Best Nintendo 3DS Games of All Time

The Nintendo 3DS allowed players to play a plethora of great titles. Among these titles are ones that stood out above the crowd and went on to become classics for the platform. These games may vary significantly in the experience they offer the player, but each brings an incredible sense of quality with them. So to highlight some of the best games on this memorable handheld. We bring you our picks for the Best Nintendo 3DS Games of All Time.

5. Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate

Starting off our list today of the best Nintendo 3DS games of all time, we have Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate. And as its name would suggest, this game is one of the best ways to experience the fantastic Monster Hunter series, especially on a handheld. For those unfamiliar, the Monster Hunter series is a series of action RPGs. Each with a heavy emphasis on fighting monsters. Doing this will allow players to craft armor and weapons out of the monsters they hunt, which makes up the primary gameplay loop for the game.

Along the way, players will be able to engage in quests, which offer a sense of direction for the player throughout. This is great, as even when players get into the groove of the game, being able to take a more structured approach to gameplay can be rewarding. Of course, for players who enjoy a more freeform experience, there are always ways to hunt to your heart's content simply. No matter which way you play, though, they all feel very rewarding. All in all, Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate very much lives up to its name and is, simply put, one of the best Nintendo 3DS games of all time.

4. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Switching things up considerably, we have a title that is much more relaxing than it is action-packed. The Animal Crossing franchise has long since put an emphasis on the coziness of its game. This can be seen in things such as the very friendly and charming character designs. And as well as the gameplay loop of the game. As the game is meant not to be so stressful, there are many different ways to play Animal Crossing: New Leaf.

The game describes itself as a social simulation game and very much lives up to that title. Players will have to interact with the various characters around them and make themselves feel at home. In fact, there is quite a bit of responsibility for the player, as the player is put in charge of the town and effectively acts as the town's mayor. This leads the player to care about the overall well-being of not only the people around them but their surroundings as well. To close, Animal Crossing: New Leaf brings the coziness of the Animal Crossing series onto the Nintendo 3DS. And in turn, it became one of the best 3DS games to date.

3. Shovel Knight

For our next title, we have a game that was able to appeal significantly to platforming fans on the Nintendo 3DS. Shovel Knight is undoubtedly worthy of the honor of being one of the best 3DS games ever. The game takes influence from other side-scrolling platformers. It does this in such a way that it improves on the base formula and makes a stellar experience. This can be seen not only in the game's well-polished gameplay. But also within its environment and boss design as well. Every part of the world within Shovel Knight feels like it belongs there and adds to the game's immersion.

Fans of classic series such as The Legend of Zelda appreciate many aspects of this game's design. Shovel Knight tucks away plenty of secrets and challenges similar to the RPGs of old. This gives the game a distinct sense of style that permeates the overall experience. Being able to take this experience wherever you went also greatly added to the experience. In part due to the fact that you could complete the game's many platforming levels on the go. In conclusion, Shovel Knight was not only an incredibly solid game but one of the best games on the Nintendo 3DS.

2. Fire Emblem: Awakening

The Fire Emblem series is one that has always been committed to quality. It comes as no surprise then that Fire Emblem: Awakening is one of the best Nintendo 3DS games. Released for the handheld in 2012, the game takes the familiar Fire Emblem formula and applies it greatly to the handheld. It does this in many ways, but most importantly, it focuses on the tactical movement of the player's characters. This makes the Nintendo 3DS perfect for the job.

Players are able to switch camera perspectives in order to keep situational awareness of the battlefield. This is great, as it allows players to assess whatever situation they are going into fully. Added to this, the game's narrative is great and has many phenomenal gameplay elements to back it up. In fact, the improvements in gameplay mechanics are one of the reasons that this title is remembered so fondly. To close, Fire Emblem: Awakening served not only as a fine entry into the Fire Emblem series but also as one of the best 3DS games of all time.

1. Yo-kai Watch 2

For our final entry, we have a title that many players may or may not have played. The Yo-kai Watch series, as a whole, is one that had a bit of trouble making its foothold in Western markets. However, the quality of the games within this franchise based on the popular Yo-kai Watch IP was nothing short of fantastic. Players could capture spirits and help them along their journey. And the second game in the series saw many improvements over its predecessor.

Players are able to befriend these spirits in a way that feels much more personable than in the Pokemon franchise. This led the game to receive a lot of love among fans of the series. This resulted in the game ultimately becoming not only one of the most beloved but one of the best-selling Nintendo 3DS titles. In short, Yo-kai Watch 2 is a game that deserves to be remembered for the phenomenal experience it gave players. And for these reasons, we consider it to be one of the best Nintendo 3DS games of all time.

So, what's your take on our picks for the Best Nintendo 3DS Games of All Time? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.