The 30 best games for the Nintendo 3DS

 There are many amazing games for Nintendo 3DS. One can make a top and leave out excellent titles, but not all of them fit! At Liga de Gamers we have decided to choose the 30 best Nintendo 3DS games, trying to have as much variety as possible. Discover which ones we have chosen, take out your laptop, and start playing!

1. Fire Emblem: Awakening

Fire Emblem: Awakening has well-balanced gameplay that is deep for true fans and accessible to new players. It tells about Chrom, a prince, who will travel through the land of Ylisse together with his group and a character created by you. Conflicts with the kingdom of Plegia are growing and it is necessary to put an end to them before the threat is too great.

One of the mechanics that stands out is the ability to pair nearby allies to attack together at the same time. As the relationship between them grows, they will gain attack bonuses. This, along with the dozens of classes and characters out there, makes Fire Emblem one of the best tactical RPGs out there for the Nintendo 3DS.

If you are passionate about this saga, do not hesitate to try Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia.

2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a sequel to the impressive A Link to the Past. This time, Link has to stop Yuga, who wants to use the Seven Sages to resurrect Ganon and merge with him. In order to defeat the evil villain, you will have to venture into Hyrule and the alternate version of it, Lorule.

A Link Between Worlds is one of the least linear games in the series, in the sense that you can do most of the dungeons in any order you want. And at your own pace! There is also a very curious mechanic, in which Link becomes a painting on the wall. This will allow you to overcome obstacles that you would not otherwise be able to.

If you love the saga of action and adventure games, with this Legend of Zelda you will have several hours of fun.

3. Super Mario 3D Land

Super Mario 3D Land is a game in the franchise that takes advantage of mechanics and elements from both the 2D and 3D installments. It has dozens of levels to overcome, distributed in different worlds, and in each one, you must give your best. In several cases, the time limit will be considerable, so you can reach the end with peace of mind. However, there are levels where you need to hurry up!

The Mario franchise hardly fails and Super Mario 3D Land is undoubtedly the most fun for the Nintendo 3DS. If you love playing with the famous plumber, what are you waiting for to play this game?

4. Metroid: Samus Returns

Metroid: Samus Returns is a reimagined version of Metroid II that came out on the Game Boy. Therefore, many of the elements of the story coincide. It also maintains the non-linearity of the phases, although now it has a 2.5D approach and Samus can obtain new improvements such as the Grapple Beam or the Energy Bombs.

It is a challenging title, especially on high difficulties. To progress, it is vital to get all the possible improvements and use the entire arsenal of weapons and abilities to defeat enemies. As a curiosity, the Samus and Metroid Amiibos unlock different things in the game, such as a Metroid II art gallery or a new difficulty mode.

5. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a very complete and nice game which you can play for months. You will move to a town and meet quite a few nice neighbors to interact with. Do you know the best of all? That, due to a mistake of the inhabitants, you will become a mayor from the first day!

You will be able to take part in festive events and carry out activities of all kinds such as fishing, swimming and decorating both your house and the town. Although there are several stores where you can buy furniture and clothes, among other things, the "Welcome Amiibo" update allows you to summon new vendors and inhabitants. Animal Crossing: New Leaf also encourages you to play mini-games with three of your friends; fun is guaranteed!

6. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D

• Only compatible with New Nintendo 3DS / 3DS XL.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is the portable version of the Wii game. It is a JRPG with real-time combat in which we witness a continuous conflict between humans and machines. The game is huge not only because of the world to explore but because of the hundreds of secondary missions to complete. They are your main source of income, and several contain subplots to the main story!

The game mechanics are quite interesting. For one thing, characters automatically attack when the enemy enters their range. On the other hand, using Arts and chaining attacks properly is crucial, especially against strong opponents. This game is not just a leisurely stroll through the grasslands!

Another worthwhile JRPG is Tales of the Abyss, which can be enjoyed on any Nintendo 3DS.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

Ocarina of Time 3D is a remastering of the great Nintendo 64 classic. Not only do the graphics improve, but the touch screen is also used for different game mechanics. Also, the game has a Master Quest mode, which you can unlock after beating the game for the first time. In other words, it is the best version of this masterpiece!

Majora's Mask 3D is another excellent remaster of the saga for Nintendo 3DS.

8. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Within the JRPG genre, Dragon Quest VIII is one of the essential games for PS2. The Nintendo 3DS version came loaded with some new features, such as an expanded story, two playable characters, and several dungeons. It's a game made for everyone who likes to spend time upgrading equipment because you will need to do it to finish the game!

The story is long and entertaining, although the strong point is the turn-based combat. You will face more than 250 different types of enemies, each with its strengths and weaknesses. While it is true that many creatures are weak, on several occasions you will have to take full advantage of the potential of the characters. The final bosses will show no mercy!

If you are passionate about this saga or JRPGs with turn-based combat, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of a Forgotten World is another excellent installment. It's quite long, but it's also easier.

9. Pokémon Ultrasol / Ultraluna

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are editions that expand on the Sun and Moon editions, with some story changes and new content. Therefore, we recommend these versions if you have not played the previous games.

The original editions introduced several firsts in the franchise. One of them is Z-Moves, powerful attacks that you can only use once per fight. There are also the Alola forms, which are special forms that some Pokémon can take. Between this and other additions, Ultrasol and Ultraluna are two deliveries that will entertain you for hours, especially if you are a fan of the saga. Plus, you'll have the honor of being the first Pokémon League champion in Alola!

Do you want to catch more Pokémon? You can also play Pokémon X / Y on Nintendo 3DS.

10. Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Kirby: Triple Deluxe is an action and platform game starring the famous pink ball from the HAL Laboratory company. After an ordinary day, Kirby wakes up in a different world where King Dedede is trapped by the evil Taraña. So it's up to him to save Dedede!

As usual in the franchise, you'll have plenty of copy abilities to attack, move, and defend against enemies. You'll need to use everything at your disposal to progress through the levels, all well-designed by the way. This installment allows Kirby to turn into the Hypernova version of himself after eating certain fruit, allowing him to swallow large objects. Nothing will stand in his way!

It has extra modes that extend the useful life of the game. If you want more of Kirby, there's also Kirby: Planet Robobot for Nintendo 3DS.

11. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Monster Hunter is a world-famous saga in which you hunt large, very large and not-so-large creatures. It is a very simple premise, but it hides a deep richness! Compared to others, this installment focuses more on character and story progression, and you will need to search for resources to craft the best gear at any time.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate also takes better advantage of three-dimensional environments. You can climb more easily and use height to your advantage when hunting creatures. Yes, be careful! In 4 Ultimate, creatures know how to use the environment to their advantage, so you have to pay attention. You will feel like a hunter who really should learn the trade from him.

If you want to hunt more monsters, feel free to play Monster Hunter: Generations and Monster Hunter: Stories.

12. Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight is an action-adventure game with platform elements and retro graphics. It's challenging as well as funny since we control a blue knight whose weapon is a shovel-sword. You read right! You will have to help him defeat The Sorceress, but to do so, you will have to face the evil knights of The Order Without Quarter. Attack, jump, dig, and bring peace back to the world!

Shovel Knight also has extra challenges and campaigns, so you'll have many hours ahead of you if you want to get the most out of the game.

13. Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward

Virtue's Last Reward is the first installment of the excellent 999 (Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors). If you played the previous game back then, you already know what awaits you! You will have to solve puzzles, interact with other characters and make the right decisions to survive as long as possible.

This Zero Escape is a mystery game that is well worth replaying. In fact, it has up to 24 different endings. The game is long since it will take you more than 20 hours with just the first game. If you are one of those players who likes to see everything, we assure you that you will be glued to the Nintendo 3DS for weeks!

14. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

What can be said about this amazing fighting game? Contains more than 50 characters, with some to unlock; more than 30 scenarios in which to fight; and numerous modes to play alone, against the AI, ​​or against other players. While it's good to play alone, it's better to play Super Smash. Bros for Nintendo 3DS with your friends. Join the fight and invite them!

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition and Dead or Alive: Dimensions are two other quality fighting games for Nintendo 3DS.

15. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse

In this installment, we play a Shantae without magical powers who, in order to save her land from a curse, must collaborate with her nemesis Risky Boots. It is a quite humorous platform and action game with numerous levels to complete. To advance, you will need to obtain new weapons to face powerful enemies. And who knows, you might get your powers back!

Within the genre, it is a well-rounded game with a good arsenal of weapons, a striking cast of characters, and challenging stages with the most succulent loot.

16. Bravely Default

Bravely Default is a JRPG with turn-based combat in which we will play with four characters. The game is very reminiscent of the classic Final Fantasy because, in fact, it was going to be a title related to the franchise. Due to that, the game mechanics and the development of the phases are quite similar. If you loved the first six Final Fantasy games, you'll love this one!

The world of Luxendarc is engulfed by the Darkness, which has consumed all four elemental crystals. The protagonists set out to travel to activate them again, only to discover that there is much more to discover. It is a very interesting game although, yes, we must recognize that the last third of the game can be very repetitive.

17. Luigi's Mansion 2 (Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon)

Luigi's Mansion 2, also known as Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, is an excellent sequel to Luigi's terrifying adventures. Vacuum in hand, you must explore various haunted houses and get rid of ghosts. This installment has a greater focus on puzzles compared to its predecessor and, from time to time, we will have Toad to help. Any extra hands are welcome!

We opted for the sequel, as it is one of the great favorites of the Nintendo 3DS. The first Luigi's Mansion is also on this handheld, and it's tons of fun!

18. Kid Icarus: Uprising

The goddess Medusa returns with her army to threaten the heavens and the earth. Whose turn is it to foil her plans? To the angelic warrior Pit! With the help of the goddess Palutena, you will soar through the skies and fight with your feet on the ground against fierce enemies. Luckily, you'll have plenty of weapons to unlock and choose from depending on your style of play.

Kid Icarus: Uprising is divided into air and ground combat portions. For both types of phases, it is necessary to attack with precision and be attentive to dodge at the right time. It is a game that requires skill controlling Pit with the left hand and aiming with the right hand using the Nintendo 3DS stylus.

Stretch your fingers and arms, get ready, and give the goddess Medusa her due!

19. Resident Evil: Revelations

After the direction that the saga was taking with Resident Evil 5 and the subsequent 6, it was appreciated that Revelations returned to the roots a bit. This installment takes a step back in action and another step forward in survival horror. We handle Jill Valentine, who goes to a ship to find Chris Redfield.

With this premise, you will find many dangers hidden in every corner of the cruise. You must manage the resources well and not waste bullets without thinking, because you will need them later! The game looks awesome on handheld and also contains a powerful Raid mode where you can survive together with a friend. Nothing like having someone to watch your back!

20. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a remake that, at the same time, expands on the original Radiant Historia for Nintendo DS. The story tells of a world that is falling into desertification, and the main group works together to prevent it. It is a JRPG with turn-based combat, whose strong point is history, its ramifications, and time travel.

Perfect Chronology allows you to play in two modes, so you can play the original game without any add-ons, or start directly with the new version of this impressive JRPG. It's your decision!

21. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

Mario and Luigi must work together to solve puzzles and fight enemies. They need you to give them a hand! The Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions version contains two campaign modes. In one, you will be the usual mustachioed heroes, but in the other, you will be Captain Goomba, who must recruit other minions to defeat an unexpected enemy.

It's a rhythm game, in the sense that you have to press buttons at the right time to dodge well or apply extra damage. Regarding the puzzles, Mario and Luigi have techniques that must be combined to solve them. Thanks to all this, progressing through the levels is dynamic and never gets repetitive.

22. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

In Kingdom Hearts 3D we will alternate control between Sora and Riku. In order to prepare for Xehanort's imminent return, both are taken to sleeping worlds that must wake up and heal. The game is developed in a similar way to the main installments of the saga, although it contains some differences.

One of them is the Drop system, a bar that will empty and, once it reaches 0, you will change to the other character! Another addition is being able to recruit spirits that will accompany you in each battle and will serve as extra help in combat. As for the story, the usual of the saga: at the beginning, it is a simple plot, but something else always happens in the shadows!

23. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy compiles the first three installments released on the Nintendo DS and gives them a nice facelift for the 3DS version. Apart from that, it does not add any content, and it is not necessary! They are three excellent games, with many cases to solve and characters to meet (and suspect!).

You will see how Phoenix Wright grows as a lawyer, solving his first cases and improving his craft. If you beat this compilation and want to defend more innocent people, go for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Spirit of Justice!

24. Fantasy Life

Fantasy Life is an RPG that gives you complete freedom to play however you want. Your decisions help improve your character in one way or another and will guide your journey in a unique way. You decide whether to fight, create objects, fish, explore and collect fruits, cook, whatever!

25. Mario Kart 7

To run! Mario Kart never fails and that's why we recommend 7 for Nintendo 3DS. In handheld racing games, Mario Kart 7 is unrivaled due to the numerous game modes. You can play and play for hours both solo and in local or online multiplayer.

Apart from having more than a dozen characters and karts, this game introduces three new items: the Fire Flower, the Super Leaf, and the Lucky 7. With these three items and others that are already classics in the franchise, you will have enough tools to win any race!

26. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D has more than 70 challenging levels to overcome with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. It is a version of the title that came out three years earlier on Wii, adapted for the portable, with a new unlockable world, items to collect, and extra levels.

As a platform game, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D does not fail. The ape returns once more, this time to give the evil Tikis their due. They stole Donkey Kong's banana stash, and no one steals bananas from him without getting punished!

27. Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan

In Etrian Odyssey IV you will be an explorer in the land of Tharsis. It is an RPG with turn-based combat and many elements of the dungeon crawler genre. The preparation of your characters is vital and, for this, you will use the city of Tharsis as a base of operations. When it comes time to explore dungeons, there's one thing you need to know: you need to draw your own maps.

Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan is an original experience, although it may take a few hours to get used to the mechanics. The good thing about drawing your maps is that you can write down anything you want, and you will feel like a real explorer!

28. Pullblox / Fallblox / Fullblox (Pushmo / Crashmo / Stretchmo)

These three entertaining titles make up a trilogy of puzzle games for Nintendo 3DS. In Pullblox, Fallblox, and Fullblox, known as Pushmo, Crashmo, and Stretchmo in America, you'll control Mallo and interact with blocks to clear levels. Depending on the installment you play, there are some mechanics that are added, but in essence, it is moving blocks to pass levels. Simple, but very good!

29. Stella Glow

Stella Glow is a tactical turn-based RPG where voice is the most important power. The witch of destruction threatens the world with her power to crystallize everything in her path. Alto and Lisette go on a journey to find allies and foil the evil Hilda's plans.

The game takes place in combat phases and free time. It is essential to prepare well and take advantage of every minute for the progression of the characters, as the challenges get more complicated as the hours go by. Stella Glow is a JRPG that is worth trying, with good content to spend more than 40 hours with it.

30. Azure Striker Gunvolt 2

Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 is the sequel to the fast-paced 2D platform and action game that hooked thousands of players. It is pure action and adrenaline, and you must be fast when it comes to defeating enemies. You will control Gunvolt, who uses electricity to his advantage, and Copen, who moves with unmatched speed. To complete the game, you will have to beat the levels with both characters!