The best 3DS games stand out among the crowd, offering splendid entries in beloved franchises, of which there are many, with the console receiving new software for 13 years, between its debut in 2010 and the end of its eShop support in 2023. While there are well over 1,000 to choose from, the choices on this list are the ones that made an impact for one reason or another.
Our list features entries from a wide variety of genres, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. It certainly means that you can have some variety when out and about - the 3DS is the perfect travel companion, and these games can save you from an otherwise boring flight or journey.
The best 3DS games are:
1. Resident Evil: Revelations
Resident Evil: Revelations is a high point for the Capcom series in general, and it's most definitely one of the best 3DS games to embrace the horror genre on this portable platform. In fact, the episodic nature of the game comes from the development team wanting it to be on portable devices, and short chapters make it more suitable for on-the-go play.
The story is where Resident Evil: Revelations truly shines, featuring two of the most iconic characters in this universe, Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, though the new cast members also bring that little something extra to the table. The 3D aspects really make the monsters pop, adding a bit more fear, while the environments are dark and eerie, ramping the terror up to 11.
A lot is going on in Capcom's horrific world, so it's a good idea to read our guide to Resident Evil in order. That way, you know where the events of Revelations fit in the timeline.
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2. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
If you want the definitive social simulation game for the Nintendo 3DS, you need to look no further than Animal Crossing: New Leaf. It's one of Nintendo's biggest first-party franchises, and it's perfect for those of you who want a chill time full of friendship and creativity.
The fourth main installment in the series builds upon the strengths of previous games, adding new elements; for instance, you get to be the mayor of the town, which involves helping the townsfolk and enacting public work projects. Upon arrival, you start out living in a tent, which is honestly charming, with you then building a house and expanding upon it, and the customization options for your home and character are deeper than ever before.
Our love for Animal Crossing runs deep, so deep that Holly Alice wrote an entire article on Animal Crossing's history, which is a great read if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the beloved series. She even explains what "made the Animal Crossing name more popular than ever before" with the release of New Leaf.
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3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds isn't just one of the best 3DS games; it's an essential experience for fans of the 1991 game The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, as it serves as a sequel, taking place many years after the events of its predecessor. The 22-year wait was more than worth it when Nintendo released A Link Between Worlds in 2013.
It's a very different experience from what you get in the majority of adventures with Link and Zelda, offering you a top-down perspective with polygonal graphics, which are honestly quite charming. We recommend you play A Link to the Past first, purely because there are plenty of connections to make, and that's part of what makes A Link Between Worlds so special, as you constantly spot things that cause an involuntary smile.
If you want to know where the events of A Link Between Worlds fall in this universe, make sure you check out our Zelda games in order guide. We also have some suggestions on the best Zelda games overall, just in case you want more adventures with Link after you finish with the 3DS classic.
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4. Kid Icarus: Uprising
The third entry in the Kid Icarus series and the first since 1991, Kid Icarus: Uprising is perfect if you enjoy a bit of Greek Mythology - see, it's not just Kratos that takes the fight to the gods, though Pit is a bit more selective, tackling Medusa and Hades. The story is a highlight, and it's not one to miss if you can help it, but the third-person shooter action is the biggest draw.
Kid Icarus: Uprising features a nice mix of linear and non-linear segments, affording you freedom in the free-roam areas, while ensuring things still move at a good pace. Plus, you get to enjoy various action sequences, with some situations calling for long-range shooting, and others that require you to use melee attacks in close-quarter combat. The game design is good, with enough variety to keep things interesting but not overbearing.
13 years after the release of Uprising, we still live in hope of a new Kid Icarus game. However, as our guide explains, Nintendo has yet to announce a new Kid Icarus game. Let's not lose hope, though, given there are 21 years between the release dates of Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters and Uprising.
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5. Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Pokémon games are must-haves on pretty much any Nintendo console, but it's Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon that you want on the 3DS, as the 2017 games serve as an enhanced version of the original Sun and Moon games from 2016. The Ultra versions feature more Pokémon, Pokémon forms, and even an alternate story that you have to experience.
Among the new features are also changes to gameplay, including the Mantine Surf activity, which allows you to surf around the region's seas - a popular pastime in Hawaii. Alola is just as stunning as its real-life influence, which is why it's nice to use the Alola Photo Club activity, as you get to capture memories with your Pokémon. Of course, the game also features the classic monster-catching, trainer-battling action you know and love Pokémon for.
Alola is home to the gen 7 Pokémon, and in our guide, you can find out who the best ones are - I have no qualms saying that Zeraora is my personal favorite. However, I'm also partial to Alolan Ninetails, as it's a majestic beast that deserves your love and attention.
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6. Nintendogs + Cats
I long for a new Nintendogs, but Nintendogs + Cats on the Nintendo 3DS is still fantastic today for those of you who want to love and look after some virtual pets. Nintendogs took the world by storm in 2005 when it arrived alongside the original DS, but the latest rendition offers something more, and I don't just mean kittens.
For starters, the game actually offers tutorials on how to teach tricks, which, as anyone who played Nintendogs knows, is very handy. Nintendogs + Cats also makes use of facial recognition technology, so your pets learn to recognize you and respond in kind. It's nice to see the love shine through when they get familiar with you, though it also goes the other way when you first get your pet, as they can look nervous and unsure.
While there's no Nintendogs Switch port, we still hope to see it come to fruition one day, especially on the Nintendo Switch 2. However, we do have some suggestions on what you can play in our guide if you need more virtual pets in your life right now.
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7. Super Mario 3D Land
The best way to describe Super Mario 3D Land is 3D Mario in a 2D world - it's unique, and certainly one of the best Nintendo 3DS games to feature the Italian plumber. It goes without saying that the world is vibrant and the platforming is excellent, making it the ideal choice if you want some light-hearted fun.
Similar to many other entries in the franchise, the story focuses on Mario saving Princess Peach from the grasp of Bowser, and doing so requires you to go on a colorful platforming adventure. Super Mario 3D Land features some fan-favorite items, like the Super Mushroom, along with a slew of new power-ups that see Mario don different outfits that grant various abilities. Longtime fans even get a treat in the form of the Super Leaf power-up, originally from Super Mario Bros. 3. I don't know about you, but I appreciate nods to older games with a long legacy like this.
If you're still unsure whether or not this Mario game is for you, we have a Super Mario World 3D + Bowser's Fury review, in which Cameron Bald claims that the 3DS game's sequel "presents the portly plumber at his cutesiest." With improvements over the Wii U rendition of Super Mario World 3D, the Switch version is the way to play - perhaps the classic 3DS game will get the same treatment one day.
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8. Metroid: Samus Returns
Metroid: Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus, giving you the perfect opportunity to play the 1991 classic with updated graphics, user interface, and controls, so even if you have access to the original, the Nintendo 3DS game fixes some of its glaring issues.
This 2017 game has everything you expect from a Metroid title, putting you in the shoes of Samus Aran once more, as she explores harsh environments and fights off aliens that wish to harm her. However, there are some new additions previously not in side-scrolling entries of the franchise, including the ability to perform a melee attack with your arm cannon, and the ability to use counterattacks to gain an advantage. These changes bring more to the table, making the combat more engaging than ever before.
There are some fantastic Switch Metroidvanias out there, too, if you want more games like Samus Returns. In fact, a new journey is heading your way very soon, with the Metroid Prime 4 release date just around the corner.
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9. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins is a must-play for fans of the Batman: Arkham series, as the game takes place three months after the events of Origins, and the story here is especially interesting as you get to witness the first meeting of Batman and Catwoman. If that's not enough of a pull, perhaps all of the gadgets are.
Much like the other entries in the series, Batman has access to an assortment of gear, including the iconic batarang and the batclaw, the latter of which is what helps you hook onto surfaces to navigate the 2.5D world. However, one of the more interesting aspects of Blackgate is that it doesn't feature an experience system, relying entirely on the items you get instead. It makes the experience more unique, helping it stand out, not just in the DC library, but in the general 3DS library, too.
An even bigger reason to grab Blackgate is that the other Batman games in the series are on the Nintendo Switch, minus Who Killed The Justice League, so you can experience the entire saga on Nintendo consoles. Here's hoping the new Batman game gets the same treatment.
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10. Tomodachi Life
If you like the idea of Animal Crossing but would rather spend time with Mii characters, Tomodachi Life is the social simulation game for you, and, unlike its predecessor, Tomodachi Life Collection, it's available worldwide. Another thing to consider is whether you enjoy a bit of romance in your games. While AC doesn't feature that, Tomodachi Life does, along with friendships and conflicts.
As with any good social sim, you start the game by arriving in a new place and creating your own character. A fun tidbit is that the personality of your character comes down to the stats that you select, which can lead to some interesting quirks. You can even create more Miis if you so wish. Throughout the game, you need to help solve the islanders' issues, so there's always something to do. I'm a big fan of the Islanders getting married, having babies, and insisting that I name them. Tomodachi Life considers everything, including the likelihood of friends asking you to babysit, which feels just like real life at times.
Now is the perfect time to dive into Tomodachi Life, as the series has a new entry on the way, with the Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream release date due to land in Spring 2026. If you want to stay up to date on the latest news and trailers, make sure you check out our guide.
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There you have it, our picks for the best 3DS games. However, if it's new experiences that excite you, we regularly update our lists of new Switch games and upcoming mobile games to keep you informed about the best titles coming to your favorite handheld platforms. Fancy some blasts from the past? Our best DS games and best GBA games lists offer plenty of nostalgia, and several earlier entries in the series mentioned above.
Our list has some great suggestions, though perhaps we're a little biased, so make sure you come and join our community Pocket Tactics Discord if you have a game that you feel should be here. You can even share your thoughts on our lists of the best Switch games and the best mobile games.