So, you’ve got a Nintendo 3DS and you’re wondering what games are actually worth your time? It can be tough to sort through everything, right? I remember spending ages just looking at the shelves, trying to figure out which ones would be a good pick. Well, I’ve done some digging and played a bunch of them, and I’ve put together a list of some of the absolute best top 3ds games that you really shouldn’t miss. These are the ones that really stuck with me, offering fun and memorable experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Super Mario 3D Land offers a great blend of classic Mario platforming with clever 3D effects.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a fantastic adventure that uses the 3DS features well.
- Fire Emblem: Awakening revitalized the series with strong characters and engaging strategy.
- Mario Kart 7 provides fast-paced racing fun, especially with friends.
- Animal Crossing: New Leaf lets you build and manage your own charming town life.
1. Super Mario 3D Land
Okay, so let’s talk about Super Mario 3D Land. This game really felt like a perfect fit for the 3DS, you know? It managed to blend that classic 2D Mario feel with the newer 3D environments in a way that just worked. It wasn’t trying to be a full-blown 3D adventure like some of the console games, but instead, it offered these really well-crafted, bite-sized levels that were just great for playing on the go.
What I really liked was how it used the 3DS’s 3D effect. It wasn’t just a gimmick; it actually helped with depth perception, making those tricky jumps feel a bit more manageable. It’s a can’t miss Mario experience that really shows off what the handheld could do. Plus, they brought back some awesome power-ups, like the Super Leaf, and added some new ones that kept things fresh. It’s got a nice difficulty curve, too, so it’s not too hard to get into but still offers a good challenge as you go further.
Here’s a quick look at some of the power-ups you’ll find:
- Super Leaf: Lets Mario fly for a short time and attack with his tail.
- Boomerang Flower: Mario can throw boomerangs, which bounce off enemies and walls.
- Invincibility Leaf: Makes Mario invincible for a limited time, letting him run through enemies.
Honestly, if you have a 3DS, this is one of those games you just have to pick up. It’s pure Mario fun, polished to a shine and perfectly suited for the system. It’s a solid entry in the series and a great way to enjoy classic Super Mario gameplay on a handheld.
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Okay, so Nintendo decided to revisit the world of A Link to the Past for the 3DS, and honestly, I was a little worried. That SNES game is a classic, and messing with it felt risky. But man, they absolutely nailed it. A Link Between Worlds is a fantastic adventure that feels both familiar and totally fresh.
The big new thing here is Link’s ability to turn into a painting and slide along walls. It sounds weird, but it’s used so cleverly in puzzles and exploring the dungeons. It really makes you think about the levels in a new way. Plus, the game lets you rent items pretty early on, which means you can tackle the dungeons in almost any order you want. That kind of freedom is pretty rare and makes the whole experience feel more personal.
Here’s a quick look at what makes it so good:
- Wall-Merging Mechanic: This is the star of the show. It opens up so many puzzle possibilities and makes traversing the world a blast.
- Non-Linear Dungeon Order: Renting items means you can choose your path, which is a great change of pace from the usual Zelda formula.
- Dual Worlds: Exploring both Hyrule and the darker Lorule adds a lot of depth and visual variety to the game.
It really does a great job of using the 3DS’s features, especially the 3D effect, which makes Hyrule feel more alive. If you’re a Zelda fan, or even just looking for a really solid adventure game, you owe it to yourself to check out The Legend of Zelda.
3. Fire Emblem: Awakening
Okay, so if you’re looking for a game that really makes you think and get invested, Fire Emblem: Awakening is a solid pick. This game is a strategy RPG, meaning you move your characters around a grid, taking turns to attack enemies. It sounds simple, but there’s a lot of depth to it. You have to manage your units, figure out who pairs well with whom, and plan your moves carefully. The biggest draw for many is the permadeath feature, where if a character falls in battle, they’re gone for good. It really ups the stakes and makes you care about every single soldier under your command.
Awakening also does a fantastic job of making you care about the characters beyond just their stats. You can build relationships between your units through ‘Support’ conversations, and these little chats reveal their personalities and backstories. It makes the whole experience feel much more personal, especially when you’re fighting to protect them.
Here’s a quick look at some of the core gameplay elements:
- Turn-Based Combat: Plan your attacks and movements on a grid.
- Character Relationships: Build bonds between units through conversations.
- Permadeath: Characters can be lost permanently if defeated.
- Class System: Units can change classes, offering different skills and abilities.
Honestly, this game is credited with really bringing the Fire Emblem series into the mainstream, and it’s easy to see why. It’s got a good story, but it’s the characters and the strategic gameplay that really shine. Plus, the 3D effect on the 3DS actually helps make the battlefield easier to read, which is a nice touch.
4. Mario Kart 7
Alright, let’s talk about Mario Kart 7. This game really brought the series into a new dimension, literally. It was one of the first Mario Kart titles to really play with the 3D aspect of the 3DS, and honestly, it looked pretty sharp. You get all the classic kart racing fun, but with some neat additions that shake things up.
What really makes Mario Kart 7 stand out are the new ways you can race. They added hang gliders, so now you can catch some air and glide over gaps. Plus, there are underwater sections, which totally change the feel of a track. It’s not just about steering and drifting anymore; you have to manage your kart in different environments. And for the first time, you could customize your kart, picking out the body, wheels, and glider. This meant you could really tweak your ride to match your racing style.
Here are some of the cool new features:
- Hang Gliding: Catch air and extend your path across gaps.
- Underwater Driving: Navigate new sections of the track beneath the waves.
- Kart Customization: Mix and match parts to build your perfect kart.
- First-Person Driving: Get a new perspective on the race.
It’s a solid entry in the series, offering plenty of tracks and a good amount of replayability, especially if you’re looking to race against friends or tackle the online challenges. Mario Kart 7 is a must-have for any 3DS owner who enjoys a good race. It’s just pure, unadulterated fun that’s easy to pick up but still offers depth for those who want to master it. You can find out more about its features on the official Mario Kart 7 page.
5. Super Smash Bros. For 3DS
Bringing the massive brawler that is Super Smash Bros. to a handheld felt like a big ask, but somehow, they pulled it off. The 3DS version managed to pack in almost everything from its Wii U counterpart, which was pretty wild for the time. Plus, it added some neat extras like stereoscopic 3D and exclusive modes such as Smash Run and StreetSmash.
One of the coolest things this game introduced was the ability to customize your fighters. You could swap out their special moves and give them unique power-ups, letting you really dial in a playstyle that suited you. It also brought in amiibo support, letting you train up little CPU buddies and bring them into matches.
It was pretty impressive that you could even use the 3DS as a controller for the Wii U version, though maybe not the most comfortable way to play during intense matches. Still, getting a full-fledged Super Smash Bros. experience on the go, and even before it hit the Wii U, was a huge deal. It’s still a solid game that holds up well.
6. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Okay, so let’s talk about Animal Crossing: New Leaf. This game is something else. You actually become the mayor of your own little town, which is a pretty wild concept when you think about it. It gives you a lot more control over how things look and feel compared to previous games. You’re not just a resident; you’re in charge!
It’s the kind of game that just sort of sneaks into your daily routine and becomes a comfortable habit. You can spend hours just doing simple things, like fishing, catching bugs, or digging up fossils to donate to the museum. Or, you could get really into decorating your house, planting flowers, or even trying to make a fortune on the "stalk market" (it’s like the stock market, but with turnips). It really lets you play at your own pace.
Here’s a little taste of what you can do:
- Town Management: Build new bridges, pass local ordinances (like making everyone go to bed early, if you want!), and decide where new buildings go.
- Personalization: Design your own clothes, customize your house inside and out, and arrange furniture to your heart’s content.
- Socializing: Chat with the quirky animal villagers who live in your town. They all have their own personalities and can give you quests or just offer some friendly conversation.
- Collecting: From rare fish and bugs to ancient fossils and unique furniture, there’s always something new to find and collect.
Even though there are newer Animal Crossing games out there, New Leaf still holds up as a fantastic way to experience the charm of the series. It’s a relaxing escape where you can build your perfect little world. If you’re looking for a game to unwind with, this is definitely one to consider for your Nintendo 3DS library.
7. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Alright, let’s talk about Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon. This game really took the spooky, charming concept of the original and just ran with it. Instead of being stuck in one big haunted house, Luigi is now hopping between five different, themed mansions. Each one feels unique, and you’re given specific missions to complete in each, which keeps things feeling fresh.
The core gameplay loop of exploring these playfully designed environments and busting ghosts with your Poltergust is still super satisfying. It’s got that perfect blend of puzzle-solving and action that makes Luigi’s hesitant heroism so endearing. The 3D effect on the 3DS really adds to the atmosphere, making those mansions feel like little dioramas you’re creeping through. It’s a fantastic sequel that expands on the original in all the right ways, offering a good amount of content for players to sink their teeth into.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll be doing:
- Ghost Busting: Use your vacuum to suck up ghosts, coins, and other spectral goodies.
- Puzzle Solving: Figure out how to open doors, activate contraptions, and find hidden paths.
- Mission Objectives: Each mansion is broken into missions with specific goals, like finding a certain number of ghosts or collecting a specific item.
If you enjoyed the first Luigi’s Mansion, or just like games with a bit of personality and a good dose of spooky fun, then Luigi’s Mansion 2 is definitely worth picking up. It’s a standout title on the 3DS.
8. Kid Icarus: Uprising
Okay, so Kid Icarus: Uprising. This game is a bit of a wild ride, and honestly, it’s one of those titles that really shows off what the 3DS can do. You play as Pit, an angel warrior, and you’re basically fighting off the forces of Hades. The game jumps between these on-rails shooting sequences where you’re flying through the air, and then ground combat sections. It’s pretty fast-paced, and the humor is definitely a big part of its charm. The writing is super witty, with Pit and his companion Palutena constantly bantering.
One thing that really stands out is the sheer amount of stuff packed into this game. You’ve got a lengthy story mode, but then there are also these optional challenge modes and a really robust multiplayer component.
- The controls can be a little tricky at first. You’re often using the Circle Pad to move, the touchscreen to aim and shoot, and shoulder buttons for other actions. It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it feels pretty good.
- Variety is the spice of life, and Uprising has it. The mix of aerial and ground combat keeps things fresh.
- The humor is top-notch. Expect plenty of jokes and lighthearted moments, even when you’re in the middle of a tough battle.
Seriously, if you’re looking for something a bit different on the 3DS, something that’s both action-packed and funny, Kid Icarus: Uprising is a solid pick. It might not be for everyone due to the control scheme, but the overall package is just so much fun.
9. Shovel Knight
Okay, so Shovel Knight. This game is something else. It feels like it was pulled right out of the NES era, but in the best way possible. It’s not just some cheap nostalgia trip, though. The developers, Yacht Club Games, really poured their hearts into this one. You play as Shovel Knight, obviously, and your main goal is to defeat the evil Enchantress and her Order of No Quarter.
What makes it so good? Well, for starters, the controls are super tight. You can jump, swing your shovel, and use a downward stab that bounces you off enemies and obstacles. It sounds simple, but the level design uses this mechanic in so many clever ways. You’ll be bouncing across pits and enemies like a pro in no time.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll be doing:
- Explore diverse worlds: Each area has its own theme, from a sandy desert to a spooky forest.
- Battle unique bosses: The Order of No Quarter members are all memorable and have distinct attack patterns.
- Find hidden secrets: There are tons of optional areas, upgrades, and collectibles to discover.
- Master the shovel: It’s not just for hitting things; it’s your primary tool for traversal and combat.
The music is also fantastic, really catchy chiptunes that stick with you. And the characters? They’re charming and quirky. Honestly, Shovel Knight is one of those rare games that lives up to the hype and then some. It’s a perfect blend of old-school challenge and modern polish that’s a joy to play on the 3DS.
10. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Bringing a massive PlayStation 2 RPG to the 3DS was quite the feat, and Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King really shines on Nintendo’s handheld. This game is a classic for a reason. You play as a silent protagonist, the Luminary, who’s on a quest to stop the jester Dhoulmagus from wrecking the world. It’s got that signature Dragon Quest charm: a vibrant world, a fantastic orchestral score, and a cast of characters you’ll actually care about.
The 3DS version isn’t just a straight port, either. They added some neat stuff, like new characters to join your party and some quality-of-life tweaks that make the whole experience smoother. It feels like the definitive way to play this epic adventure, especially if you missed it the first time around. Plus, it’s surprisingly accessible for newcomers to the series, which is great because some RPGs can be a bit much to jump into.
Here’s a quick look at what makes it special:
- Vast World Exploration: The Kingdom of Trodain and beyond is huge, filled with secrets and interesting places to discover.
- Memorable Companions: You’ll team up with a diverse group, each with their own backstory and combat style.
- Engaging Turn-Based Combat: The classic Dragon Quest battle system is here, refined and satisfying.
- Beautiful Art Style: Akira Toriyama’s art is as distinctive and charming as ever, bringing the characters and monsters to life.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, a few games that really stand out on the 3DS. It’s a system with a ton of great stuff, and honestly, picking just a few is tough. But these picks? They’re the ones that stuck with me, the ones I keep thinking about. Whether you’re just getting into the 3DS or looking to revisit some old favorites, I hope this list gives you a good starting point for some serious fun. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Super Mario 3D Land a must-play on the 3DS?
Super Mario 3D Land is a fantastic game because it blends the fun of classic 2D Mario games with the freedom of 3D adventures. It uses the 3DS’s special 3D effect really well to make the levels feel deeper and more exciting. Plus, it’s packed with creative levels and cool power-ups that make every moment a blast.
Why is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds so special?
A Link Between Worlds is a brilliant Zelda game that brings back the top-down style many fans love, but with a fresh twist. You can rent or buy almost any item early on, letting you tackle dungeons in any order you choose! The game also has a really neat mechanic where Link can turn into a painting on walls, opening up new ways to explore the world.
What’s the big deal about Fire Emblem: Awakening?
Fire Emblem: Awakening is a game where your characters can form strong bonds, and if they get knocked out in battle, they’re gone for good! This adds a lot of drama and makes you really care about your team. The story is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the strategy involved in the battles is super deep. It really made the Fire Emblem series super popular.
Is Mario Kart 7 still fun to play?
Absolutely! Mario Kart 7 is a blast, especially if you have friends to race against. It has cool new features like kart customization and the ability to drive underwater and glide through the air, which really shake up the races. It’s the kind of game you can pick up and play for a quick race or get lost in for hours.
What makes Super Smash Bros. for 3DS a good choice?
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS lets you take the epic fighting action of the series anywhere. It features a huge roster of characters from different Nintendo games, each with their own unique moves. It’s perfect for quick battles on the go or playing with friends, offering tons of fun and replayability.
Why should I play Animal Crossing: New Leaf?
Animal Crossing: New Leaf lets you become the mayor of your very own town! You get to design everything, from your house to the whole town’s layout. It’s a super relaxing game where you can fish, catch bugs, decorate, and hang out with charming animal villagers. It’s the perfect escape if you want to create your own little world.
