Best Nintendo 3DS Games

Updated October 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Nintendo Super Smash Bros
Nintendo
Super Smash Bros
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Bottom Line

A fun overall game for the 3DS platform that combines great gameplay for kids and adults alike.

Pros

Classic game is well updated for the 3DS platform. Comes with most of the familiar characters many players will be familiar with. Supports several people at once for true multiplayer gameplay.

Cons

Limited single player makes this game more suitable for more than one user.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nintendo Mario Kart 7
Nintendo
Mario Kart 7
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Bottom Line

A great game at a budget price for 3DS that delivers a sense of nostalgia and great multiplayer gameplay on a small device.

Pros

The game is fully wireless and Internet compatible for multiplayer competitive gameplay. Most classic and modern characters are selectable as drivers. Good vehicle physics with familiar powers and characteristics.

Cons

New updates may have a slight learning curve for new and returning Kart players.

Nintendo Super Mario Maker
Nintendo
Super Mario Maker
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Bottom Line

A unique 3DS game that allows kids and adults to be more creative with level design and storytelling.

Pros

Custom made courses provide a different, unique gameplay experience with most playthroughs. The creation interface is easy to pick up for most beginning players and aspiring level designers.

Cons

Level development is more time consuming than playing classic levels and challenges.

Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D
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Bottom Line

A classic gaming experience plays out on the modern 3DS device.

Pros

Features a completely remastered 3D version of the classic Zelda game. 3D features of the 3DS are completely compatible with the game and does not require any special 3D glasses to function.

Cons

As a remake, the game's storyline may be less engaging for returning players.

Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. 2
Nintendo
New Super Mario Bros. 2
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Bottom Line

A great option for any player wanting a game that continues one of Nintendo's most popular lines.

Pros

Modern level design offers more engaging gameplay than previous iterations of the Super Mario Bros games. It brings characters from the classic games with the 3DS updated graphics.

Cons

The controls and goals for the game can be a bit confusing for younger kids.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

38 Models Considered
8 Hours Researched
2 Experts Interviewed
178 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Whether you’re new to the world of Nintendo 3DS or you’ve been a Nintendo fan since its humble beginnings, a video game console is nothing without a variety of cool games to play on it. Nintendo 3DS games offer a wide spectrum of gaming experiences, from classic Mario and Zelda fantasy games to Pokemon, Minecraft, Kirby, and Metroid. These games definitely lean toward fun and childlike adventures, vs. more graphic, fighting-themed games. Most Nintendo 3DS games are priced in the $30 range.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
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Pokémon X
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Pokémon Omega Ruby
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Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
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The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
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Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition
SEGA
Sonic Generations - Nintendo 3DS
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Super Mario 3D Land - 3DS
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Pokémon Moon - 3DS
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Super Smash Bros.
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds 3D
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B0792GK674
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Mario Kart 7
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LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens
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Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome amiibo
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Lego Friends - Nintendo
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LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes
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Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop
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Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
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3DS Pokemon Omega Ruby
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Yoshi's New Island
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Pokémon Ultra Sun
Telegames
Classic Games Overload
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Pokémon Moon
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Mario Party: Island Tour
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Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS
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Mario Sports Superstars
Nintendo
New Super Bros 2
Nickelodeon
The Legend of Korra A New Era Begins
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Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone!
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Ever Oasis
See more
×

Nintendo

Mario Kart 7

Nintendo

Mario Kart 7

A great game at a budget price for 3DS that delivers a sense of nostalgia and great multiplayer gameplay on a small device.
$13
×

Nintendo

Super Mario Maker

Nintendo

Super Mario Maker

A unique 3DS game that allows kids and adults to be more creative with level design and storytelling.
$29
×

Nintendo

Super Smash Bros

Nintendo

Super Smash Bros

A fun overall game for the 3DS platform that combines great gameplay for kids and adults alike.
$18
×

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D

A classic gaming experience plays out on the modern 3DS device.
$24
×

Nintendo

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Nintendo

New Super Mario Bros. 2

A great option for any player wanting a game that continues one of Nintendo's most popular lines.
$38

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Our Top Picks
Nintendo Super Smash Bros
Best of the Best
Nintendo
Super Smash Bros
Shop Now
Nintendo Mario Kart 7
Best Bang for the Buck
Nintendo
Mario Kart 7
Shop Now
Nintendo Super Mario Maker
Nintendo
Super Mario Maker
Shop Now
Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D
Shop Now
Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. 2
Nintendo
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Shop Now