The Nintendo 3DS was another widely popular video game handheld from the company which was a successor to the Nintendo DS. Building on the dual screen approach, the Nintendo 3DS brings out a number of improvements. However, outside of just offering gamers a new visual enhancement over the previous iteration handheld, Nintendo opted to deliver gamers a brand new feature. Glasses-free 3D through the top display. With the use of a slider mechanic, players could control just how much 3D the handheld would deliver though most likely kept the function off to preserve battery life.
The handheld has received a number of upgrades over the years with slightly differencing components. Released back in 2011, the handheld line is still going strong with Nintendo support. We have decided to rank some of the best 3DS video games available on the system which you can view down below.
#10 Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Platforms: 3DS (New 3DS)
- Release: April 10, 2015
Xenoblade Chronicles became an instant hit when it launched. This complex JRPG offered gamers a beautiful world to explore, a cast of characters that you can customize along with a narrative driven story. Within the game, players will be following two factions that are in perpetual war. It’s within this war that our main protagonist, Shulk, discovers his ability to control the Monado faction where he sets off on a revenge journey over the death of his best friend.
This game originally came out exclusively on the Nintendo Wii, but has since found its way on the Nintendo 3DS. Unfortunately, the sequel, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, is only available on the Nintendo Switch platform.
#9 Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
- Developer: Next Level Games, Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Platforms: 3DS
- Release: March 24, 2013
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is an action-adventure video game that was developed by Next Level Games. Similar to Luigi’s Mansion that launched in 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube, this title acts as a sequel where players once again step into the shoes of Luigi.
Players will find that Luigi is set with the task of finding all of the Dark Moon pieces that have shattered from King Boo. However, because the Dark Moon has shattered, all of the once friendly ghosts have become hostile, forcing Luigi to use his specialized vacuum cleaner to capture the ghosts.
Just as before with Luigi’s Mansion, not only will Luigi have to fight normal ghosts but a series of bosses and collect a number of items. Furthermore, there are a few puzzles to solve during your journey.
#8 Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Platforms: 3DS
- Release: February 13, 2015
Monster Hunter 4 is the last main installment outside of the most current release, Monster Hunter: World. This is an action-RPG series that we’re sure you’re familiar with already. Overall, the game tosses players into a world where you must take on contracts and hunt down massive monsters. Each may have their own attributes that will call for certain gear and weaponry before you set off on your quest. As a result, gathering resources and going on hunts is not only beneficial for the rewards you’ll earn for completing the mission but for the items you’ll acquire during your the quest.
This particular title was aimed at western audiences. Capcom researched the differences between eastern and western gamers of the franchise to further release a new installment that would appeal to both markets.
#7 Pokemon Sun & Moon
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: The Pokemon Company, Nintendo
- Platforms: 3DS
- Release: 2016
Pokemon Sun & Moon is slightly different when compared to the other main installments to the franchise. Players will still be training and capturing Pokemon, however, the game does replace the gym system which has been a staple feature for the franchise. There is also a bit more of an emphasis on taking care of your Pokemon outside of just using the Pokemon Center when needed which may not cater to the more old school Pokemon fans. Regardless, critics and fans alike enjoyed the new approach to the Pokemon franchise.
#6 Pokemon X&Y
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: The Pokemon Company, Nintendo
- Platforms: 3DS
- Release: 2013
The Pokemon franchise is going strong and showing no signs of slowing down. There’s been a few titles released for the series on the Nintendo 3DS these past few years. While we could list out a bunch of great games on this list, we decided to toss in two main installment releases together. Pokemon X & Y is the sixth generation of the Pokemon series which follows the traditional format. Players will be capturing Pokemon, training them, exploring the world and defeating Gym leaders.
The latter on our picks, Pokemon Sun & Moon is slightly different, players will still be training and capturing Pokemon. However, the game does replace the gym system which has been a staple feature for the franchise. Regardless, critics and fans alike enjoyed the new approach to the Pokemon franchise.
