The Nintendo 3DS (simply called 3DS) is a very unique handheld, the first of its kind.
The success of 3DS is not because of its performance, but because it provides people with a new type of gaming experience, using the special screen to display stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses.
For those of you who have played this handheld in the past, I bet you want to know the best 3DS games of all time.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
- Release Data: Next Level Games/Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
This sequel to the original Gamecube game adds variety, multiple mansions to explore, and even more gameplay features.
The mixture between comedy and light horror make it a fun game for players of all ages, and it’s a worthy follow up to the original.
#24. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
- Release Data: Atlus, 2018
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This RPG smartly uses time-travel to expand its exploration and offer player choice.
As you explore, you’ll battle monsters in turn-based combat, solve puzzles, and level up your character and party.
Throughout the adventure, you’ll jump between different timelines, collecting items and completing quests.
Fans of expansive role-playing games and fantasy worlds will greatly enjoy this journey through time.
#23. 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.
#22. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- Release Data: Monster Games Inc./Nintendo, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This game stands out by encouraging players to explore vast lands, collecting items and completing a variety of quests.
You can build your relationship by using characters during battle and giving them gifts, strengthening their abilities.
The story is a good mix of mystery and action, with memorable characters and poignant emotional moments.
#21. Monster Hunter Generations
- Release Data: Capcom, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Monster Hunter series has always been known for its high barrier of entry and steep learning curve.
However, Generations gives the player a ton of choices, allowing them to use a variety of weapons that each feel different.
This version even gives you the ability to play as a new feline class, utilizing unique abilities and skills.
#20. 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.
#19. Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This third entry in the Fire Emblem Fates series draws gameplay from both of the previous entries while telling its own unique story.
Players customize a protagonist and then journey through the kingdom of Valla, participating in large-scale battles while upgrading their forces.
New features also allow you to build a base and upgrade its various shops and even get married.
#18. SteamWorld Heist
- Release Data: Image & Form, 2015
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
Although the game is vastly different from its predecessor, the changes made provide a more robust gameplay experience.
Players recruit a party of robots and board enemy ships, defeating other robot gangs.
There are over 200 different weapons and hats to collect, giving you expansive options when customizing your party.
#17. Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward
- Release Data: ChunSoft, 2012
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
This narrative-driven adventure combines puzzles, player choice, and alternate story paths for a robust tale of deceit and violence.
Playing as Sigma, you’ll make tough decisions on who lives and who dies while solving tough escape-room style puzzles.
The replayable nature of the story makes it a prime candidate for multiple playthroughs, guaranteed to continuously provide new twists and turns.
#16. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
There’s nothing quite as charming as Animal Crossing, and this version starts by granting you the position of mayor.
As such, you can choose the layout of your village, unlock new shops, and upgrade your personal home as you progress.
In the end, there’s an insane amount of content available, making this a game you’ll be playing for hundreds of hours.
#15. Metroid: Samus Returns
- Release Data: Mercury Steam/Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Although it borrows the setting and story from the Gameboy game Metroid II: Return of Samus, the gameplay has been updated for modern times.
Instead of shooting in a few directions, players can now control Samus’ aim with precision.
The game also adds some new abilities that make exploration more welcoming to new players.
#14. Pokemon X
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
This generation of Pokemon introduced a bunch of new features, such as group battles, multiple gym leader battles, and more.
The biggest change in this generation is in the visuals department, as this is the first Pokemon game to feature fully 3D graphics.
#13. Crashmo
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2012
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
This is the sequel to Pushmo, and is well known for its colorful visuals, cute design, and deceptive difficulty.
The game is satisfying in its simplicity, using basic control concepts to craft interesting challenges.
It’s a game that everyone can learn, but will stump even the smartest of puzzle game players.
#12. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Release Data: Capcom, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Although the gameplay is similar to other Monster Hunter titles, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate puts a larger emphasis on story and characters.
It’s also the first handheld game in the franchise to feature full online multiplayer functionality, as well as improved character movement.
#11. Pokemon Moon
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
The seventh generation of Pokemon changed the formula and telling a more cohesive and linear story.
Players assume the role of the new kid, who has just moved to the tropical island region of Alola.
The game is also tied to your local time, becoming night time during the real-life day; hence the name Pokemon Moon.
#10. Pokemon Y
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Pokemon X and Pokemon Y are very similar, but Y takes the advantage due to its better version-specific Pokemon to capture.
The story varies between the two games, as each features a different legendary Pokemon as well, which makes an impact on the narrative.
#9. Pokemon Sun
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Like Pokemon Moon, Sun takes place in the colorful island region of Alola.
The game is connected to your local timer, meaning it will appear as day or night to match with your real-life location.
This version contains some exclusive Pokemon like Vulpix and Turtonator, one of which can evolve into the fan favorite Ninetails.
#8. Colors! 3D
- Release Data: Collecting Smiles, 2012
- Genre: Casual » Application
Creative gamers will love this simple-to-use drawing application due to its immense amount of options.
Players can create 2D or 3D images, with five layers to draw on.
You can even team up with your friends in local multiplayer to create cooperative drawings.
#7. Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This is the ultimate package for Fates fans, as it contains all the available story variants and some exclusive content.
It’s slightly harder than Birthright, but not as difficult as the demanding Conquest story.
Although the story is different, the gameplay in the Revelation story mixes the two different gameplay styles of the other variants to produce a unique experience.
#6. 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.
#5. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
- Release Data: GREZZO/Nintendo, 2015
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Often considered the “black sheep” of the Zelda series, this game uses some interesting gameplay features.
This title also features the use of time manipulation, letting Link move time forward and backward by playing a song.
Along with the beautiful new visuals, the interesting gameplay and satisfying story make this a Zelda game that everyone should try.
#4. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This is a Zelda game for fans of the classic look and feel of the franchise.
It borrows the map layout from Zelda: A Link to the Past for SNES, giving players a mix of nostalgic and new content.
This is widely considered one of the best handheld-exclusive games in the series.
#3. Pushmo
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2011
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
Although the game is simple in execution, there’s a deep amount of skill needed to complete it.
Each puzzle plays out the same; your character must manipulate complex structures, forming a path to the goal.
When the difficulty ramps up, Pushmo resembles a complex Rubik’s Cube that will leave you scratching your head.
#2. Fire Emblem: Awakening
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This was the first attempt at a Fire Emblem game on the 3DS, and is considered one of the finest games in the entire series.
The story is interesting, the combat is simple-to-learn, and the exploration and 3D effects breathe new life into the franchise.
Whether you’re a fan of tactical games or not, this is a must play.
#1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
- Release Data: GREZZO/Nintendo, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
First appearing on the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time is widely considered not only the best 3DS game, but one of the best video games of all time.
It tells a fantasy story, and it’s a game that’s appropriate for gamers of all ages and skill levels.
Do yourself a favor and play this game.
Browse 3DS Games By Genre
See also: Best Wii Games & Best Wii U Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which 3DS game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!