Top Nintendo 3DS Games That Still Shine Today

Summary

Nintendo 3DS has hidden gems & beloved games, like Super Street Fighter 4 & Resident Evil Revelations.
Monster Hunter 4 offers engaging, modernized gameplay with varied monsters and strategic elements to keep players happy.
Kid Icarus: Uprising stands out with diverse gameplay, memorable characters, and responsive controls for a challenging experience.

Discussing its release period sandwiched between the highly popular Wii and the record-breaking Switch, the Nintendo 3DS is sometimes perceived as the less celebrated member in Nintendo’s family of systems. Yet, this doesn’t mean it’s inferior in terms of quality; quite the contrary, it offers an impressive collection of outstanding games covering various genres. Although some may have lost their relevance over time, there remain a few 3DS titles that still garner attention to this day.

A game can keep its popularity for many years due to several factors such as unique gameplay features, an enduring aesthetic appeal, or a compelling narrative that continues to resonate. Interestingly, some of these games gain even more affection as time passes, thanks to evolving gaming trends. Players may grow to appreciate titles that were initially overlooked because they now fit better with the current cultural landscape of gaming.

8. Super Street Fighter 4: 3D Edition

The 3DS Edition Of SF4 Is One Of The Best Handheld Fighting Games Ever Released

The notion of a portable fighting game, especially one as intricate as Street Fighter, might initially seem like an ill-advised move. However, Capcom skillfully executed this concept with the 3DS version of Street Fighter 4 by introducing some novel mechanics. Whilst the combat occurs on the upper screen, the lower screen offers a variety of options for players to tap, triggering a special attack or pre-programmed combo sequence.

As a dedicated fan, I can confidently say that in this version of Street Fighter 4 on the 3DS, I don’t feel compelled to make intricate movements with the joystick. This ease of control makes the game particularly welcoming for newcomers, as it allows me to concentrate more on the core gameplay and movement mechanics. The reduced need to execute complex commands adds to the accessibility of this port, which is one reason why I find myself revisiting it often.

7. Resident Evil Revelations

A Handheld Survival Horror Spin-Off Which Manages To Still Feel Scary And Immersive

Back when they declared a new spin-off Resident Evil game was heading to the 3DS, us gamers were doubtful if Capcom could actually deliver an enthralling and spine-chilling horror installment given its smaller screen. Yet, with its eerie ship ambiance, coupled with the unsettling Ooze creatures and dimly lit zones, it manages to send shivers down my spine, particularly when I crank up the 3D mode.

Back when the Resident Evil series was veering more towards action, leaving many of us fans yearning for the good old days of survival horror, Revelations stepped up to the plate and brought us right back to where it all began. Sure, there have been remakes and re-releases since then, but nothing quite compares to the original 3D version. The 3D compatibility adds an extra layer of immersion that’s hard to beat, not to mention the fact that it’s a top-notch horror game you can play from start to finish on a handheld device – talk about convenience!

6. Pokemon Sun & Moon

Sun & Moon Adds Just Enough To Freshen Up The Core Pokemon Gameplay Loop

In most instances, Game Freak sticks to the usual pattern of battling Gym leaders and collecting Badges in their Pokemon games. However, it seemed like they were eager to experiment something new with Sun and Moon. Instead of Gyms, there are island trials which offer a refreshing change from the traditional single-battle format, and the addition of Alola Pokemon forms brings a lot more variety to the game, even giving some classic characters a fresh look.

Over the years, what’s kept me coming back to Pokemon Sun and Moon isn’t just the innovative gameplay; it’s the stunning setting that’s truly captivating. Unlike other Pokemon games which are often set in crowded urban areas, stepping into the tropical paradise of Alola feels like a breath of fresh air. The vibrant blue skies and breathtaking landscapes make me feel like I’m on a vacation, rather than battling Pokemon trainers. It’s no wonder why I keep returning to this beautiful island destination!

5. Monster Hunter 4

The Fourth Mainline Monster Hunter Game Offers A Ton Of Content For Players To Explore At Their Own Pace

With each new release, Capcom has been subtly perfecting the core gameplay mechanics of Monster Hunter. However, it seems that Monster Hunter 4 marked a significant step into the series’ contemporary era. The monsters in this game are not only visually diverse but also provide an appropriate level of difficulty. Moreover, the emphasis on verticality during combat introduces an extra layer of strategy, making each hunt more captivating and fulfilling to conquer.

Furthermore, the creators opted to eliminate numerous parts that occasionally make revisiting old games more challenging, like the frustrating underwater levels. The game feels fluid and intuitive to play due to the ability to traverse the environment, a feature that makes it enjoyable even compared to modern standards. As a result, this handheld Monster Hunter game remains the finest in its series to date.

4. Tomodachi Life

Animal Crossing With An Extra Dose Of Weirdness

Tomodachi Life is a unique video game where players can place their self-designed characters (Miis) on an island, enabling them to interact, socialize, and occasionally form romantic relationships. Although it shares some similarities with the popular game Animal Crossing, such as the real-time day and night cycle, what truly sets Tomodachi Life apart is its quirky and unforeseeable atmosphere that permeates the game’s graphics and mechanics.

In this game, there’s an intricate romance system where players might find themselves caring for two other characters at a later stage, similar to babysitting. The unpredictability of the gameplay, combined with the vast freedom given to players, sets it apart from any other Nintendo game released so far, as anything can happen in this unique gaming experience.

3. Fire Emblem: Awakening

Awakening Still Stands As The Most Accessible Entrypoint Into The Fire Emblem Series

Since the 1990s, the Fire Emblem game franchise has been in operation. However, it was the release of Fire Emblem: Awakening that turned out to be the pivotal moment for this series. The situation was critical, as Intelligent Systems were warned that if Awakening didn’t perform well, the entire Fire Emblem series might be discontinued. To ensure the franchise’s survival, the developers prioritized making the game more accessible to players. This included offering an option to turn off permadeath and designing the maps in a way that was more lenient towards beginners, with the aim of attracting newcomers to the series.

It’s fortunate that the game turned out to be a massive success, and despite newer Fire Emblem games coming out since then, Awakening remains an excellent starting point for the series and a fantastic game overall. The strategic gameplay is intuitive and allows for experimentation due to the diverse class system and pair-up feature, ensuring that each playthrough offers unique experiences compared to the last.

2. The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Link Between Worlds Provides A Fun And Fairly Straightforward Zelda Experience With A Unique Gimmick Included

At first glance, A Link Between Worlds could appear as merely another 2D installment in the Zelda series, given its standing as a direct sequel to the third game. However, what truly sets this game apart from its predecessors is its innovative gameplay mechanics, particularly the feature that allows Link to merge with walls. This transformation from a character into a living wall painting is itself fascinating, but the inclusion of this mechanic also offers some intriguing possibilities for puzzle-solving and dungeon exploration.

Discussing dungeons, since they can be tackled in any sequence, it makes the game feel more contemporary and inviting, while maintaining that classic gaming formula we love. Essentially, A Link Between Worlds remains one of Nintendo’s finest efforts to blend the vintage charm of the Zelda series with modern gaming, creating an outstanding 3DS title.

1. Kid Icarus: Uprising

Arguably The Best Action Adventure Game On The System Is Still Tons Of Fun To Play

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that one primary reason Kid Icarus: Uprising has garnered so much acclaim since its launch is the sheer diversity in gameplay. It’s not just about the captivating narrative and lovable characters; it’s also about the thrilling variety of challenges. One second, you’re blasting monsters out of the sky with Pit cruising above the clouds. The next, you’re engaging in intense ground battles where the level of intensity dictates the power and resilience of my foes, keeping the game consistently engaging and challenging.

Developing a complete action-adventure game suitable for handheld devices is no walk in the park; typically, such projects have areas that fall short in quality. However, this isn’t true for the game Kid Icarus: Uprising. Its immersive and interactive gameplay, coupled with its captivating visuals and intriguing narrative, makes it an enjoyable experience to revisit Pit’s epic journey inspired by Greek mythology at any time.

2025-03-30 22:06