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In its 2011 debut, the Best Nintendo 3DS Games experienced a sluggish start on the gaming scene. However, with the passage of time, it gained momentum and curated an astounding collection of top-tier titles. Although the concept of glasses-free stereoscopic 3D didn’t gain widespread acceptance as swiftly as anticipated, the most exceptional Nintendo 3DS games fully harnessed this innovative technology. Then, in 2014, the introduction of the ‘New’ technology further elevated the user experience to new heights.
StreetPass, which urged people to keep the console with them at all times, added a new social element. Also, the ability to use original DS cartridges meant that a lot of great games from the previous handheld system could be played on the new one. If your 3DS is collecting dust in a forgotten spot, it’s time to remember how much fun it can be.
And if you didn’t get a 3DS at all, now is a great time to buy both hardware and apps at great prices. This list has the top 5 games for the 3DS, based on how well they were rated by users of this site. Your votes will keep changing the ranks, and registered users can interact with and rate the games right on these pages, adding to the rankings system.
Best Nintendo 3DS Games Comparison Table
Product Name | Platform | Genre |
---|---|---|
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past | Nintendo 3DS | Role-playing game (RPG) |
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked | Nintendo 3DS | Tactical role-playing game (RPG) |
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D | Nintendo 3DS | Action-adventure |
Super Mario 3D Land | Nintendo 3DS | Platformer |
Mario Kart 7 | Nintendo 3DS | Racing |
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (3DS)

Product Name | Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past |
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Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
Genre | Role-playing game (RPG) |
Engaging Storyline | Uncover the mysteries of the past |
Vast World to Explore | Discover new lands, dungeons, and characters |
Turn-based Battles | Engage in strategic turn-based combat |
Job System | Customize your characters with different skills |
Dragon Quest VII is a JRPG masterpiece. It is an island-hopping journey that takes place in both space and time. If you played the first version, this 3DS version is as close to a perfect remake as you can get. It has beautiful 3D graphics, a smartly streamlined start, and a lot of welcome improvements to the game’s quality of life.
This trip through Estard has great writing, a fun class system, beautiful animations, and a great music, all of which make for an adventure that keeps you interested the whole time. It’s a big game, but don’t let that put you off. With short story-style pace and a huge variety of settings, speech patterns, and situations, it feels less like an epic tome and more like a shelf full of storybooks stuffed into a little 3DS cart. This game is a lot of fun and a must-play for anyone who likes RPGs.
The Good
- Compelling and immersive storyline
- Expansive world with plenty of exploration opportunities
- Strategic turn-based battles for RPG enthusiasts
- Customization options through the job system
The Bad
- Some may find the pacing slow due to the game’s length
- Visuals may appear dated compared to more recent releases
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (3DS)

Product Name | Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked |
---|---|
Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
Genre | Tactical role-playing game (RPG) |
Multiple Endings | Your choices impact the story |
Demon Fusion System | Combine and evolve demons for battle |
Strategic Battles | Plan your moves and exploit enemy weaknesses |
Compelling Narrative | Dark and mature storyline |
It’s possible that if you already possess or have played the DS version, you won’t find this to be the reboot you were looking for. However, those who are unfamiliar with the title should get ready to be blown away by it.
Even though the game doesn’t offer much of an overhaul, it still manages to be an outstanding, fashionable role-playing game that deftly combines strategy and turn-based combat. It is also one of the more substantial 3DS games currently available, featuring a variety of possible conclusions and a large amount of stuff for players to discover.
The Good
- Branching storyline with multiple endings adds replay value
- Deep demon fusion system for creating powerful allies
- Tactical battles that require strategic planning
- Engrossing and mature narrative with captivating themes
The Bad
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to the Shin Megami Tensei series
- Some may find the difficulty level challenging
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

Product Name | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D |
---|---|
Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
Genre | Action-adventure |
Classic Adventure | Embark on a hero’s journey |
Time Travel Mechanics | Manipulate time to solve puzzles |
Epic Boss Battles | Engage in memorable boss encounters |
Immersive Soundtrack | Iconic music enhances the gameplay |
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D reinvents the best-reviewed game of all time. Using the Nintendo 3DS’s powerful graphics, all textures and colors have been upgraded in 3D. This game narrates the legendary story of Hyrule and LinkTM, ZeldaTM, and Ganondorf in great detail and gives perspective to their many conflicts. This game is ideal for Zelda newcomers.
This is your dream Hyrule. Link must repeatedly play the Ocarina of Time throughout the game. A specified button sequence plays one of the game’s twelve tunes. The original game required you to assign the ocarina to an item slot, review the song’s button prompts, then play them from memory. The Nintendo 3DS version keeps the ocarina on the Touch Screen and plays with the song’s button prompts.
The Good
- Timeless and beloved adventure game
- Unique time travel mechanics add depth to puzzles
- Memorable boss battles that test your skills
- Enchanting soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere
The Bad
- Controls may take some time to adjust to on the handheld console
Super Mario 3D Land

Product Name | Super Mario 3D Land |
---|---|
Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
Genre | Platformer |
Classic Mario Gameplay | Navigate through levels and defeat enemies |
3D Platforming Experience | Depth perception adds new dimensions to gameplay |
Innovative Level Design | Creative and varied level layouts |
Power-ups and Secrets | Discover hidden items and abilities |
Expect a New Take on a Classic. Super Mario 3D Land, the first real 3D platformer without glasses, reinvents everything fans love about Mario gameplay. Running, jumping, and trampling adversaries throughout stages will give players a new sensation of depth, distance, and speed. Mario returns: The Nintendo 3DS debuts the popular Tanooki outfit. Attack foes with the Tanooki suit’s tail or drift down from high places.
These skills boost confidence in 3D surroundings. 3D graphics help players gauge depth and distance. Players can better estimate Mario’s distance from a question block or the following platform. The quest has new and familiar powers. Mario dashes and rolls somersaults. The Circle Pad lets gamers securely control Mario in exciting and difficult scenarios. A Piranha Plant that spits ink and Goombas with tails are new adversaries.
The Good
- Classic and accessible Mario gameplay
- 3D platforming adds a new dimension to the experience
- Inventive level design keeps the game fresh and engaging
- Abundance of power-ups and secrets to discover
The Bad
- Relatively short gameplay compared to some other Mario titles
Mario Kart 7

Product Name | Mario Kart 7 |
---|---|
Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
Genre | Racing |
Iconic Kart Racing Action | Compete against friends and AI |
Variety of Race Tracks | Race on imaginative courses |
Customizable Vehicles | Modify your kart’s appearance |
Multiplayer Options | Enjoy local and online races |
In Mario Kart 7, the seventh game in Nintendo’s famous kart race series, the land-only gameplay that players had been used to for years was changed in new and interesting ways. Now, we can’t imagine the game without these new features. Racing under the water and flying through the air made it hard to come up with new tracks and fun to change up old ones.
Even though there weren’t as many characters as I would have liked, being able to make your own kart by mixing and matching different parts was a great bonus. This was another Mario Kart game that most 3DS users always had with them. It had a proper battle mode with Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, as well as good online and local play.
The Good
- Thrilling and competitive kart racing experience
- Diverse selection of creatively designed race tracks
- Customization options to personalize your kart
- Multiplayer options for local and online races
The Bad
- Rubberband AI can sometimes affect race outcomes
- Limited number of racers on the track compared to newer Mario Kart titles
Questions and Answers
Yes, the Nintendo 3DS has an eShop where you can download games straight to the system. Some games can be bought, while others may be free or given away as part of special deals.
The Nintendo 3DS’s battery life depends on things like how bright the screen is, how often you use wifi connections, and which model you have. The battery can last between 3 and 6 hours on average.
Yes, you can use the system’s built-in transfer feature to move your game progress, digital purchases, and other info from one Nintendo 3DS to another.