5 Best Nintendo 3DS Games - May 2026

A high-energy game that provides a lot of content for the price.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Comes with 32 different courses.
Has a ton of different powerups to keep you in 1st.
The karts are customizable.
Multiplayer mode allows you to play with someone even if they don't have the game.

CONS

Some powerups can be frustrating to deal with.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Nintendo

Animal Crossing New Leaf

Best for Everyday Use

A relaxing experience that provides a ton of content on a regular basis.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Allows you to create a fun town with animal residents that are entertaining to interact with.
Has thousands of decorations for your home and character.
Easy to pick up and play on a regular basis.

CONS

There isn't a ton of action so some users may not enjoy it as much.

Nintendo

Super Mario 3D Land

Slick 3D Visuals

Super Mario 3D Land does a fantastic job of demonstrating what the 3DS can do with its wide variety of levels, stunning 3D effects, and precise controls, all for a low entry price.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Affordable.
3D looks excellent on a Nintendo 3DS.
Tanooki Suit returns to help Mario float over treacherous jumps.
16 worlds to explore.
New enemies.
New abilities.

CONS

No multiplayer features.
The 3D effect isn’t absolutely necessary to enjoy the game.

Nintendo

Pokémon Omega Ruby

Feature-packed

An engaging story packed with hundreds of creatures to catch and battle.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Travel through different terrain and environments.
Each creature can be leveled up individually to provide hours of play.
Has pretty graphics that all users will enjoy.
Battle other players over the internet.

CONS

Certain battle animations may cause the game to lag temporarily.

WARNER HOME VIDEO GAMES

LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best for Kids

Featuring cartoony visuals, an array of characters, and a super-simple learning curve, this LEGO-themed Star Wars game is the best option for young players.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Easy and forgiving family-friendly LEGO version of The Force Awakens.
Play as fan favorites like BB-8, Chewbacca, and Captain Phasma.
Extremely affordable.

CONS

Offers very little challenge for older players.

Why trust BestReviews?

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. About BestReviews

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.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights

First Reviewed

December 21, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated November 2023

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.

Best Nintendo 3DS Games

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Shop Similar Products Get the best products related to our top picks