.
Multiple paths through the game offer quite a bit of replayablity, and this classic game is a must-play for any Nintendo fan.
#12. Mutant Mudds
- Release Data: Renegade Kid, 2012
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
In this fun action title, players control Max as he battles the Muddys across four unique worlds.
Each level contains three objectives to complete, including reaching the exit, finding the secret room, and collecting all available diamonds.
Max can use his stash of diamonds to upgrade both his weapons and equipment, allowing for better movement and increased damage.
#11. Dead or Alive: Dimensions
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Tecmo Koei Games, 2011
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
This fighting game series is great for its brutal hand-to-hand combat.
The main story mode is an awesome look back on the series’ history, and gives a great amount of nostalgia for fans of the franchise.
Not only that, the fighter roster is also the largest we’ve ever seen.
#10. Rhythm Heaven Megamix
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
In addition to the 70 rhythm games taken from past Rhythm Heaven games, 30 new games and remixes have been included.
Players can also unlock various trinkets, bonus content, and challenge levels using coins they’ve accumulated.
Music-lovers will find endless amounts of fun in this addictive and joyous game.
#9. Gunman Clive
- Release Data: Horberg Productions, 2013
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This simple yet fun game combines the visuals and tone of the Wild West with gameplay similar to Contra.
Players must complete 16 levels filled with enemies and hazards, hopping and shooting from platform to platform.
All in all, this is a great game for fans of retro and classic gaming, and undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable 3DS titles there is.
#8. Cave Story 3D
- Release Data: Nicalis/NIS America, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
By combining classic action gameplay with a focus on narrative, this game creates an enthralling adventure.
The game can be a bit confusing at first, but it’s a good game for players of all skill levels.
Upgrading your character with new weapons and abilities keeps things fresh, and you’ll become a spelunking master in no time.
#7. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
- Release Data: Monster Games Inc./Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
As a series, Donkey Kong has spanned a lot of genres.
Most people remember the Super Nintendo era of Donkey Kong Country, and that’s the kind of gameplay you’ll see in this portable port.
For fans of the original Super Nintendo games, this is one Nintendo game you won’t want to miss.
#6. Kirby: Planet Robobot
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This game takes everything we love about the Kirby franchise and improve them immensely.
Players can now hop between the foreground and background, a feature which uses the 3D capabilities of the 3DS.
Overall, this is a fun and colorful title that won’t challenge you too much, making it a great game for kids and adults alike.
#5. Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse
- Release Data: WayForward, 2014
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This colorful and tropical quest has players exploring islands, defeating bosses, and acquiring new gear to punish their enemies.
Although Shantae once had genie powers, she must now rely on various pirate items to survive.
And to unlock the true ending, players will have to find and defeat all the hidden bats in Sequin Land, eliminating the dark magic for good.
#4. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call
- Release Data: Indies Zero/Square Enix, 2014
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
This sequel improves upon the original in almost every way.
The song selection is much more varied, the characters represent more of the franchise, and there’s a good amount of modes.
Generally speaking, this sequel offers the player more ways to play, more content to play with, and an endless amount of fantastic music.
#3. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
- Release Data: Bandai Namco Games/Nintendo, 2014
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
The Super Smash Bros. series has been around since the Nintendo 64, but few games in the franchise feature as much variety as this version does.
There’s even an exclusive mode called “Smash Run”, where players fight random enemies for 5 minutes and earn power ups for use later.
#2. Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
- Release Data: Capcom, 2011
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
This was an early 3DS game, and showed off the capabilities of the system rather well.
The 3D effect is great, and adds some satisfying depth to battles.
The touch screen offers shortcuts to special moves, allowing players to simply tap a button on screen to execute otherwise complicated maneuvers.
#1. Super Mario 3D Land
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
This is one of the best examples of a Mario game done right on handheld, as it uses the 3DS’ capabilities to the fullest.
The coolest part of the game is its use of 3D; some sections can only be completed by turning on the 3D function, which gives you a better understanding of your surroundings.
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See also: Best Wii Games & Best Wii U Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which 3DS action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!