Nintendo 3DS

• Positive Metacritic Reviews
• Neutral Metacritic Reviews
• Negative Metacritic Reviews
• No Reviews Listed

Upcoming Games

For upcoming games, click here. Obviously! Although 3ds is currently at a slow start, like most consoles the games should start pouring in.

Cartridge Based

Title	Genre	Description	Box Art
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy(US, EU)/ Ace Combat: Cross Rumble(JAP)	Flight Sim/Being a Badass	An enhanced remake of Ace Combat 2, contains all the things that made the original great and more, like other Ace squadrons to battle and a fucking AMAZING soundtrack.
BIT.TRIP SAGA	Rhythm/Arcade/fuckingmasterpiece.jpg	ALL 6 BIT TRIP GAMES. IN THE PALMS OF YOUR HANDS. If you haven't heard of this series yet, do yourself a fucking favor and check them out. RIGHT NOW. While this version is ideal if you plan to be BIT.TRIP-ing on the go, the "COMPLETE" variant on the Wii, with its beau-coups of extra content, is preferable if you aren't leaving your house any time soon. This is still interesting though, due to the remixed controls for the 3DS' features and functions.
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II	Fighting	It's BlazBlue all over again, though with some new/updated modes such as a mode with RPG elements (Abyss) and another where you make a small army and conquer maps (Legion). Also, all the DLC-characters unlocked from the start. The graphics are almost on PSP-level. Get this if you want your wacky anime fighting game on the go. That said, there's no online play, none of the control schemes use the Circle pad, and you can't put it into sleep mode. Not great, but despite these issues, it's still decent. If you want the newest and best portable version, your best bet is probably the Vita versions. If you can't wait, and have a PSP, get that one instead. 3DS version is in america now, so theres no reason for an import.
Cave Story 3D	Platformer/Shooter	If you played other variants, don't get it. If not, here you go. Same as before now with gorgeous looking graphics. The only "major" extras are a Prinny hat that does nothing and 3 new, but 1-minute-long areas. This version's a bit easier and the rearranged music sounds infinitely better than the shitty Wiiware soundtrack. If you find this too pricey, go for Cave Story DSiWare, a solidly DS-based arranged version of the original, only 10 bucks. The WW and CS+ versions suck ass, the extras aren't worth money, and you can get more game from actually well-done mods of the freeware release, versus the very half-assed extra retail levels.
Dead or Alive: Dimensions	Fighting	An excellent entry into the Dead or Alive series. Includes a "chronicle mode" that essentially summarizes the giant cluster fuck that is the DoA saga. Aside from that, it's more T n' A as usual. Great alternative to Street Fighter if you like to fight on the go. According to players on /v/, it's a surprisingly fun and balanced entry in this fighter series, which may also prove "titillating" for newcomers as well. Online can be fun too, as long as you avoid Japan or you WILL get your ass kicked.
Frogger 3DS	Platformer/Arcade	Looks like same ol' Frogger, except it ain't. The team put lots of zaniness in this. Utilizes the 3D quite well in crazy ass challenging levels, with unexpected traps like missiles and seemingly plastic lobsters, and mindfuck levels like a rolling cylinder and a cube world. Meant to "surprise the player at every turn" with "What the hell?" moments. Also has a 1981-like "Frogger Forever" mode, with a map that takes 5 hours to finish (if you can). Reviews are mixed, some citing it as cheap memorization, and others as kitschy fun. If you're in the middle of the road, wait until the price drops.
Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars	Strategy	Arguably the sleeper hit of the 3DS launch. It's similar to X-COM (Julian Gollop worked on both of these) but with modern war and other neat gameplay elements. Might be a bit weird to fans of the GR series proper, but even as a spinoff, it's solid enough for anyone to enjoy. The average playtime is about 40 hours, and that's only with the main story. There's also a heapin' helpin' of extra missions to play as well.
Legend of Zelda, The: Ocarina of Time 3D	Adventure	One of the most beloved games of all time, with THREE DEE and some other cool features like updated textures, a touchscreen inventory, some pretty awesome gyroscope aiming, and a boss rush mode. Master Quest is also included, though you have to unlock that by beating the game first, which kind of sucks. There's also a new video-hint system for casuals, but really, who doesn't know their way in this game? Even if it's just a slight remaster of a game we've played countless times before, this is honestly the best version of the game released yet.
Lego Pirates of the Caribbean	Platformer	Very similar to earlier licensed Lego games, like Lego Star Wars and Indiana Jones, but it works. There's not very much of a challenge - I've yet to lose against any of the bosses - but it's good, mindless fun. The 3D effect is subtle, but works. Apparently has fewer, but better designed levels, than the PC/console versions. Does not feature a multiplayer mode.
Mario Kart 7	Racing	Mario Kart is back and in 60 FPS! New to MK are hang-gliders during big air and you can also drive underwater with little sub-propellers. Courses and characters new and old are featured (along with your Mii). Vehicle Customization lets you change body, tires, and accessory, each affecting your kart. Multiplayer can be local or wi-fi. Along with ghost races, you can also use your spot/street pass modes to register other people and build a "community" of them along with any registered friends who have it. Easily worth getting, even for MK beginners. Just beware of snaking bastards.
Nintendogs and Cats	Simulation	This game may be cute-sy, but it does show off the 3DS features quite well and at the end of the day, who doesn't like dogs? Unless you like cats.
Pilotwings Resort	Flight Sim	Quite short, however the game is very fun and makes good use of the 3D effects. The game is REALLY short, around 30 minutes, but going for high scores can be addictive. You may want to wait for the price to go down, borrow it, or rent it.
Rabbids 3D: Travel in Time	Platformer	Basic platformer but with Rabbids. Doesn't do anything too original or different, but it's okay. Has mixed reviews, but general consensus is that it's too short and easy. Worth a rent, but not so much a buy unless you find it dirt cheap.
Rayman 3D	Platformer	Same game as the Dreamcast version (along with other similar variants), with enhanced graphics and a really good 3D effect. Got bad reviews for the simple fact that its a old game without any change. Music is compressed rather badly and there are some occasional frame rate issues. There's better options to play Rayman 2, sure (for fuck's sake don't get the DS one), but this is the 3rd easiest to find. It isn't as good a port/rearrangement as it could be, but it's not bad either. If you still want portable Rayman, wait for Origins 3DS or download Rayman on DSiWare.
Ridge Racer 3D	Arcade Racing	Another new console release, another new RIIIIIIIIIIIIIDGE RAAAACER, this time in THREEEEE DEEEEEE. No online, but the 3D effect is subtle perfection.
Samurai Warriors: Chronicles	Beat 'Em Up/Strategy /Action-RPG	Solid entry in the SW franchise. Has two playable "main characters" and an extremely vast number of playable "heroes" that you can control and/or give orders to. Mini-goals in battles can turn the tide of favor for/against you. Excellent graphics and gameplay for a launch title, with lots of colossal content. Downsides are lengthy monologues on the state of the war and less enemies on screen versus other "Warriors" titles. Mixed reviews (negative ones are from DW/SW haters), but it's surprisingly a good launch title, just not as "great" as, say, Dynasty Warriors 7 (well, duh). Has lots of FREE DLC content (stages, weapons, items) gotten from in-game weekly Spotpass AND Streetpass downloads, something most 3DS games lack!
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclock	Strategy RPG	A remix port of the original. Full voice acting, more skills, more demons to recruit, slightly smoother graphics, a Compendium to register and resummon demons for cash, and an extra 8th day scenario for several characters, along with a few new game+ bonuses. Probably not worth it if you beat the hell out of the original, but not bad if you never played it before and possibly are a Megaten fan.
Shinobi	Platformer	A new side scrolling Shinobi, blending and building on classic and modern elements, gameplay, and control. Stars Jiro, Joe Musashi's dad, who like his son, loves doing crazy ninja shit in stages out to kill him. Aesthetics use a sort of Eastern painterly look, which looks better in motion. There's also Challenge Maps made to put your skills to the test (accessed with either streetpass, play coins, and/or both). You can also unlock Joe and another character. A Retro Mode is also unlockable, where one hit = death, just like the arcades. In addition, there's a mode to save your replays of stages. This may not quite be the Shinobi you've hoped for, but it's still a very damn good one, and very hard without having good reactions and instincts.
Sonic Generations 3DS	Platformer	The console/PC version and 3DS version are similar in nature, but damn near any levels and bosses on one won't be on the other, and vice-versa (aside from Green Hill). The actual level design is a bit different between them, but this also presents a return to form (even if there aren't as many zones or alternate routes as there could be). However, like the consoles, no level featured in this is the same as the original game's, and more often than not, it's for the best. Also has online head-to-head racing through stages vs. others, something not seen in 2D for a while. It may be weaker overall versus the console/PC version, but it's a pretty nice companion to it.
StarFox 64 3D	Rail Shooter	The graphics look really impressive, everything plays and runs much faster and smoother too. Allows for traditional or 3DS controls that use the Gyro-Sensor. One neat update is the option of score attack to replay individual stages at your leisure, as opposed to straight out story mode. There's also new multiplayer battle options and modes, even a live feed of players' faces.
Super Mario 3D Land	Platformer	Essentially Mario 2D and Mario 3D sandwiched to create this game. "The most Mario-like 3D Mario game ever" with flagpoles, airships, music and question blocks, and even Boom-Boom from SMB3 return! The Tanooki suit returns without flight (too easy), but still acts the same as before. The new boomerang suit is like the hammer bros suit, but with 'rangs. The game auto-angles camera to create depth and emphasize 3D, but also has side-scrolling levels. Some levels are weaker than others, but its the later half and post-game unlocked levels that make this a keeper. Also, Luigi.
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition	Fighting	Super Street Fighter IV Y'all, but on the tiny screen and in THREE DEE. It has everyone from the consoles, including the DLC. LOL Arcade Edition. Works really well on the 3DS. The fighters look really good, the backgrounds lack a bit but when the fighters look this good portable, no complaints here. The best 3DS launch game out. (Note: Online is broken as fuck due to a fair amount of Lite-control spammers. You can change the online setting to only engage in Pro battles. Otherwise, prepare to lose to Guile and Ryu every time.) Also, Figurine battles which use StreetPass.
Tetris: Axis	Puzzle	Maybe the most jam-packed Tetris. 20+ Tetris game modes, some based on classic Tetris, some based on Bombliss, and some just plain new. There's also some AR game modes, but those tend to suck without a flat table and good lighting. There's also some versus and Co-op modes as well. In addition, there's wi-fi modes, and even some Download Play modes to share with other 3DS owners who lack the Tetris Axis card. SpotPass lets you find new items for Fever modes. In addition to solo play, 2-8 players can multiplayer, depending on the game and method. Some say it's not as cool as Tetris DS (the one with the nintendo characters), but this is still fun and damn solid.

DSiWare

It may seem odd to want to play something that would be considered "outdated", but fuck you, DSiWare had some pretty fun stuff. It will also be supported for a little while longer, so you might want to keep your eye out for some future releases anyway. Of course, now you get charged sales tax, but that's entirely Nintendo's fault. Thankfully, they get reviews and videos on 3DS, so you can get a preview before you buy.

DSiWare is downloadable and transferable with the 3DS. However, you won't be able to keep any of your save data (due to Nintendo's legal bullshit). That said, all you have to do is download a free application off of the DSiWare Shop (the 3DS already has the means to do so without said app). Have both plugged in (or you'll get a fuckton of warning messages), set up a full or custom transfer (the full is much more convenient), and Pikmin will transfer all your data. If you get an error message, whatever was in the middle of being transferred will have to re-transfer, but everything else will already be sent over, and won't start all the way over.

Nintendo eShop

Amusingly enough, Nintendo dropped the "Ware" name from Wii and DSi, because they felt devs and audiences would think they were making inferior products (given the notorious restrictions associated with the names, they weren't too far off with that). That said, the only real title out right now is Excitebike 3D Classic, which is pretty decent. It's currently free until the first update of July (6th?). Pokedex 3D is also out, but is pretty fucking pointless unless you're a huge Pokefan. As we know from E3, other titles are coming soon. The other 3D Classic, Xevious, is only available in Japan (for now?), but does give a sign that other devs are allowed to make updated classics for release. Whether it's just NES or not is yet to be seen though.

Title	Genre	Description	Screenshot
3D Classics: Excitebike	Racing	It's fucking Excitebike with depth-perception. You can also create your own tracks, and save several of them. Sadly, you can't share them with other 3DS-es. Not too shabby, and easy to get into. Pretty good for one's first foray into 3DS' 3D-ness.
3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure	Platformer	Essentially the same game, but now crisper and cleaner (palette errors and slowdown are completely gone), and with sprites/backgrounds that stick out/recede a bit more. Feels like you're looking at a pop-up book with 3D on. Without it, you get that old NES feel, sans CRT. It's a bit hard looking at the tiny screen, but it looks really great when you find a comfy viewing position and 3D level. If you've never played it before, go ahead and get this. If not, it depends on how well you remember/love the original versus GBA's Nightmare in Dreamland rearrangement. For anyone on the fence, have a friend and/or relative buy it on their 3DS (or yours) and give it a try.
3D Classics: Twinbee	Shoot 'Em Up/Cute 'Em Up	One of the classic Cute 'Em Up pioneers. Similar to Xevious except cuter, faster, and with more weapons and options. Like Xevious 3D, you can control your rate of fire per button. If you don't know, there's loads of enemies onscreen often, and your bell system gives you a power-up relating to how many times you fire a bell to change its color. As such, having the options for different fire rates is welcome. Great for shmup beginners, though a bit hard for gaming beginners. The popout effect is subtle, but just enough to keep on for a while at a time (it can strain the eyes with all the shit flying around sometimes).
3D Classics: Xevious	Shoot 'Em Up	One of the original shmup granddaddies. It was famous for having two planes of action (air and ground), each with enemies simultaneously out to get you. One nice thing about this version is that it has settings to control your rate of fire per button. It's one of those love or hate games, requiring patience, steady hands, and a refined focus to not die constantly. If you're on the fence, go for Twinbee, which is similar and arguably better. If you prefer something older-school and like a challenge and an urge to beat your high-scores, then hop in your Solvalou and get blasting. The 3D effects and planes look great here, and really heighten the experience.
Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive!	Platformer	The bastard child of Cocoron, Drawn to Life, and Animal Crossing. Make a Formee character out of different parts, including name, phrase, voice, abilities, and body parts (wings, wheels, arms, etc.). You can also share your critters with Streetpass and/or QR codes. Control it with the touch screen in different ways. It can eat, do little quests for other characters, and earn money for additional character-creation options and bonuses, and even be re-editted. Stage elements can also be re-modified. The more you create and play, the larger the world grows and the more areas there are to explore.. The fun comes from how much you play and your creativity. If your imagination's limited to drawing dicks everywhere, don't bother. If not, you'll enjoy this.
Mighty Switch Force	Platformer/Puzzle	Newest entry in WayForward's "Mighty" series. Traverse a wide variety of stages with a weak beam-pistol but a mighty instant "switch" mechanic that turns on/off blocks for you to utilize by jumping on/in them, using them in puzzles, and killing/utilizing enemies. All of this is much tougher than it sounds, even if the game doesn't seem very long. Meant to capture the "repeat appeal" of NES run n' guns, so if you only play games once, this ain't for you. Getting the par times though? Quite the challenge that may take many repeat attempts! In the mean time, Pay what you want for the delcious soundtrack (even free)!
Netflix	Application	It's fucking Netflix. The application itself is free, but you have to pay 8 bucks a month if you aren't a member already (if you are, it's no additional charge to you). If you just want to try it out, there's a 1 month free-trial period to non-members. SD/non-widescreen movies don't take up the full 3DS screen (think DS games), but widescreen will, along with HD (but quality is compressed a bit) If you've got a good connection, Takes about 35-40 seconds on average to start up, and less to get a movie prepped (~20 seconds for features an hour-long or more, only ~10 seconds at most for smaller stuff), but after that it's smooth streaming (even FF/Rewind resuming is just as fast as normal). If there isn't a good connection nearby, it doesn't tend to be as smooth (well, no shit).
Pokedex 3D	Application / Tech-demo	It's an index of them there Pokemon critters. You get a set of 10 of pokeymans listed and you need to get the rest through the 3DS SpotPass. Kind of derp, but it's free. Still, da 'mons do look pretty good in action, which may make one hopeful for any possible 3DS Poke-games. You get 3 random Pokemon a day until you have all 150 of the Isshu Pokemon. And then you can take pictures and shit with the Pokemon you have.
Pushmo/Pullblox	Puzzle	This shit is fucking awesome and possibly eShop GOTYAY. You're a little guy who has to save little babies, by pulling and pushing parts of giant picture backgrounds in and out to create platforms for you to jump on to reach the part where the baby is. Starts simple, then gets quite challenging with really well thought out puzzles. Also includes a great level editor, and you can scan in other people's creations via QR codes. Features lovable aesthetics and an adorable soundtrack. Well worth money, and if possible, should be your first eShop purchase. Note: you can often find QR codes floating about different websites or make threads. (If the demand is high, we'll put some on this wiki!)
Pyramids	Puzzle/Platformer	Pyramids is a spiritual homage to Tecmo's Solomon's Key series, specifically the first. Place and destroy blocks in-front or below you or in-front in mid-air. Many puzzles require manipulation of blocks to reach the goal but also to avoid hazards and enemies you otherwise couldn't. You can also find bullets to fire a gun, but these come in limited supply are limited per-stage-found. A rather good effort, though rather easy (unless you try to perfect each level) compared to Tecmo's efforts. The music is really bleh, so have a music player on the side ready. Still, for 4 bucks, you're getting a surprisingly good-quality game.

Virtual Console

If you missed them the first time, and feel like supporting the classics over pirating them, check out this page for a good idea of what (will be up) to buy: Game Boy (Color). The only games that may not be confirmed are those with licensing issues, such as Disney games. Game Gear and TurboGrafx were supposedly confirmed, but we haven't heard any news from it, so both may be still up in the air. If it ever gets confirmed, we'll let you know.

Note: This table is outdated and will be modified soon enough, i.e. when there are actually enough fucking games to justify an image. Get your shit together, NoA.

Title	Original console	Genre	Description	Screenshot
Alleyway	Game Boy	Puzzle/Arcade	A Breakout clone where the capsule is being operated by Mario for a Nintendo touch. Kirby's Block Ball is much better in every way, but it ain't on here yet, so this ain't too bad if you prefer a more basic style of breakin'.
Blaster Master: Enemy Below	Game Boy Color	Adventure / Platformer	NOT a straight port of the NES classic. It's a REMIX as several map layouts have been altered, however the general areas and settings remain the same. Pilot your badass tank, Sophia the 3rd, through assorted platforming areas. You even do some on-foot exploration in areas Sophia can't fit in and a good chunk of these end up as overhead segments that control a bit differently. Worth playing through, even if you beat the original.
Donkey Kong*	Game Boy	Platformer	A remake of the original, plus 97 new, original levels. Mario must rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong. Pretty simple, until you have to track that fucker around the world, which is hellbent on killing you. BUT! Mario's much tougher than his arcade days, and now has so many new acrobatic jumping skills, only Mario 64 had more. Level design is KING, since you can do levels normally, or use SKILL to blast your way through most in less than half the time. Due to said fun-tastic design and challenge, it's an amazing game, one of the GB's finest, and worth spending money. Even on the 3DSVC. The spiritual sequel on GBA is not quite as good, but still pretty well-done.
Kirby's Dream Land	Game Boy	Platforming/Being a Badass	Yup, it's classic white power Kirby on your 3DS to go. This game is noted for not having powers for Kirby unlike his future adventures. Still great even without powers, definately worth a pickup.
Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX, The	Game Boy Color	Action/Adventure	The first Zelda for Gameboy, Link's Awakening paved the way for the future GBC Zeldas. It introduced some new items to the series, like the Roc's Feather (which lets Link jump on command;) and reworked some older ones, such as the shield. Released after Link to the Past, this is the Zelda that introduced the type of characters and writing that would become a trademark of the series. This is the remix version of the original game with a new color dungeon and a few other minor changes, such as a new photographer mouse that records various events from your adventures as detailed pictures (dunno how that works with VC though). It has the screen scrolling glitch fixed, so you've got to play it straight in this version.
Metroid II: Return of Samus	Game Boy	Platformer/Adventure	Samus Aran continues her mission to protect the galaxy on SR-388, the home planet of the Metroid lifeform, which she must now exterminate. Many Metroids have undergone further evolution, creating some dangerous fights. A well-known glitch activated by rapidly switching gun modes lets you access areas outside intended play areas, leading to massive shortcuts and possibly screwing yourself over. Beat the game before trying it, and be careful with where you save.
Super Mario Land	Game Boy	Platformer	A short, but fun Mario game. The challenging level design in the second half is why there's only 4 worlds! This is the brain-child of Legendary Nintendo Innovator Gunpei Yokoi, so you can expect it to be a bit different, such as the SuperBall power, newer and stranger enemies, and the cool shmup-like vehicle stages! Be wary of the altered gravity, or else you may find yourself leaping into an easy death! The unlockable Hard Mode makes things even crazier due to more enemies and clever/dickish placement.
Super Mario Land 2	Game Boy	Platformer	Its Mario Land, even more Super than it was before! This one is superior in it's own way because of all the cool shit it brought to the table. Overhead maps, creative worlds, new powerups, and best of all, Wario! Definately a game to buy if you like Mario and have a couple of hours to shread.
Tennis	Game Boy	Sports	It's fucking tennis. Not too shabby, but if you're patient we may get lucky enough to see Mario Tennis on here.

Ambassador Certificate Only

Here's a note to any of you lucky cocksuckers who bought a 3DS for $249.99, you probably have gotten something called an ambassador certificate which allows you to download some free shit to boot. Mostly Virtual Console shit that others can't have (yet) like NES and GBA games. The bad news is if you bought the 3DS at the $169.99 price drop, then no Certificate for you! If there is a way to have a Ambassador Hack or not, then godsspeed onto them. Because trust me it sucks not having this.

NES will come to all soon enough and have digital manuals and other stuff as well (ambassadors will get free updates to the newer versions). We still don't know when. GBA has been said to be "AmbASSador only", but we all know PR loves to lie and Nintendo loves money, so don't lose hope yet.

"How do I download this? Are they free? I've never played these games before, which should I d-"

Hold on there, pilgrim. This here image should answer just about any questions you might have left about the Ambassador ordeal. If not, that's what our "Discussion" page is for.

There. Now you know. And knowing is half the battle.