Contents: Platformers

Fighting

Puzzle

RPG

Visual Novel

Racing/Sports

Rhythm

Simulation

Shooter/Flight

Strategy

Action/Adventure

Misc To reach a section quickly, type the category in your browser’s page search function (usually Ctrl+F) Below are some of the very best games and applications in the 3DS’s library. If anyone says that the 3DS has no games, be sure to show them this!

Platformers

Super Mario 3D Land

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A new 3D Mario game for the 3DS with an emphasis on 3DDDD! Really good game.

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

(available physical + digital)

Another entry in the popular New Super Mario Bros. series. With great level-design and a coin-rush mode, it’s a good purchase.

Rayman Origins

Publisher: Ubisoft

Available: North America, Europe, Japan

Rayman is back with stellar platforming, a charming art-style and great music. The game runs at a lower framerate (30FPS vs. 60FPS) than the other versions and is best enjoyed on a big screen so only get this if you’re unable to get any of the other versions (PS3/360/Wii/PC/Vita).

Mighty Switch Force (eShop)

Publisher: Wayforward

Available: North America, Europe

A satisfying mix between action and platformer. Ranks as one of the best eShop games!

Mutant Mudds

Publisher: Renegade Kid

Reminiscent of old platformers from yesteryear, this is a great game on the eShop. Be sure to get this!

Fractured Soul

Developer: Endgame Studios

Portabliss.

Fighting

Dead Or Alive: Dimensions

Publisher: Tecmo Koei

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

With stunning graphics, great gameplay and even a Metroid cameo, this is the fighting game to get!

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition

Publisher: Capcom

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A full-featured SSF4 port on the 3DS with online functionality, combo shortcuts and good 3D. Hadouken!

Tekken 3D: Prime Edition

Publisher: Namco Bandai

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Good graphics, gameplay with online multiplayer and a smooth 60 frames per second…in 3D!

Code of Princess (Beat’em Up)

Publisher: Atlus

Reigons: North America, Europe (TBD), Japan

Puzzle:

Pushmo/Pullbox

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Considered to be one of the best games on the eShop. A charming addictive puzzle game!

Picross E

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: Europe, Japan

CRUSH3D

Publisher: SEGA

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A puzzle-platformer where you solve various puzzles switching from 2D to the third dimension!

Tetris Axis

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Classic Tetris with a whole lot of extra modes. You can’t go wrong here!

Art of Balance TOUCH!

Publisher: Shin’en Multimedia

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

RPG:

Tales of the Abyss

Publisher: Namco Bandai

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A port of the PS2 original that still holds up well. If you haven’t played it before, you should try it out!

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Publisher: Capcom

Regions: North America (2013), Europe (2013), Japan

(available physical + digital in Japan)

Remake of Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii with all new monsters and weapons! Coming to the West in 2013!

The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave

Publisher: Genius Sonority Inc.

Regions: North America, Europe

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked

Publisher: Atlus

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A deep enthralling adventure. If you’re an SMT fan or just want a good SRPG, you should get this.

Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance

Publisher: Square Enix

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Another entry in the Kingdom Hearts series. Unlike the DS spin-offs, this game is actually a continuation of the main story so KH fans should get this.

Heroes of Ruin

Developer: n-Space

Regions: North America, Europe

The first in a genre (Dungeon Crawler/RPG) that’s sparce on the 3DS. Features online multiplayer with voice-chat!

Unchained Blades Exiv

Publisher: XSeed

Regions: North America (2012), Japan

Visual Novel:

Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward

Publisher: Atlus (North America) / Ghostlight (Europe)

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Racing/Sports:

Ridge Racer 3D

Publisher: Namco Bandai

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Riiiiiiiiiiiiidge Racer! Despite little improvement over the PSP versions, this is still a solid racing game.

Mario Kart 7

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

(available physical + digital)

Considered by some to be the best entry in the Mario Kart series. Online multiplayer with actual patch support! Must-buy.

Mario Tennis Open

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

(available physical + digital)

Considered a good tennis game with great online.

Rhythm:

Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure

Publisher: SEGA

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A hidden gem in the 3DS’s library. Heralded as a fun and addictive rhythm game!

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

Publisher: Square Enix

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

With various songs from the Final Fantasy series and addictive gameplay, fans of the Final Fantasy series or simply rhythm game fans will love this!

BIT.TRIP SAGA

Publisher: Aksys Games

Regions: North America, Europe

A compilation of the great Bit.Trip games on the Wii upgraded with 3D! Six games for the price of one, a very worthwhile purchase.

Hatsune Miku and Future Stars: Project Mirai

Publisher: Sega

Regions: Japan

Simulation:

Zen Pinball 3D (eShop)

Publisher: Zen Studios

Regions: North America, Europe

You might have played Zen Pinball on other platforms but you certainly haven’t tried it in 3D! Definitely worth getting.

Steel Diver

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Due to the length of the game, it’s best if you only get this if you can find it for cheap. It’s still a decent game, though.

Shooter/Flight:

Nano Assault (EX version coming on eShop)

Publisher: Majesco

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Gorgeous visuals, 60 frames per second and Circle Pad Pro Support

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy

Publisher: Namco Bandai

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A great remake of Ace Combat 2. Fly like an ace while engaging in combat with other enemies. A good buy.

Liberation Maiden

Developer: Suda 51

Regions: North America , Europe, Japan

Starfox 64 3D

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

(available physical + digital)

The classic N64 Star Fox remaked with stunning visuals in 3D! Quite short and lacks online so be sure to only get this at a low price.

Strategy:

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

Publisher: Ubisoft

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

A strategy game led by celebrated designer, Julian Gollop. Immersive 3D and more makes for a stellar strategy game that’s a must-buy!

Action/Adventure:

Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater

Publisher: Konami

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

SNAAAKE EATER! The best MGS game brought over to the 3DS. If you haven’t played it on any other platform, get it here. Solid purchase!

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

(available physical + digital)

The classic Zelda game, Ocarina of Time remade for the 3DS with an improved frame-rate, better visuals and a fixed Water Temple!

Resident Evil: Revelations

Publisher: Capcom

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Considered the best Resident Evil game since RE4. Amazing visuals, fun gameplay and good online will make this game a revelation! Must-buy.

Cave Story+

Publisher: Nicalis

Regions: North America

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Another entry in the long-dormant Kid Icarus series. Stellar game with great graphics and online. Must-buy!

Samurai Warriors: Chronicles

Publisher: Tecmo Koei

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

Good combat, decent graphics and new touch-screen features. If you’re a Dynasty Warriors fan, get this.

Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe (TBA), Japan

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask

Publisher: Nintendo

Regions: North America, Europe, Japan

(available physical + digital)

Misc.:

Colors 3D

Publisher: Collecting Smiles

Price: $6.99/€6.00/£5.40

Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone

Publisher: Nintendo

(digital+physical)