Mar 17, 2023Feature
With Nintendo announcing a portable only Nintendo Switch that is now commonly seen as the successor to the much beloved but aged 3DS, we thought it would be a great idea to take a look at the Nintendo 3DS. This handheld console was first released in February of 2011. The console has since sold nearly 75 million units and features a library of more than 1297 games. We took 15 of the most popular and overall best received games and listed them right here for you! Join us on a journey through The 15 Best 3DS Games.
Nintendo recently announced that you will no longer be able to to purchase games from the Nintendo 3DS eShop beginning end of March, 2023.
As a tribute, I have collaborated a list of what I think were some of the 15 best games for Nintendo 3DS.
If you love your Nintendo Switch, or planning on getting one check out our Top 5 Game Ports and Wii U ports we would love to see on Nintendo Switch.
Of course this game was going to make the list. Animal Crossing: New Leaf is by far one of the most entertaining, family friendly, pick-up-able games of all time. Rated 88/100 by Metacritic, the game is even better than previous entries due to it’s improved characters, dialogue and game features. Oh, and also due to the fact that you can fire Resetti. That too.
As you attempt to discover what happened to your missing brother, you venture into the desert, make allies, and work together to create a perfect oasis. Rated 8.9/10 by IGN and described by them as “fun instead of tedious”, this action-adventure RPG was well-received despite it’s tardiness in joining the 3DS in 2017.
Fire Emblem awakening received widespread critical acclaim, and still holds a score of 92/100 on Metacritic. Shortly after it’s release, this tactical RPG earned a place on both GameSpot and IGN’s list of best 3DS games.
The English localisation of Kid Icarus: Uprising was highly anticipated after it’s announcement. Scoring 83/100 on Metacritic, Nintendo Power described the mythology themed third-person shooter game as “well worth the wait.”
Released in June 2014, Shovel Knight is an 8-bit 2D side-scrolling platform game. Winning numerous awards, the game is held in very high regard and is described as “a brilliant homage to a bygone era.” The game currently holds a rating of 90/100 on Metacritic and 9/10 on IGN.
Released in December 2011, Mario Kart 7 holds a rating of 85/100 and 9/10 by Metacritic and IGN respectively. The game honours traditional Mario Kart games, whilst also introducing new features such as characters, tracks and power-ups. I’m sorry to say that Rainbow Road is unfortunately still a thing. D̶i̶e̶ ̶a̶l̶r̶e̶a̶d̶y̶.
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Being the remake of a highly regarded game, upon its release in 2011 the game unsurprisingly received critical acclaim. The game was given a score of 94/100 on Metacritic, a 10/10 by Eurogamer and 98% by the Official Nintendo Magazine, who called it “a life-changing game”.
Majora’s Mask was also a remake of an original Zelda game. Like Ocarina of time 3D, the game features graphical improvements and new features to make gameplay smoother and richer. Released in 2015, the game was rated 89/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by GameSpot. Not too shabby.
Released in 2013, A Link Between Worlds is in some people’s opinion, the best Zelda game for 3DS. Scoring 91/100 on Metacritic and a 10/10 by Nintendo Life, a Polygon reviewer went as far as claiming it to be the “best Zelda game in past twenty years”.
Monster Hunter Generations is an action RPG released worldwide in 2016. Receiving a rating of 85/100 by Metacritic and 8/10 by IGN, many liked the continuity from previous entries, as well as new features, such as the ability to play as a felyne. A rise in the purchase of 3DS consoles occurred as a result.
This puzzle game is the last game in the Professor Layton prequel trilogy. It is also the last to feature Professor Layton as the Protagonist (sad reactz only). With over 500 new puzzles and a variety of environments to explore, the game was well received. It is currently rated 81/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by Eurogamer.
Super Mario 3D Land is a Mario platform game released in 2011. The game was well received, with gaming critics praising the game’s creativity and technical design. Game Informer liked the game so much they cited it as “easily the best reason to own a 3DS.” The game is currently rated 90/100 on Metacritic and 9.5/10 by IGN.
Bravely Default is an RPG published in 2012. Set in the fantasy world of Luxendarc, the game utilises a turn-based battle system and job system. Rated 85/100 by Metacritic and 8.5/10 by Gamespot, the game often features on lists of top 3DS games.
Super Smash Bros. 3DS is the latest entry to the popular crossover fighting series. Released in 2014, the game received critical praise and holds ratings of 85/100 on Metacritic and 8.8/10 by IGN. With Nintendo characters such as Kirby, Link and Mario, and new third party characters such as Pac-man and Bayonetta, the game caters for a wide audience.
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Released in 2016, many strongly believe Pokémon Sun and Moon are the best 3DS Pokémon games. Rated 87/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by IGN, critics praised the change from the formula used by previous Pokémon games. IGN praised the game for creating “an engaging adventure that improves on its predecessors.”
If you love your Nintendo Switch, or planning on getting one check out our Top 5 Game Ports and Wii U ports we would love to see on Nintendo Switch. As well as Hokko Life a game truly worth comparing to Animal Crossing.
Oct 27, 2022Animal Crossing
Unsure as to whether we’d be getting new Halloween-themed in-game items, players decided to bring spooky season to the game prematurely with these inspiring island ideas and professional-looking pumpkin patches. Even if Nintendo doesn’t share many new items, the community always keeps it fresh!
I was so excited to finally know for sure that Jack was back when Nintendo announced it during the games first year, that I didn’t even mind the return of that god-forsaken Halloween music (‘witch’ in New Horizons, sounds rather like it could’ve been played by Miles Davis himself…) *Hisses in Animalese!*
But whilst I was busy clapping at the pumpkin seeds on sale in Nook’s Cranny, creative players were busy doing what they do best! Namely, creating creations such as these:
Nap time 😴 from AnimalCrossing
▼夢番地︎···更新
— りゅう (@ryuryu_12mj) October 1, 2020
DA-9999-3296-4057#だらだら島
島全体をハロウィン仕様にしました🦇
それと島の道と1部も少し変更してます!
10月いっぱいはこのまま🍂#あつ森 #夢番地 #ACNH #AnimalCrossing #dreamaddress pic.twitter.com/hBoS3Blnxn
Happy Birthday Kiki!! 🎉🎃🖤 #acnh #ACNHDesign #ACNHDesigns #acnhhalloween pic.twitter.com/uYGyAIEIe3
— kale from Moonscar (@_moonscarisland) October 8, 2020
PUMPKIN PATCH PUMPKIN PATCH PUMPKIN PATCH 🎃🍂🤎 #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/2fzpcDQ0Wz
— denny (inactive) (@uwusogui) September 30, 2020
New pumpkin carving area 🎃 pic.twitter.com/7KafJl8xcz
— Ree 🌼 (@ReeDaydreams) October 3, 2020
The pumpkin patch has changed ✨ #NintendoSwitch #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #ACNH pic.twitter.com/KpWY6IMAJN
— Snail 🐌✨ (@carnivaleisland) September 30, 2020
For more spook-tacular creations from fans following on from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons fall update, be sure to check out these cool costume ideas here. And whilst you’re in the mood, you seriously need to take a look at these perfect little pumpkin patches (which now contain actual pumpkins!).
take a look at this adorable lantern haunting game you can play with your friends on Switch for free this weekend only!
Mar 27, 2021Animal Crossing
It has been exactly 10 years since Nintendo launched the 3DS in North America. The handheld console may have had a rough start with a price tag a little too high but once Nintendo listened to its fanbase the handheld quickly become a fans favorite gaming machine and has sold more than 75 million units since its original launch back in February 2011.
With the Nintendo Switch just recently celebrating its third birthday, I thought it would be a great idea to take a look at the Nintendo 3DS. This handheld console was first released in February of 2011. The 3DS features a library of more than 1297 games – I took 15 of the cutest ones and listed them right here for you! Join me on a journey through The 15 Best Cute 3DS Games.
I also compiled a list of my 15 favorite Nintendo 3DS games, so if case you missed that list, check it out! This time I am being a little more specific. Kawaii lovers rejoice! Here are some of the 15 cutest 3DS games.
Dec 13, 2020Animal Crossing
Having a campsite in Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be a super aesthetic little addition to your island. As well as the aesthetic value of making a campsite, the process is also fun and therapeutic. With many of us having missed out on our usual summer holidays, having a cozy virtual campsite can somewhat make up for this.
However, you might be needing some inspiration. The many items and customization options available can often be a little overwhelming. Are you looking to change your island up? Maybe after months of gameplay, you don’t have a lot of space and need some smaller campsite ideas?
Wherever you fall, we’ve got you covered with these super cool Animal Crossing: New Horizons campsite ideas. If you’ve not yet built the campsite, the below steps explain how.
To unlock the campsite, you will first need to:
After you have upgraded the Residents Services building from a tent to a building, you must do the following:
After choosing a spot for the campsite, return to the Residents Services building. Talk with Tom Nook and the building of the campsite will begin. After building the campsiste and unlocking the game’s amiibo feature, you will be able to add and remove residents to your island.
やっとキャンプサイトきてくれたからSS撮れた( ˘ω˘ )🧡ˊ˗
— ⋆⸜ 𝚊 𝚖 ⸝⋆ 🍒 (@emu__am) August 3, 2020
島に統一感がない…🥱💭w#どうぶつの森 #あつ森写真部#あつまれどうぶつの森#AnimalCrossingNewHorizons#AnimalClossing #ACNH pic.twitter.com/ubxbHNtYiP
Camp site⛰🌿
— n a o 🧶 (@poq_021) July 11, 2020
#どうぶつの森 #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/7sNjNhNwVt
キャンプサイトを秘密の砂浜の前に移設し、プライベートビーチ付きのグランピング施設っぽくしました🏕
— りえこ@コスモス島 リル (@tobimorieko) June 3, 2020
つねきちの船が来たら雰囲気台無しだけど😂 pic.twitter.com/Plo8CiNb28
A fuller view of my campsite 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ivRBjyTq8U
— Egg⁷ 🐣 (@aleumdaunmochi) June 22, 2020
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚜 🧚🏼♀️ (@blushfaiiry) on Jun 23, 2020 at 2:44pm PDT
View this post on InstagramNatural campsite area 🌲 credit to _Bl4ck on Reddit
A post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on May 12, 2020 at 9:05pm PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Kristian Crossing (@kristiancrossing) on Apr 29, 2020 at 9:27am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on Jun 8, 2020 at 12:49am PDT
View this post on InstagramCute campsite🌲credit to @afterglow.horizons
A post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on May 30, 2020 at 3:59pm PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 𝙻 ~ 𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕-𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚋𝚋𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚛𝚢𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢 (@magnoliahorizon) on May 1, 2020 at 3:57pm PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Aimée ツ (@acnhmushroom) on May 17, 2020 at 10:45pm PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by pink moon (@pinkmooncrossing) on Jul 23, 2020 at 9:18am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by kate (@honeycomb__crossing) on Aug 11, 2020 at 4:15am PDT
Nov 5, 2020Animal Crossing
As Pocket Camp has a ferris wheel item, a carousel, a bouncy castle, plus circus-themed items, I had hoped players would get at least some of these items in Animal Crossing: New Horizons too. Without more rides and attractions, I felt that any type of amusement park I attempted would feel too plain. Out of curiosity, I decided to see if other players had created any cool Animal Crossing: New Horizons amusement parks with the in-game items available.
Not only had players created awesome theme/amusement parks, but cute carnivals, Jurassic Park-inspired attractions, and zoos (to name just a few) also! With the customization options available, an abundance of design ID codes for paths and panels, and trading sites like Nookazon to get different variations of items, making an awesome amusement park isn’t as daunting or difficult as you may think.
So if you’re looking for inspiration and ideas, get inspired with these Animal Crossing: New Horizons amusement parks.
Loving how colourful my fun fair is getting with a little help from some wonderful friends! 😍#AnimalCrossing #ACNH #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #gamer #geek #nerd #fairground #funfair #carnival #tomnook#nintendoswitch #acnhdesigns #stayhome @AC_Isabelle @animalcrossing pic.twitter.com/c9PxnegZzu
— TeamBBB (@TeamBBB123) May 22, 2020
For more fun and cute design ideas for your island, why not check out these little pieces?
Oct 29, 2020Animal Crossing
Not sure where to start or what sort of look to go for? No worries! Here are some amazing Animal Crossing: New Horizons garden and outdoor area ideas to use as inspiration.
Fans from all around the world have created beautiful designs. If you want to see some more eye candy or maybe you would even like to draw some inspiration from your own island, I recommend taking a peak at these absolutely stunning able sister decoration ideas to make your shop stand out even more!
In addition – having a campsite in Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be a super cute little addition to your island. As well as the aesthetic value of making a campsite, the process is also fun and therapeutic. With many of us having missed out on our usual summer holidays, having a cozy virtual campsite can somewhat make up for this.
So you may like to take a peak at these beyond adorable campsite designs, I for sure wouldn’t mind camping here for a while!
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Animal Crossing Inspiration (@newhorizonsideas) on Jul 13, 2020 at 6:39am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 🌸Laca🌸 Animal Crosser (@laca.crossingg) on May 2, 2020 at 1:17pm PDT
fruit orchard & flower garden ✿ #acnh pic.twitter.com/P48QZQVbt9
— kristine ♡ (@moonblosssom) April 16, 2020
zen garden 🍃🧘🏽♀️#acnh #animalcrossing #animalcrossingnewhorizons pic.twitter.com/8CtLp0qAoY
— liza (@lizaacnh) June 14, 2020
🎍🍃🌿#acnh #AnimalCrossing #AnimalCrossing #switch #Zen #nintendo #nature pic.twitter.com/c30IrGEIwj
— 🌼 ally 🌿 (@lunarya_) May 3, 2020
View this post on InstagramSecret zen garden from @thesparkleisland 🥰 using #happyyhorizons
A post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on May 10, 2020 at 1:10pm PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 🅜 🅔 🅖 (@gacho.isle) on Jul 22, 2020 at 7:09am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 𝚔 𝚊 𝚢 𝚕 𝚊 (@kayla_acrossing) on May 6, 2020 at 6:00am PDT
A place where sunsets are glorious and stars shine bright✨#acnh #acnhinspo #ACNHDesign #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #acnhcommunity pic.twitter.com/BZqoYAzNQo
— Steph🌾 (@isle_clementine) May 18, 2020
🌼Clifftop picnic area 🍃🌿
— Kuredesu✨ (@mapleshireac) July 21, 2020
You will be accompanied by the forest bears as you enjoy your picnic and the view🐻✨ pic.twitter.com/lzUA4QdEci
View this post on InstagramHerb garden 🌱 credit to @cloudy_acnh
A post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on Jun 7, 2020 at 12:02am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Neenz from Motunui (@crossing_creatives) on Jun 16, 2020 at 11:20am PDT
my butterfly garden is finally complete! ✨🦋🧚🏻♀️#acnh #acnhcottagecore #どうぶつの森 #acnhinspo #dodocode #acnhdesign pic.twitter.com/UCLqCEUtHj
— ᴊᴏsᴄᴇʟɪɴᴇ (@dulceyjay) July 1, 2020
View this post on InstagramButterfly garden 🦋 Credit to Theaccretion on Reddit
A post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on Aug 7, 2020 at 2:28am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on May 17, 2020 at 3:34am PDT
Super simple design piece but I love it hehe ♡ #ACNHDesign #ACNHDesigns #acnhinspo pic.twitter.com/60qtDmLMM2
— min (@minsuuuuuya) July 8, 2020
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Animal Crossing Inspiration (@newhorizonsideas) on Jun 1, 2020 at 9:51am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶。🍂 (@nariphoria) on Aug 8, 2020 at 4:18am PDT
View this post on InstagramThis rock garden is absolutely stunning 💖 credit to aleumdaunmochi on Twitter
A post shared by Animal Crossing New Horizons (@happyyhorizons) on Jun 11, 2020 at 11:37am PDT
View this post on InstagramSome nice garden park as entrance to the secret beach. Thanks @varuna.crossing.
A post shared by Kristian Crossing (@kristiancrossing) on Jul 31, 2020 at 8:28am PDT
If you liked these great garden ideas, why not check out some wonderful waterfall designs and extraordinary island entrance ideas.
Oct 21, 2020Animal Crossing
In previous games, players were limited when decorating their Able Sisters and Nook’s Cranny exteriors. Pixelated paths were basically the only way of landscaping in Animal Crossing: Wild World. I remember trying to spruce up my Animal Crossing: Wild World shops by using mismatched flowers from Tom Nook (when I wasn’t putting them around my house).
I also remember crudely insulting the tanuki tycoon on the bulletin board, but that’s for another time (and probably another place). But even using flowers to decorate was difficult due to the darn pavement beneath the shops.
Even in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, the shopping area was unchangeable. Additionally, players couldn’t curve paths, terraform, or place furniture outside. Therefore the addition of these features to Animal Crossing: New Horizons is what makes the game so attractive.
Players just have so much more freedom and ways to be creative when it comes to exterior design. However, the sudden abundance of tools given to us can be a little daunting. Somehow staring at plain grass doesn’t seem to help inspiration to hit any faster.
Not used to decorating the exteriors of shops in the games, I had no clue where to start. The outside areas of Able Sisters and Nook’s Cranny on my island remained pitifully drab until REALLY recently. Are you in the same boat? Get inspired by these Nook’s Cranny exteriors from Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
斜め橋から繋がる小島にあるたぬき商店🛍*.+゚
— つむぎ (@mori__tsumu) May 1, 2020
お店の横にはお買い物を待つ子どものプレイスペース付き♥︎∗#あつ森#わたぼうし島暮らし pic.twitter.com/wPpJALVcN9
blackwater is under construction (again) but i’m actually really happy with how everything is coming along… just don’t ask me what my aesthetic/theme is because i don’t even know anymore #acnh #animalcrossing pic.twitter.com/vzwHRoKpZ0
— paige (@oddcrossings) May 24, 2020
🔴 stream is live, first one as affiliate! I've been doing A LOT of landscaping this weekend, can't wait to show you guys. 🌺
— kanda .* ☽ ⋆ (@kanda_em) April 13, 2020
[https://t.co/Qa8BoKImdX]
__#AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #AnimalCrossing #ACNH pic.twitter.com/BqjsvvGer3
Tom Nook a décidé d'ouvrir un Starnook Coffee sur l'île ! ☕#AnimalCrossing #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #ACNH pic.twitter.com/Etz4zC3eCK
— Vulnicuryan (@vulnicuryan) April 27, 2020
Oct 19, 2020Animal Crossing
Having had so much time pass since the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it’s no secret or surprise that inspiring island design ideas are everywhere. We’ve seen (and shown) examples of gorgeous gardens, wonderful waterfalls, cool campsites (to name just a few areas!) from the game. As inspiration is everywhere, you may feel you have finished decorating your island.
I thought I had, until I realised there were a few areas that looked a bit bare. Two examples of areas that I didn’t know what to do with were my island’s peninsula and its rocky areas. The pier in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (known as the dock in previous games), has also proven pesky to decorate due to being too narrow and small.
As a result, I haven’t yet decorated my pier, despite owning the game for well over six months. Wanting to rectify this, I decided to scour the web for some ideas. I wasn’t disappointed. My search yielded piers transformed into wonderful wharves, relaxing reading spots and peaceful picnic areas.
I made the assumption that some players were ‘in the same boat’. And so, I compiled a few of my favourite piers, to share with you in this article right here(s).
めちゃくちゃ可愛いから動画で使おうと思ってとってたのに落選になってしまった1枚#あつまれどうぶつの森 #あつ森 #あつ森写真部 #acnh #animalcrossing pic.twitter.com/59zmT5usHY
— 𝚜𝚎𝚊 (@sea_not_found) July 12, 2020
what did u guys do with your dock? pic.twitter.com/ELCWrYwvGR
— drake – taking a break (@crossingdrake) April 29, 2020
やっと桟橋の整備した🐠📚
— ざらめ (@sweetbtf) June 26, 2020
はやく素潜りしたいな〜( ¨̮ )!#あつ森#AnimalCrossingNewHorizion #ドロシー島 pic.twitter.com/xHO1Oreb1q
the pier: a place where the island villagers like to write and bottle letters and diys and send them floating away (to someday be found) ~ 💌🌊 pic.twitter.com/LOsP2lddCG
— ✧*: ・゚spooky ski 🕸🦇 :*✧ (@acskidiary) July 5, 2020
For some quick and easy pier ideas, be sure to check out the video below!
I'm a 21-year-old Journalism with Creative Writing student who likes to: play video games, write stuff, read apocalyptic fiction, and absorb the entirety of Netflix. I can often be found wasting my money on kawaii things, or meowing at cats until they meow back.