As a seasoned collector with decades of gaming history under my belt, I must say that the world of rare and expensive games never ceases to amaze me. From the humble beginnings of Guide Louvre, a game designed for a specific purpose and experience, to the intricate strategies of Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition, it’s fascinating to see how these digital artifacts can command such high prices.
The Nintendo 3DS had a great run which lasted almost ten years, but like all good things, that run came to an end. The system was discontinued in late 2020, meaning that there will not be any new titles released for the popular handheld console. In the years since then, many people have begun to collect rare and valuable 3DS games.
Exceptionally scarce Nintendo 3DS games often fetch unexpectedly high costs, compelling collectors to dig quite deeply into their savings to acquire them for their collections. Some are prized for the exceptional gameplay they provide, while others are rare because they didn’t sell well initially and hence, very few copies of them exist in circulation today.
All prices were taken from
PriceCharting.com
and were accurate at the time of publication.
18 Heavy Fire: The Chosen Few ($108)
- Release Date: December 19, 2011
- Developer: Teyon
- Genre: Rail shooter
Heavy Fire: The Elite Squad – A First-Person Shooter Game
Instead of introducing innovative mechanics, the game chose to stick with its classic style, which is exactly what fans of arcade games had been eagerly awaiting upon receiving their new handheld consoles – a thrilling, non-stop action on-rails shooter experience.
17 Pokemon Sun & Pokemon Moon Dual Pack ($114)
The double version of both “Pokemon Sun” and “Pokemon Moon” allows gamers to discover the Alola region from distinct viewpoints. Released for Nintendo 3DS in 2016 as part of the seventh generation, these titles are two of the most well-received “Pokemon” games due to some fresh, innovative features they introduced.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve just got my hands on this amazing new game set! It’s introduced a whole bunch of fresh regional Pokémon species that are simply awesome. Plus, instead of the old Gym Battles, there’s a brand-new Island Challenge feature that keeps things super exciting.
16 Dragon Quest VIII: Journey Of The Cursed King ($114)
Back in 2004, I fell head over heels for “Dragon Quest VIII” on my PlayStation 2. Fast forward to 2015, and Square Enix breathed new life into this classic game by remastering it for the Nintendo 3DS! The graphics have been beautifully updated in 3D, bringing back so many of the features that first drew me in. Now, instead of flipping through pages for character details or map data, I can easily access them on the bottom screen – what a game-changer!
In the “Dragon Quest VIII” game, there’s a similarity to the “Pokemon” series, as players can capture monsters they conquer in combat. This particular version of the game is often seen as the ultimate one by fans, which contributes to its high demand and price on the 3DS gaming market.
15 Etrian Mystery Dungeon ($118)
- Release Date: March 5, 2015
- Developer: Spike Chunsoft
- Genre: Role-playing game
Created by both Atlus and Spike Chunsoft, and launched for the 3DS in 2015, Etrian Mystery Dungeon is an enticing blend of dungeon-crawling and role-playing gameplay elements. This captivating title seamlessly combines these genres, allowing players to enjoy a rich experience as they build their team and delve into randomly generated dungeons teeming with distinct foes, hazards, and loot.
The game offers turn-based battles and character customization, which was highly appreciated by gamers due to its skillful blend of these elements into a satisfying gaming experience. Along with several other aspects, this fan approval has kept Etrian Mystery Dungeon as one of the most sought-after games for the Nintendo 3DS.
14 Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn [Demo Unit] ($118)
Originally launched on the Wii in 2010, Kirby’s Epic Yarn later made its way to the Nintendo 3DS in 2019, known as Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn. This portable adaptation was significant because it was the last game from Nintendo released on the console before its discontinuation. It introduced amiibo functionality, added new mini-games, and a challenging new gameplay mode that wasn’t available in the original version.
As a long-time collector of vintage video games, I have come across some truly unique and valuable items over the years. One such item that has caught my eye recently is a rare in-store demo cartridge for a certain game. Being an avid Nintendo enthusiast, this particular find holds a special place in my heart.
13 Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney ($129)
- Release Date: November 29, 2012
- Developer: Capcom, Level-5
- Genre: Adventure, puzzle, visual novel
While some gamers may only be familiar with Phoenix Wright through his role as a playable character in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, there are actually several Phoenix Wright game titles that focus on courtroom trials and puzzles. Unlike the Professor Layton series, which is primarily a puzzle-based game, the Phoenix Wright games also have an engaging narrative.
As a longtime gamer who’s been collecting rare titles for years, I can attest to the allure of this Capcom puzzle game that blends two beloved franchises. It’s not just its scarcity that has drawn the attention of critics and players alike, but also its exceptional quality that makes it stand out in a sea of games.
12 Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters ($145)
- Release Date: December 12, 2014
- Developer: Level-5
- Genre: Role-playing game
The game titled “Psychic Specters” is actually the third release within the Yo-Kai Watch 2 series. Hardcore fans may be the only ones willing to purchase a video game thrice, but Pokemon enthusiasts might make an exception if they’re determined to collect them all. For those unfamiliar with the Yo-Kai series, it shares many similarities in gameplay and mechanics with the popular Pokemon games.
In a Yo-Kai game, Psychic Specters isn’t extremely pricey, but if you’re looking to own this game for your 3DS, you should be prepared to spend over $100 for a standalone cartridge and approximately $145 for a complete-in-box version. This makes it one of the pricier 3DS games, although it falls short of being the most expensive.
11 Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy ($159)
- Release Date: February 28, 2013
- Developer: Level-5
- Genre: Puzzle
The games featuring Professor Layton for the 3DS often come with a high cost nowadays, which is unfortunate because they offer enjoyable and at times complex puzzle-solving experiences. In this edition, the professor and his assistant embark on a global journey to unearth the mysteries shrouding an ancient civilization known as the Azran.
Experience a delightful journey with Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, a game known for its captivating storyline, lovable characters, and an abundance of brain-teasing puzzles on the Nintendo 3DS system. While purchasing it might be a bit pricey, the adventure it provides is undeniably worthwhile.
10 Pokemon Ultra Sun & Pokemon Ultra Moon Dual Pack ($164)
- Release Date: November 17, 2017
- Developer: Game Freak
- Genre: Role-playing game
Belonging to the seventh series of Pokémon games, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon return players to the Alola region. In this adventure, you’ll encounter and develop new skills for training additional wild Pokémon to outwit other trainers. As you progress, unravel the enigmas surrounding the legendary Pokémon Necrozma!
Essentially, the two games represent upgraded versions of the initial Pokemon Sun and Moon, and purchasing this double pack allows gamers to acquire both titles in one go. Gamers appreciate the Ultra games for their extensive narrative and novel additions, which have earned them praise among fans.
9 Rhythm Thief and The Emperor’s Treasure ($207)
- Release Date: January 19, 2012
- Developer: Sega, Xeen
- Genre: Rhythm, puzzle
“Rhythm Thief & The Emperor’s Treasure” is an uncommon Nintendo 3DS game produced by Sega. In this title, players take on the role of a renowned art thief, tasked with uncovering the enigmas of his mystifying past. This game offers a unique blend of rhythm-based challenges and puzzle-solving mechanics, which can feel reminiscent of a high-tech board game at moments.”
As a longtime enthusiast of video games, I must say that this game stands out as one of the most unique and captivating experiences I’ve ever had. With its immersive storyline, whimsical visual style, and innovative rhythm mechanics, it offers a fresh take on both adventure and musical genres. I found myself drawn in from the very beginning, even though I usually don’t play musical games. However, one thing that I must note is that the price tag of over $200 for a complete copy is quite steep, especially for someone like me who has a limited budget. As much as I would love to add this game to my collection, it’s just not feasible at the moment. But for those with deeper pockets, I highly recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for something truly special in the gaming world.
8 Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: White Dog Squad & Red Cat Corps ($214, $244)
- Release Date: July 11, 2015
- Developer: Level-5
- Genre: Role-playing game
The video game titled “Yo-kai Watch Blasters” belongs to the popular “Yo-kai Watch” franchise. This game centers around the concept of capturing and making friends with an assortment of peculiar creatures known as “Yo-kai“, which is reminiscent of the capturing and befriending aspect in “Pokemon“. The unique versions of this game, namely “Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: Red Cat Corps” and its counterpart “Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: White Dog Squad“, are uncommon spin-offs from the main series designed for the Nintendo 3DS.
The Blasters series features cooperative gameplay-focused titles, where players can join forces, either with local or online companions, to tackle tough challenges and vanquish formidable foes in a beat ’em up style setting.
7 Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Dual Pack ($292)
As updated versions of the classic third-generation Pokémon games, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire did an exceptional job in refining elements that had already won over dedicated fans of the franchise. These remakes are often praised by fans as some of the best Pokémon remakes due to their incorporation of contemporary features like Mega Evolution.
The games offer a blend of traditional Pokémon adventures, boosted by advanced online functions. Notably, the twin pack enables gamers to acquire both titles and venture into a fresh Pokémon expedition in the Hoenn region. Unfortunately, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl on the Nintendo Switch didn’t improve the original games as much as anticipated.
6 Yo-Kai Watch 3 ($315)
The Yo-Kai series initially proved challenging to locate, but its popularity has grown faster than production can keep up. All Yo-Kai Watch games designed for the 3DS are coveted by collectors, leading to high prices on the secondary market. Being the last installment in the series released for the 3DS, it is currently the most valuable.
If you’re not familiar with it, the Yo-Kai Watch games resemble Pokemon games but instead of capturing adorable animals, players interact with spirits. Regrettably, this entertaining game didn’t gain much popularity in North America and is said to have sold approximately 4,000 copies.
5 Alien Chaos 3D ($344)
- Release Date: September 25, 2012
- Developer: Ludosity
- Genre: Side-scroller, shooter
In a nutshell, “Alien Chaos 3D” is an engaging side-scrolling action game that delivers unexpectedly great music. As players dive into intense battles, they’ll be accompanied by powerful metal guitar melodies that amplify the excitement. Unfortunately, this obscure 3DS game didn’t garner much attention when it first came out.
The gameplay is similar to old-school side-scrollers such as Mega-Man and Contra, but what sets it apart is a cleaning mechanic – players must sweep up the aliens they vanquish in each level, making it an exceptional and distinct title on the Nintendo 3DS. This unique aspect also adds significant value to the game.
4 Guide Louvre ($500)
- Release Date: January 1, 2013
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Educational
The “Louvre Guide” game, produced through collaboration between the Louvre and Nintendo, is hardly considered a game in its traditional sense. Its primary purpose was to revamp the audio tour experience at the Louvre Museum. Consequently, if you’re not physically present within the iconic Parisian museum, there’s little incentive for you to play this game on your 3DS device.
The “Guide Louvre” app was made available in multiple languages and offered various tours for users to navigate the Louvre museum in real life. It also featured a medal-earning system to motivate visitors to explore different exhibits extensively. Despite being non-playable, this title’s innovative concept and single focus make it a precious find, albeit unconventional.
3 Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition ($524)
2015’s release of the Fire Emblem series adopted a strategy similar to that of Pokemon, offering separate purchases for two distinct versions of Fire Emblem Fates, each influencing the player’s in-game loyalty. Those who found it difficult to choose could opt for Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition, which provided access to both games on a single game cartridge.
Furthermore, the Special Edition of Fire Emblem Fates included an exclusive third version that could only be obtained through DLC. Since the closure of the 3DS eShop, this edition of Fire Emblem Fates has become extremely valuable for newcomers to the series, making its price tag of over $500 understandable.
2 Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater (Premium Package) ($1,058)
Back in 2004, I first got my hands on Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater for the PlayStation 2. So far, it has only been transferred to another console, which is the Nintendo 3DS. Now, the 3D version of this game, Snake Eater 3D, was one of the early titles launched on the system back in 2012. Interestingly enough, it started as a hardware demonstration, but due to its popularity, it evolved into a complete release, utilizing the unique features of the 3DS.
In addition, the 3DS version was also introduced in Japan as a high-end package worth more than $1,000. This exclusive edition included a 3DS console along with Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater, and could only be purchased in Japan. As a result, enthusiastic collectors from the west are prepared to pay premium prices for it.
1 Barbie: Groom And Glam Pups ($3,347)
- Release Date: August 15, 2013
- Developer: Mattel
- Genre: Virtual pet
Speaking about engaging gameplay, the game Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups could use some enhancement. While it lets you choose a dog, style them with different hair colors, clothes, and accessories, and even snap photos if you’re interested, its appeal primarily lies outside the game itself.
The Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups game for the 3DS struggled to sell well initially, making it scarcely found on store shelves now. Given its rarity and high price tag today, many gamers likely regret not grabbing it from discounted sections when they had the opportunity.
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2024-08-10 00:55