2024's top 3DS games

In light of the several prosperous years the portable gaming device has seen, we have compiled a list of the top 3DS titles available for play. Please don't be disappointed if your favorite isn't included; this is a succinct list and not definitive. Even though remakes are great, we haven't included them to keep our list manageable; otherwise, we would be here for weeks!

Do you want to follow Nintendo? See which are the greatest Soulslike games on the Switch, which are also the finest visual novel games, and which are the cutest Pokémon.

We list the top 3DS games of all time below:

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Even before the massive Welcome Amiibo update, Animal Crossing New Leaf remains the greatest game in the series, despite some neat new features introduced by New Horizons! As you get off the train and arrive in an enigmatic animal-populated settlement, you assume the post of Mayor and get to work.

There's a whole street with businesses and utilities, an upgradeable general store owned by Timmy and Tommy, and eleven various types of fruit trees. Since New Horizons removed a lot of the features from New Leaf, we have no choice but to return to the 3DS game and go on Mayor-ing while taking in Dr. Shrunk's comedic acts or going to Harriet's hair salon.

Zelda's Legend: A Bridge Across Worlds

The Zelda series was struggling when A Link Between Worlds was released. Granted, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask had the same platform, but they weren't included on this list since they were reimaginings of earlier masterpieces.

With its innovative motion-control gameplay, Skyward Sword on the Wii caused a rift among fans, but A Link Between Worlds won them over. Fans fell in love with Link and Zelda's travels again because to the game's endearing, almost chibi-like graphic style and entertaining plot.

Idicarus the Kid: Rebellion

It's understandable that even some die-hard Nintendo fans may not be familiar with the Kid Icarus series, as only three Kid Icarus games have ever been produced, despite the initial release receiving positive reviews. One of the greatest games available on the venerable portable 3DS is without a doubt Uprising.

Though the controls received criticism, the artwork, actors, and voice acting more than make up for it. Don't let that deter you from this experience. An excellent online multiplayer option was also included in Uprising, which is uncommon in earlier handheld games! Even if we want for a Kid Switch-era title, we'll most likely return to Uprising only for nostalgia's sake.

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Cats + Nintendogs

This selection hardly needs an explanation to be on this list, does it? Anyway, let's get started: By including more puppies and kittens, Nintendogs Plus Cats expanded on the phenomenal popularity of the DS game released on its debut day.

In addition to these enhancements, it uses the three-dimensional capabilities of the 3DS to give your fuzzy buddies even greater realism. Not only that, but it makes use of face recognition as well. That means your pups become used to seeing your face and come running when they recognize you. How cute is that?

Persona Q2: The New Cinema Maze

We had the Phantom Thieves on the 3DS long before they were on our Switch: Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth. This cute, chibi-style RPG combined the characters from Personas 3, 4, and 5 into one package.

The narrative centers on Joker and his companions as they go to Mementos, where they unexpectedly find themselves in a movie (hence the title of the movie) and have to figure out how to get out of the sticky situation.

Life in Tomodachi

Tomodachi Life is among Nintendo's most peculiar productions. Although it was never followed up on, it offered 3DS owners a strange new kind of gaming experience. With a simulation playstyle, you may construct your own Mii characters and follow their everyday lives as they establish friendships, get employment, and even begin a family.

Since the game's debut, Tomodachi existence has been a hub for meme activity, which seems almost intentional given its absurd minigames and purposefully strange occurrences that crop up in every Mii's existence.

Sun and Moon in Pokemon Ultra

Without a doubt, Pokémon USUM is among the finest games in the series. No, I'm not going to answer questions. A few gamers complained that there weren't enough gyms, although Alola and its plot were greatly enhanced by the Ultra edition. The verdant surroundings around each hamlet are as wonderful as the music of the Hawaiian-themed places.

Turn-based type-matching combat was given a fresh twist with Generation Seven's gimmicks, Z-Moves and totem Pokémon monster bouts, which went well with the recently introduced regional variants of select 'Mon, like as Alolan Raichu.

Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D Land is the greatest of Mario and his buddies' numerous 3DS adventures. In an ancient legend, Mario goes out to rescue Princess Peach, who has been abducted by Bowser once again.

Super Mario 3D Land has innovative level design and introduces new tools and accessories, like as the Tanooki Suit, to aid Mario on his journey.

Samus Returns in

Metroid

Although Samus Returns is essentially a remake of Metroid II for the Game Boy, it has a ton of new features, entirely redesigned visuals, a new control system, and enough to merit a place on our list.

Samus may now launch a counterattack and aim in any direction rather of just one, thanks to new features introduced by the 3DS game. Anyone who enjoys thwarting the Metroids ought to add this to their collection.

Friday Monster Attack

We would especially want to highlight this game, which is regrettably not available for physical purchase. However, if you can download it or borrow a DS with it from someone else, we heartily suggest it. If you're in the second portion, Attack of the Friday Monsters is a hidden treasure that you should play right now. Some people may be happy that the game reached the list, while others may be asking, "What on earth is that?"

This charming little adventure game, which was only ever published on the 3DS (and is still playable for a short while!), has you exploring your new house as Sohta while engaging in card battles with your neighbors and new acquaintances. You must identify the strange creatures that emerge on Fridays in between these conflicts.

That concludes our list of the top 3DS titles! See the best GBA games, the best Switch games for 2023, and our selections of the best Switch RPGs for more of our thoughts.

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