Although the home console market has moved on, the Nintendo 3DS boasts an impressive collection of high-quality games. It had a slow start, with fewer exciting titles available initially. However, it eventually gained momentum and is now considered one of the greatest handheld gaming systems ever made, largely thanks to its fantastic library of innovative 3D games – a significant improvement over the original DS.
While many popular 3DS games are well-known, it’s also worth highlighting some lesser-known titles – the true hidden gems. The 3DS was incredibly important for Nintendo, helping the company recover after the Wii U didn’t perform as well. This was thanks to a fantastic library of games, including some truly great titles that didn’t get the recognition they deserved.
I’ve updated the article with new games, some new images, and information boxes.
Who’s That Character? 
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Results
High Score: 0 —
22. Dementium Remastered
An M17+ Survival Horror FPS On The 3DS… Such A Thing Exists?
The original Dementium was a standout title on the Nintendo DS with its mature themes and genre, and the remaster achieves the same on the 3DS. While launching alongside Resident Evil: Revelations diminished its uniqueness somewhat, quality horror and first-person shooter games remain rare on the 3DS. Dementium began as a concept for a Silent Hill game, and that influence is clear in its psychological horror elements and how the gameplay works.
The original Dementium had too many problems to suggest playing, but Dementium Remastered fixed most of them and is a much better experience. The remaster improved things like save points, enemy behavior, and how smoothly the game ran – it actually worked very well on the 3DS. Sadly, the 3DS version was only available digitally, making it difficult to find now. Fortunately, a remastered version with improved graphics is available on the Switch.
21. Adventure Bar Story
An Interesting Bar-Based Hybrid Of Final Fantasy Tactics And Harvest Moon
| Release Date | October 26, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Rideon |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 3DS |
This tactical RPG is available on Steam and Switch, and it also had a limited release on the Nintendo 3DS eShop before it closed. The game combines exploring environments from a top-down perspective with strategic, isometric battles. What makes it unique is the added element of managing a bar – you play as a bar owner who needs to build a good reputation and keep the business successful.
Players improve their tavern by expanding its offerings, cooking new dishes, and collecting ingredients. The game smartly combines these crafting and cooking elements with combat upgrades, giving players advantages in battles. It takes some effort to learn, but the enjoyable gameplay makes it worthwhile.
20. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
A Radiant Remake Worthy Of Its Name
The 3DS has plenty of fun and engaging Japanese role-playing games, and the 2018 version of Radiant Historia is a great example. This remake takes the already excellent DS game and improves it with new details and a polished presentation throughout its 30-hour story.
This game stands out with its engaging arena battles fought on a grid system, a compelling story full of twists and turns with different factions and timelines, and a unique visual style.
19. Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson
Ignore The Noise, Senran Kagura 2 Is A Fun Time
You might know the Senran Kagura series for its over-the-top fanservice, and if that bothers you, it’s best to avoid it. But underneath that, the main games actually have surprisingly fun and easy-to-pick-up hack-and-slash combat. There are three Senran Kagura games on the 3DS, and I’d recommend Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson above the others. It’s the strongest game in the 3DS trilogy, and it remains a 3DS exclusive, unlike Senran Kagura Burst, which was updated and re-released in 2018. Deep Crimson hasn’t received a similar update.
The 3DS doesn’t have a lot of great hack-and-slash games, but Senran Kagura 2 is one of the better ones. It runs smoothly, often at 60 frames per second, and has good 2.5D graphics and character movement. The quick combat feels similar to games like Dynasty Warriors, but with fewer enemies and more varied characters, which is a highlight of the Senran Kagura series.
18. Crashmo
Simple Platforming Challenges Offered In A Charming Package
People expecting typical, easy puzzle games on the 3DS were often surprised by Crashmo. While the game looks appealing, its cleverly designed levels are much more difficult than they appear.
I think a lot of people missed out on Crashmo, which is a real shame! It’s become this awesome hidden gem on the 3DS that anyone who loves a good, different platformer needs to play. I absolutely love how you move blocks around to make paths for Mallo – it just feels so good! And if you’re worried it might be too hard, don’t be! There’s a rewind feature that lets you easily fix any mistakes, so it’s super forgiving.
17. Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden
An Overlooked Fighting Game Featuring Everyone’s Favorite Dragon Ball Characters
Arc System Works is famous for creating the fantastic Dragon Ball FighterZ, widely considered one of the greatest Dragon Ball games of all time. But hints of that same quality were present in an earlier Dragon Ball fighting game they made, which was also quite successful, even though later versions fixed a few problems.
Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden is a really enjoyable fighting game with impressive visuals. While the story mode isn’t very long, it’s worth it for the exciting gameplay and the way the game utilizes the 3DS. It’s all about mastering combos and defeating your opponents!
16. Rhythm Heaven Megamix
An Excellent And Challenging Collection Of Rhythm-Based Minigames
The Rhythm Heaven series is a fantastic choice for players who enjoy challenging rhythm games. While the core gameplay is straightforward, its delightful style and wide variety of difficult levels make it a game most fans will really appreciate.
Okay, so Rhythm Heaven Megamix is tougher than it looks, but trust me, if you stick with it, you’ll be blown away! As a rhythm game fan, I quickly got hooked and found the challenge super rewarding – it’s easy to fall into the groove and just play.
15. Crimson Shroud
A Great Story With An Unwavering Focus On Tabletop RPGs
Level-5 is well-known for games like Professor Layton and Ni no Kuni, but they’ve created many other excellent titles that haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. One example is Crimson Shroud, a Japanese role-playing game where dice rolls play a big part in determining what happens during battles.
Designed by Yasumi Matsuno – a key creator of the beloved world of Ivalice from the Final Fantasy series – Crimson Shroud unfortunately faded into obscurity, which is a real loss for video game fans.
14. Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends Of The Titan
Great Entry In A Long-Running Dungeon-Crawling Series That Demands Players’ Attention
Most Etrian Odyssey games on the 3DS are hidden gems and deserve more recognition. Though they can be quite difficult, players who learn the game’s mechanics and how they work together will likely enjoy the challenging, in-depth dungeon exploration of Etrian Odyssey 4.
While the game’s basic idea might not appeal to everyone, the exciting combat is what really makes it stand out. The combat system is surprisingly complex, so players who are finding it difficult might need to look up some strategies to avoid getting stuck repeatedly.
13. Project X Zone
A Crossover Tactical RPG Featuring Namco Bandai, Capcom, And Sega Characters
Monolith Soft, the team behind the popular Xenoblade RPG series, also created a lesser-known but equally enjoyable tactical RPG called Project X Zone in 2012. This 60-hour epic brings together characters and stories from Namco Bandai, Capcom, and Sega franchises like Phoenix Wright and Legend of Valkyrie. Despite its length, Project X Zone keeps you engaged with its funny story, vibrant characters, and exciting combat that combines strategic thinking with action.
Similar to the original Japanese game from 2005, Namco x Capcom, this game is a fun and exciting way to experience some of Japan’s most popular video game characters.
Read More
- All Skyblazer Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- One Piece Chapter 1180 Release Date And Where To Read
- How to Get the Sunset Reed Armor Set and Hollow Visage Sword in Crimson Desert
- All Shadow Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- Marni Laser Helm Location & Upgrade in Crimson Desert
- All Golden Greed Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- All Helfryn Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- How to Beat Stonewalker Antiquum at the Gate of Truth in Crimson Desert
- All Icewing Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- Black Sun Shield Location In Crimson Desert (Buried Treasure Quest)
2026-04-09 23:37