See the full list of all titles released on the Nintendo handheld gaming console, visit our ranking of the best 3DS games of all time.
50. Bravely Second: End Layer
The second in a JRPG series known for its unique gameplay, Silicon Studio's End Layer brought us back to the world of Luxendarc, in a story set two years after the events of the first game. Using their iconic Bravely and Default system, power up your skills and use them in the journey to rescue the new pope of the Crystal Orthodoxy. With 30 different jobs and abilities, you can mix and match them to personalize your turn-based adventures. A worthy sequel, it has a playscore of 8.73
49. Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
The two superstars of the visual novel adventures on the 3DS have come together to serve players with a double dose of mystery and puzzle solving. Combining Ace Attorney's court trials and Professor Layton's investigations into one medieval slash wiccan storyline, players will get best of both worlds with each game style perfectly complementing each other. Featuring the Ace Attorney's first leap into full voice acting, it's a powerhouse treat with a playscore of 8.73
48. Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World
A port of a Wii original, Good Feel makes a few adorable additions to their woolly world. Boasting the same vibrant colors on the 3DS, yoshi's yarn strung escapades are made better with the introduction of his trusty canine companion. Made even friendlier, not only does Poochy help players out of tight spots, the new mellow mode is also a perfect fit for kid-friendly casual experience. Gobble up enemies, knock them out with wool balls, collect beads in an another exciting platform adventure. It has a playscore of 8.73
47. Pushmo
Something for the puzzlelovers out there. In this tiny puzzle package is over 200 handcrafted visual riddles that will challenge your planning skills. Push, pull, and jump your way through their many stages as you save little children from a mysterious trickster. You can even customize maps and create your adventures on the side. While it's not one of Nintendo's most popular titles, Pushmo feels quite at home in this list with it's undeniable charm, originality, and addictiveness. A playscore of 8.73
46. Rune Factory 4
Of course who can forget one of the 3DS' foremost simulation games. Playing as an amnesiac mistaken for royalty, help the lone adventurer build up the city into the the popular tourist destination it was meant to be. A spin off to the Harvest Moon series, the freedom that Neverland's Rune Factory 4 offers its players is one its best features, letting you sink hours into getting new gear, collecting recipes, and tilling the fields like no ordinary crown prince. A refined RPG experience, it has a playscore of 8.74
45. Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy
The sixth main installment of the Professor Layton series is a send off to the legendary detective as he continues what he started in The Miracle Mask. Navigating a fascinating story of the Azran Civilation, Professor Layton helps us and his adorable assistant through a series of brand new mindboggling conundrums. Being the last of the series’ prequels, this installment serves as the strong glue that binds the two trilogies together. It has a playscore of 8.74
44. Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight
Remaking a classic title from the DS days. A sequel to the Etrian Odyssey, this is Atlus' second attempt at bringing old titles to the new age. Telling the untold story of Etrian Odyssey 2, dive into the Yggdrasil labyrinths with five awesome heroes and take in the joys of their original dungen experience. Though not a revolutionary remake, especially with its cliched storyline, it does, however, offer a world packed full with challenging dungeon floors that adds so much to the 3DS lineup. It earns a rating of 8.75
43. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice
Released back in 2016, this is one of the Ace Attorney's latest installments, bringing back its cast of beloved characters as well as some new addtions. Putting the spirit in the Spirit of Justice, Phoenix attempts to put faith back into the system as he defends a friend in an incriminating murder trial--all while Apollo Justice and Athena Sykes deal with the daily at the Wright offices. Smoothening gameplay with new mechanics and a healthy dose of best puns and twists, it has a playscore of 8.76
42. Resident Evil: Revelations
Before there ever was a PS4 port, this installment of Capcom's survival horror series was a definite hit. Set between the events of the 4th and 5th installment, journey along with Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they stop an evil organization inside an abandoned cruise ship. Ported into the 3DS, Relevations showed off the true powers of the 3DS, offering the sizaeable 10 hour experience on the portable console. A well designed port, it has a playscore of 8.76
41. Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan
Speaking of Etrian Odyssey, for our 41st spot is none other than the first ever Etrian title on the 3DS. Of course, the world tree Yggdrasil is still center stage in the storyline. Playing as one of the latest explorers in the city, venture to the renowned tree and fulfill your hopes of fame and fortune. Suitable for even the most casual JRPG fan, Legends of the Titan's casual mode simplifies everything into a fully customizable adventure for all. It has a playscore of 8.76
40. 3D Out Run
Yu Suzuki’s 1986 racer has a portable 3D remaster and its bringing back a lot of good memories with its friendly visuals and chill gameplay--despite its many gruesome crashes. With this 3DS remaster, Out Run got a few exciting new enhancements like difficulty settings, car customizations, and arcade cabinets that will shoot you right back to the groovy 80s. One of the best releases out of the SEGA catalog, bask in the cool vibes of a legendary racer once more, with a playscore of 8.78
39. Picross 3D: Round 2
A sequel to the Nintendo 2DS classic back in 2009, Round 2 offers more than enough puzzles to find that little object hidden behind a bunch of numbers. Given the classic Picross rules that necessary Nintendo makeover--and on the three dimensional plane--furrow your brows at over 300 puzzles that are made fresh and new with its dual color scheme. A second round more complicated than the first, that makes it an awesome sequal to an already awesome puzzle game. A playscore of 8.78
38. 3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
Another Sega Genesis original took some time in the 3DS spotlight to bring you some good old fashioned ninja-kicking action. Take on the role of the master shinobi Joe Musashi, and use his ninja skills to stop a villainous organization. With your piercing shurikens and razor sharp katana, fight your way through the seven bosses and save the city once and for all. Making an old classic better with improved visuals and stages, it has a playscore of 8.78
37. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
The Persona series' third ever spinoff homes in on the dungon crawling action with an exciting blend of two of Atlus' most famous series. Created by the forces behind Etrian Odyssey and Persona, Shadow of the Labyrinth reunites characters from 3 and 4, and rendering them in adorably chibified form. With your fave Persona characters duking it out togehter in Etrian-style combat, it's a perfect balancing act of the two series' best elements and it gets a rating of 8.79
36. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies
Phoenix Wright returns to continue the tale that Apollo Justice began. Set in a world haunted by fabricated evidence and false accusations, Phoenix Wright stays faithful to his name and aims to set things right once and for all. Forming a trio of the best defense attorneys, Phoenix, Apollo, and psych expert Athena use their newfound abilities to see through the sea of lies. A sequel steeped in interlocking narratives and themes of friendship, it gets a playscore of 8.79
35. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
In this installment of the belly dancing platforming queen, Shantae gets into some swashbuckling antics alongside her usual archnemesis, Risky Boots. Taking away her genie powers, the Pirates Curse makes run into some interesting obstacles, while still remaining faithful to the Metroidvania experience. Developed by WayForward, the game ushers us into a gorgeous and hilarious world with the help of their diverse cast of characters. Far from the best Shantae title, but it serves as a fitting buildup to to their next games. It has a playscore of 8.79
34. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Trilogy
If you're any fan of the Ace Attorney, you'll know this was the trilogy that started it all. A flashback to the series' earliest days, it might not have the Phoenix Wright's now iconic voiceovers, but somehow it doesn't take much away from their masterpieces of classic cases. Covering Phoenix's first three trials as a rookie lawyer, he goes head to head against his rival Miles Edgeworth to lay down the law in a series of high risk murder cases. The strong foundations to what is now a visual novel touchstone, it has a playscore of 8.8
33. 3D Gunstar Heroes
A remaster of Treasure's debut action game, 3D Gunstar Heroes gives a fresh 3D polish to the already gorgeous looking sidescrolling shooter. Even as a classic SEGA title, the run and gun videogame has been known for its satisfying shooting that comes with a huge serving of pixel explosions. All that is preserved on this 3DS port, whose glossy finish makes it stand tall amid all the more modern lineup. Difficult as it is, with its complicated movesets and skills, is a must have for shooting fans on the console. It has a playscore of 8.82
32. Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Finally hitting Kirby territory, we're starting with their thirteenth installment which aptly triples the pinkball excitement. Taking the shape and ability of whoever Kirby pleases, this superpower gets a deluxe supersize. On top of the 20 copy abilities from previous, Kirby's platforming gimmicks levels up with Beetles, Bells, Archers, and Circuses. That, along with the 4 player battles, makes this a smart AND hefty addition to the series with a playscore of 8.83
31. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
Follow a group of high-school students in a post-apocalyptic Japan invaded by demons. This installment doubles the content from the original Devil Survivor 2 game with a new female character, fully voiced acting, a harder difficulty setting and a new scenario that takes place during the game’s key moment. Upgrading on a monster of a title already, Devil Survivor 2 delivers on visuals and gameplay, improving on the original in almost every aspect. It has a playscore of 8.84
30. Rhythm Heaven Megamix
A rhythm game that's both challenging and relaxing. Jam to their groovy soundtrack and make it through each of their 100 levels. Its Remix stages revives the previous title's Rainbow Towers, compressing them into one song and filling it with tower-themed goodness. Explore its story mode to aid the homeward-bound Tibby, or clean up your act in time for its Perfect Campaign. It has a playscore of 8.84
29. Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright
One of two different versions of Fire Emblem's fourteenth installment, Intelligent Systems' Birthright exlores the another side of the Fates storyline. Where Conquest follows the more challenging Nohr storyline, Birthright is its friendlier counterpart which revolves around the Avatar staying to protect Hoshido. Offering equal parts effective strategy and swoon-worthy dating sim romance with its loveable cast of characters, it has a playscore of 8.85
28. Kirby: Planet Robobot
In this edition of the gluttonous pink ball's misadventures, Kirby gets himself a handy mechanical upgrade. Toppling down monsters with his robotic armor, Planet Robobot easily differentiates itself from the rest of Hal Laboratory's Kirby lineup. Despite the mechanical look, it's still proves very faithful to the traditional gameplay of the series. A fresh but familiar title for critics and gamers alike, it has a playscore of 8.88
27. Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
Level-5’s delightful puzzle series is packed with the proven and tested formula that the series was once known for. With its new features, it comes in with a welcoming twist to the core gameplay in Professor Layton’s crime-solving activities. With the new stylus and magnifying glasses features, Miracle Mask makes full use of the 3DS' hardware functionalities, creating a tricky but rewarding puzzle experience. A playscore of 8.89
26. Shin Megami Tensei IV
Not to be confused with the Apocalypse spinoff sorts, Shin Megami Tensei 4 actually forms part of the main series. With a storyline that's not directly connected to the rest, it centers around the quests of one noble samurai. Focusing heavily on combat, it adds deep and unique components that serve to improve the overall strategic experience. A tough, dark, but nevertheless awesome title, it has a playscore of 8.89
25. Metroid: Samus Returns
Nintendo’s legendary bounty hunter is back. A reimagining by MercurySteam of the 1991 Original on the Game Boy, it gave a whole new direction to the Metroid series before the upcoming Metroid 4 release. It introduces new 2D features that makes the original Metroid structure engaging and fun. It modernized the Metroid concept while being friendly to its new players. New changes include melee counterattacks, firing freely at any angle, and using a whole new selection of abilities. It still offers the same story from the original, but with a few extra content. It receives a playscore of 8.91
24. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Whether you fell in love with the PS2 version or with its recent port to the 3DS, one thing remains true: Square Enix' Dragon Quest VIII is a universally loved title in an already legendary series. Tag along with hero and the gang, and relive their family-friendly adventures. Save the Kingdom from the evil Dhoulmagus. It’s considered as one of the best Dragon Quest titles of all time and it was heavily praised for its JRPG elements, story, characters, and power for a game on a portable platform. It has a playscore of 8.92
23. Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
The twelfth in Intelligent System's famed tactical RPG, Fates brought us strategic delight in three different ways with Birthright, Revelation, and of course, Conquest. While all three versions are required for the full experience, it was this that brought the traditional Fire Emblem to heart. It comes with a serious challenge that only the series can offer, fight alongside your adoptive family, and prepare to make hard decisions in the heat of its turn-based battles. It receives a playscore of 8.92
22. Pokemon Omega Ruby & Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
An enhanced remake of 2002’s iconic RPG. It doesn’t stray away much from their usual formula, especially when they’re borrowing elements from X & Y. Travel to the Hoenn Region and beat Gym Leaders with your collection. With 3DS’ 3D features, explore a more colorful Pokemon experience from start to finish. It has a playscore of 8.95
21. Kid Icarus: Uprising
Released in a time when on-rails shooters fell out fashion, Project Sora's creation was an absolute surprise. This revival of a 1991 game will take you into an enchanting tale of Greek mythology. Travel with Pit as he goes on an epic adventure that spans various lands and challenges. Encounter epic bosses in both land and air. Supporting both local and online multiplayer, learn the art of teamwork in cooperative matches, or show your skills in melee free-for-alls. It has a playscore of 8.95
20. Monster Hunter: Generations
Before MH:World took the gaming world by storm, this was their attempt to rekindle their powerful action RPG flame. This expanded version of Monster Hunter XX gives players a nostalgic trip to their acclaimed monster-hunting franchise. For the first time in the series, the game introduces a ton of new features including the ability to play as a Felyne. It also includes the game’s signature weapon system where you pick from its 14 unique gears and take down its massive roster of monsters that existed in each of CAPCOM’s MH entries. It receives a playscore of 8.95
19. SteamWorld Heist
Journey across the seven galaxies along with the nebula’s greatest mechanical pirate. Enter a steampunk world populated by sentient automatons. As a band of do-gooding buccaneers, invade a collection of randomly generated ships filled with conniving villains and their clueless minions. Enter the sidescrolling battlefield and shoot it out in dynamic turn-based combat. Get into position, take aim, and let your bullets ricochet off walls and unsuspecting foes. Image and Form's SteamWorld Heist receives a playscore of 8.96
18. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Before there was Ultimate on the Switch, there was a Smash game for the 3DS. As a standard platform requirement, Nintendo releases their long-awaited Smash game for this console, alongside the Wii U. It shares all the good things Smash has to offer including knocking your opponents outside the arena, choosing from a wide variety of iconic Nintendo and third-party characters and the joy of simply brawling your way to victory. It introduced a handful of new things including 8-player support, Amiibo support, Mii as playable characters and more. It has a playscore of 8.96
17. Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward
With the success of its 999 title, Spike Chunsoft breathes life back to his tortured subjects. Play as a man named Sigma who's thrown into a mysterious room with 8 people to appease a SAW-like villain. Divided between visual novel sequences and escape the room, it’s a thrilling puzzle game that decides the fate of its characters. With powerful storylines and 24 different endings, it's a highly replayable game that will satisfy with every playthrough. It has a playscore of 8.99
16. 3D Sonic The Hedgehog 2
With spiky hair and cool white gloves, Sonic looks dashing in the third dimension in this enhanced 3D port for Sonic The Hedgehog 2 developed by Next Level Games. Once again, defeat Dr. Eggman and put a stop to his old tricks. Zoom past seven classic zones to collect coins and defeat the badniks that infest the lands. Run up slopes, and roll around the loops de loops. It's the same old SEGA classic made better to suit the tastes of the modern generations, and as a service to the older ones. It has a playscore of 9.03
15. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Nobody forgets the other Mario brother. Return to Luigi’s paranormal escapades in this sequel to the critically acclaimed Luigi’s Mansion. This time, he’ll show you he’s got the bigger balls in the family as he explores abandoned mansions and capture the ghosts that haunt it. Luigi’s game boasts tons of content, with five more mansions to conquer and more puzzles to solve. It has a playscore of 9.05
14. Mario Kart 7
Of course, it’s not a Nintendo game list without their acclaimed racer. In this seventh edition of their renowned racing game, Mario brings a handful of new friends into the mix. With Lakitu, Honey Queen, and a Metal Mario, the gang zooms through 32 different race tracks for another bout of vicious competition. How much would you risk to keep your friends? It receives a playscore of 9.06
13. Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate
One of CAPCOM’s defining Monster Hunter games was 4. It didn’t receive the Western spotlight because Japan has no plans of localizing the game yet. Fortunately enough, the team from CAPCOM decided to re-release this massive MH entry to the West with an Ultimate title. The series ascends in its presentation, giving more emphasis on its unique weapons and various monster types. It’s the definitive MH experience on the 3DS as it receives a playscore of 9.07
12. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
While it might have lost some of its breathtaking graphics in the process, it manages to keep enough core features to bring out its environmental charms. Make the mechons pay for their sins as you take on quests, collect items, and fulfill your vengeance in its mesmerizing open world. It has a playscore of 9.08
11. 3D Streets Of Rage 2
Sega's side-scrolling brawler makes its way to the 3DS in the form of a polished remaster. Relive your favorite fights with Axel, Blaze, and Max Thunder, along with the resident anarchist Skate and save your friend from dastardly Mr. X. Plow through the city's vermin with your bare hands, and pummel them with devastating attacks. It has a playscore of 9.09
10. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Before they ruined our favorite mains in Super Smash Bros., head out to their original farming life in this adorable 3DS entry from Nintendo. New Leaf is literally a new leaf. It’s a fresh take on the simulation genre, with new content and more convenient mechanics. Fulfill your role as a mayor and make decisions for the citizens of your town. Build new structures, furnitures and lead the city’s design. And with it's Amiibo support, you can use all the existing amiibo cards and figures to get new visitors to your town, as well as themed items from those characters. It has a playscore of 9.10
9. Pokemon Sun & Moon
Jump into their trademark monster-catching adventures as you explore the sunny Alola region. Begin your journey with Rowlett Litten or Popplio and work your way towards their legendary cover stars Solgaleo and Lunala. Just like their other Pokemon games, it comes in two forms but share similarities except for exclusive Pokemon. Moon gets the higher playscore of 9.10, while Sun trails with a score of 9.07.
8. Pokemon X & Y
Forget about the Alola Region as this pokemon title takes you on a trip around the France-inspired Kalos. With their sixth generation pokemon and their stunning 3D world, Pokemon X and Y is currently the series' best selling installment. It features legendary monsters like Xerneas and Yveltal in the X and Y versions respectively. It’s the same old pokemon fun in a new immersive universe. Pokemon Y has a playscore of 9.14 while X gets a 9.1.
7. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
Some say it’s the true Final Fantasy experience we never got. Square Enix puts a modern twist on the JRPG formula. Although it’s an updated version of their Japanese original, this puts more upgrade on their turn-based combat. Save up turns with the Brave and Default system, and release a single, powerful attack in the next. It gained numerous praise for its mix of traditional and new JRPG elements. It receives a playscore of 9.15
6. Shovel Knight
Fight in the name of love as you explore a demented 8-bit castle with hallways in need of digging and digging. Shovel Knight is an iconic side scrolling platformer that reinvigorates the energy from classic 8-bit games. Yacht Club Games successfully bolstered the platforming genre with an enjoyable campaign, fun DLC’s and a much needed challenge to the indie realm. It has a playscore of 9.15
5. Super Mario 3D Land
One of 3DS’ best features was its 3D features. Mario’s little adventure on the portable console maximizes the 3DS’ 3D capabilities. The game is entirely playable with or without 3D, but it is highly recommended to remove frustrations and add immersion. The game is perfect for Mario fans as it comes with all the iconic characters, fun puzzles, challenges and the ever present Bowser. It receives a playscore of 9.17
4. Fire Emblem: Awakening
Our victor for our best JRPG’s for the 3DS. Nobody expected this kind of series would blow up, but they proved everyone wrong. Packed with loveable characters, streamlined controls, and fluid grid-based combat, it was everything the series needed to become the household staple that it is. Venture together with your friends and dive into a captivating tale set 2000 years after the original. It receives a playscore of 9.27
3. Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The 3DS' Link to Zelda past, A Link Between Worlds is a tribute to the classic LoZ title, Link to the Past that was originally released on the Super NES. Calling back on the beloved tropes of the 1991 title, A Link Between Worlds still feels like a fresh new experience with its gorgeous 3D landscapes and smart and seamless puzzles. Packed with the familiar sights and soundtracks, it lays it on heavy with the nostalgia, earning it a score of 9.31.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
Considering the popularity of the N64's Majora's Mask, this 3DS remaster allows newcomers to the franchise a chance to discover one of the series' most underrated titles. A risky change of pace from the rest, Majora’s Mask 3D translates all of its experimental quirks while adding some slight but significant changes. Showcasing the oddities of a classic title to a new age, it has a playscore of 9.37
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
This remaster of one of the most critically acclaimed videogames ever made is a true testament to the quality of the original. As open as the 2D environments of other Zelda titles, none could compare to the sense of wonder that Ocarina proved--what with with their painting-like cartoon world that's made better with the console's glasses free 3D. A master-crafted adventure around a Ganondorf-controlled Hyrule, it remains as the 3DS' unbeatable title by a long shot. It has a playscore of 9.51