To see the complete catalog of titles coming soon, visit our page of all upcoming Nintendo 3DS games.
Shovel Knight: King of Cards
Time to roll out the red carpet for this Royal Final Entry to the much-beloved Shovel Knight saga. In it, we aid the gilded King Knight as he goes on a quest of self-discovery. Included in this new adventure are new signature movies like bash, spinning strike, and bounding about in the pixel caverns. It even has a card battle mode that lets you fight against your subjects across the land.
With this imminent release of the royal King of Cards expansion, the Shovel Knight series is coming to an explosive close. Supposedly releasing in 2018, at least we're seeing that so many suprises are in store for us--and all coming free or bargain price at most. Pouring all their tender-loving care and topping it with the completely new multiplayer Showdown mode, the delays will definitely be worth it in the end. It's set to release on Apr 9, 2019
Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn
With Mario and Yoshi already basking in the sun of their own papercraft world, it was only about time for Good Feel to bring the same to Nintendo's favorite pink fluffball. A remake of the hit 2010 Wii Original, Kirby warps into the 3DS with all his exciting stages intact, and of course, popped up with awesome new abilities and features. Like a 2D version of Yoshi's Wolly World, Extra Yarn takes Kirby out for a fun jaunt around the quilted Patchland to collect beads, and craft yarn balls that are bigger than ever before.
In the high speed Devilish mode and their new minigames, the familiar faces of King Dedede and Meta Knight are making return, creating some more space for enjoyment. A return to our childhood days, it's set to release in 2019.
Mighty No. 9
Hoo boy, are we really going to there again? Comcept’s spiritual successor to early Mega Man is a bit of a disappointment. What started out as an online Kickstarter campaign, it generated enough funds to make this full-fledged game with a ton of criticisms for its graphics, design, content, voice acting, story and technical performance.
But with this upcoming 3DS release, we’re hoping the developers learn their lesson and add a few patches and fixes to make the experience enjoyable. It’s not a terrible game per se, it just had its potential squandered by confusing game design decisions. No release date yet. It comes out sometime soon.
0000
The second title from Ratalakia Games. 0000 is a platformer with tough mechanics. Packed with over 100 handmade levels where you leap and dodge to their intense and rhythmic beats. It looks simple, but it’s punishing platforming mechanics make you not want to play this game ever again.
Players can also invite others from its multiplayer mode called Race Mode where players go head to head against a friend to see who’s the master of the this genre.
But beneath its unforgiving difficulty, the game makes it up for its collection of electronic music, fantastic level designs, and the beauty of 8bit visuals. No release date yet, but we’re hoping it comes out soon.
Etrian Odyssey Nexus
Atlus' award winning dungeon crawling RPG series is getting its sixth mainline title. Known as the Etrian Odyssey X in Japan, the rest of the world is holding its breath to get their hands on their latest entry. Just a over two years after Etrian Odyssey V, they have woven us yet another epic adventure to the world tree Yggdrasil, this time, by the orders of Princess Persephone.
Combining the strengths of their past titles in this final game for the 3DS, Nexus will be serving up RPG delights with up to 19 playable classes, "a grand standalone story," and a bunch of new labyrinths to discover. The wait is almost over, as it gets a Western release on February 5th, 2019.
YO-KAI WATCH 3
And speaking of successful RPG series on the 3DS, LEVEL 5 answers to the demands with another installment of the adorably energetic Yo Kai Watch series. Spawned from the perfect formula for a long lasting series, Yo Kai Watch revolves around making friends and summing to battle the feline-like versions of Japanese Yokai. This third installment, Yo Kai Watch 3 was released in Japan in two versions last 2016.
For this western releases however we're yet to find out if it keeps up with the split versions or if it goes with the Sukiyaki version that combines both into one package. What we do know, is it's gonna be another round of spirit-collecting, monster battling fun when it comes out on Feb 8th, 2019
Vera Swings
A simple platformer game with an addictive premise. Go to the moon and achieve Vera’s dreams about swinging the stars and up to the magical place she wants to visit. Use the stars to swing back and forth to overcome obstacles. Time your swings just right and catch colorful stars to unlock the next power-up.
There’s really not much to talk about this game. It’s a pure and unadulterated indie adventure experience. Just take her to the moon for us. No release date yet, but it’s coming out sometime soon.
Shakedown Hawaii
After more than a few years of silence, the long awaited follow-up to Retro City Rampage looks like its finally ready to come out of development hell. Another 8bit inspired title, Shakedown Hawaii follows its predecessor as it breaks down the door into the the chaotic world of organized crime. Like an upgrade to the retro Grand Theft Auto we loved--and, not just in graphics either, creators VBlank also provides us with a blank canvas of open world delights.
Set out to the 2D streets and rise up in the world with every mission, shakedown, sabotage, and property acquisition. While the continuous delays are taking a toll on their credibility, the excitement is still undoubtedly up for the title. Hoping it'll meet the deadline, it's set to release early 2019
Are there any games you're looking forward to? Tell us all about them in the comment section. Or, you can get some of our picks by using the links in our description box.
You can also watch us test out new and awesome games at our gameplay channel, whatoplay live, by clicking that icon in the top right corner.
RISE: Race The Future
One of the games that have occupied our upcoming lists for a while now. Opening to a positive response with its release on the PC, RISE is shaping up to be one impressive racing game on the portable console. From the same people behind the 3DS shooter, Ironfall: Invasion, VD-Dev's venture into racing is looking equally good.
Strutting their style with subtle controls, high-octane racing and gorgeous visuals, RISE would be a great addition to the 3DS' arcade racing lineup--if it ever comes. Unfortunately, though, there's not a lot of news coming out for their 3DS port, especially since the passing of their co-founder. Perhaps aiming for a Switch release, the 3DS port might not be long behind. No release date yet.
Timespinner
Bringing inspiration from classic pixel games like Castlevania and Metroid, Timespinner takes a turn in bending the reality of time and space. In this Metroidvania platformer, avenge your parents as you travel back through time and defeat the evil empire responsible for their demise.
Discover a rich and beautiful world with pixel art visuals, meet mysterious familiars to train you in battle, face challenging bosses, and locate secrets like a classic metroidvania adventure should do.
After its successful Kickstarter campaign, it’s finally out on the PC and it pleased longtime Castlevania and Metroid enthusiasts. It comes to the 3DS sometime soon.
PAW Patrol: On A Roll
Dog Lovers, unite! No job is too big or too small for these adorable creatures. Save the day in Adventure Bay on 16 exciting rescue missions. Help each pup and use their unique abilities to secure the safety of the community.
Travel to various locations in the bay including Yumi’s Farm, Jake’s Mountain, Desert Canyon and so many more! Solve puzzles, save animals in danger, and get ready for a kid-friendly adventure for all ages!
Buy it for your little brother, sister, or anyone young at heart and let them enjoy the PAW Patrol experience. No release date yet, but it’s coming out soon.
Super Mighty Power Man – The Champion of the Galaxy
A genuine 2-D action-platformer reminiscent to the classic games of the 80’s and 90’s. Play as Corey, a kid who finds himself in the most unexpected adventure to save the galaxy. Inspired by the popular SEGA hit, Mega Man, go on a rampaging journey to defend your world from the evil forces of General Mok.
With its true 8-bit NES visuals, it’s a fantastic trip back to the past but with a modern twist. Encounter countless creatures and defeat bosses by using your myriad of superpowers. It’s truly a love letter to the days of old, and a reminder that videogames like these are still making waves in 2019. No release date yet.
Jake Hunter Detective Story: Ghost Of The Dusk
Part of the mystery adventure game series developed and published by Data East way back 1987. This latest title is developed by Arc System Works and published by Aksys Games.
Play as the eponymous Jake Hunter as he enters a haunted house filled with dark secrets. Solve a grueling mystery of a curse that threatens the nature of his career, his life, and the haunted house.
This new chapter of the Jake Hunter saga comes with five additional tales of detectives, danger, deduction and death. It’s Sherlock Holmes meets Japan, and it’s coming out soon. Unfortunately, no release date yet.
League of Evil
Ravenous Games is giving us a hunger for justice in this new platform adventure game. Created in that ubiquitous retro style, League of Evil takes us to the seat of the arcadestyle action amid blocky stages and chiptune tracks. Using your acrobatic skills, jump about from level to level, punch enemies, and defeat the league of evil scientists, almost in the style of the classic Megaman series. Unpack the 4 chapters spread over 140 levels, or create your own chaos in their level editor.
Already on the Steam, Switch, and smartphones, League of Evil is a success among critics and gamers, with many praising its addictive, fast-paced gameplay and captivating animations. No release date yet
Persona Q2
Only ATLUS can milk a franchise so hard they have spin-offs of a spin-off. This is a sequel to a different kind of Persona game that was released on the DS way back 2014. Canon or not, this whole new story takes you to your favorite Persona characters from 3, 4 and on this title, 5.
After the events of the Shadow Of The Labyrinth, Q2 or the New Cinema Labyrinth is another take on the Dungeon-crawling spinoff. It focuses on chibified versions of our favorite persona characters including the Phantom Thieves. No release date on the US yet, but it’s coming out soon.
Operation COBRA
A game that should or shouldn’t be on this list but the 3DS can only get so many games lately, we decided to include this instead. Stranded in an unfamiliar place filled with the blocky undead, your only hope is to fight off the zombies to make it out alive.
It’s a pretty weird game. Developed by StickBit, it mixes bad UI elements alongside shooter elements with ridiculous monster design. Not only you have to escape this zombie-filled island, you have to endure a mixed-bag of confusing game design and an uninspired premise. Even the game’s title is so out of place. It comes out sometime soon.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr's Journey
The second in their series of Nintendo DS remakes, the 3DS is gonna be a haven for Bowser character development with this twofold package. Go on adventures as the iconic Mario brothers and roam around the kingdom of mushrooms, toads and troopas, to put a stop to Bowser's evil plans. But, that's not all. This edition edition will also include a new sidestory in Bowser's Junior's quest for domination--gathering armies and wreaking havoc in the comfort of his Junior Clown Car. Moving out of the limits of the DS, the game will obviously come with a host of graphical upgrades and refinements to fit the new gen platform.
One of the most acclaimed Mario and Luigi RPG titles made cleaner and better, it's set to release on Jan 11, 2019