While the console is essentially dead, the Nintendo 3DS has one of the most robust libraries stacked full of quality titles, even if that wasn't always the case. When Nintendo's handheld originally launched it was looking like it would be a failure. Thankfully, the console's tides turned and it's now considered one of the greatest handhelds of all time, in no small part because players loved the library of brilliant games they could check out on the successor to the legendary Nintendo DS.

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It makes sense to celebrate the best titles from this great handheld, but many 3DS players have likely covered the big guns in the console's library at this point. Instead, it seemed like a good idea to focus on the 3DS hidden gems that may have flown under the radar. After all, this handheld is the reason why Nintendo managed to stay afloat after the Wii U bombed spectacularly. This was mainly due to the wealth of amazing games on this system, with some underrated 3DS games not getting the time in the spotlight that they deserved.

Updated on April 19, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: The Nintendo 3DS is arguably one of the most important consoles Nintendo has ever developed. After the colossal failure of the Wii U, the only thing keeping the company afloat was the sales of this amazing portable console that was host to some of the best video games ever made. In fact, the library of the 3DS is so vast that a lot of amazing games on this console didn't really get a lot of time to shine, with some of these titles being classified as underrated gems that deserved way more love than they got. It may be hard to get one's hands on a working 3DS at this point, but players who don't mind investing their funds can own some of the most underappreciated games on the console that didn't make it big for a variety of reasons.

25 Attack On Titan: Humanity In Chains

An Excellent And Challenging Collection Of Rhythm-Based Minigames

Attack on Titan will go down in history as one of the greatest anime ever made. A relatively straightforward series about saving humanity from the threat of the Titans transformed into something magical, with many people loving the themes and motifs that are explored in the latter half of the series and how it tells a human tale that is extremely relatable in many disturbing ways.

A game that focuses on hunting Titans and glorifying their kills may be missing the point of the series, but this is a small complaint in the grand scheme of things when players get their hands on Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains. Sure, the title may suffer from the 3DS' limitations, but players willing to look past some of the title's faults will find themselves enjoying a fairly decent game that makes the most of the Attack on Titan IP.

24 Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden

An Excellent And Challenging Collection Of Rhythm-Based Minigames

Most people know Arc System Works as the developers behind the amazing Dragon Ball FighterZ, which is easily one of the best Dragon Ball games ever made. However, shades of this game's brilliance could be seen in another Dragon Ball fighting game that was released prior to this title, which was a successful release in many ways despite having some issues that were ironed out in their later releases.

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden features some amazing sprite work and fun fighting gameplay that makes it a blast to play through. The story mode may be a bit too lean for most people's tastes, but that's a small price to pay for a game that makes the most of the 3DS hardware to let players enjoy some fun gameplay as they try to nail the best combos and show their enemies who's boss.

23 The Amazing Spider-Man

An Excellent And Challenging Collection Of Rhythm-Based Minigames

Before players were graced with the brilliance of Insomniac's Spider-Man games, players had to contend with a wealth of half-baked movie spin-off titles that showed a lot of promise but didn't really do anything too unique or innovative to help them stand out as good video games. Most people would label the 3DS in the same bracket, but this game actually has a lot more to show than most people would assume.

The side-scrolling combat gets the job done and serves as a decent adaptation of the first Amazing Spider-Man movie. Along with this, there's a Vigilante game mode that includes strategy elements to let players enjoy a fresh change of pace from the usual action-packed gameplay of the main game mode.

22 Rhythm Heaven Megamix

An Excellent And Challenging Collection Of Rhythm-Based Minigames

Rhythm Heaven is a series that many fans of tough rhythm-based games will have a great time with. Despite what seems like a simple gameplay loop, the charming presentation of Rhythm Heaven and its vast catalog of tough games make it worth checking out for most fans.

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It can be surprisingly challenging, but players who give Rhythm Heaven Megamix a chance will be more than astounded by what's on offer here. The challenge is more than welcome for fans who will get into the groove of things in no time at all!

21 Crimson Shroud

A Great Story With An Unwavering Focus On Tabletop RPGs

Most people know Level-5 as the developers of the Professor Layton and Ni no Kuni series. However, there are numerous titles that this talented developer has produced, and it's a shame that the vast majority of them haven't seen the respect and recognition they deserve. One such title is Crimson Shroud, a JRPG that relies heavily on dice rolls to decide the many outcomes in combat.

The game is designed by Yasumi Matsuno, a video game designer who played a huge role in the creation of Ivalice, a world present in Final Fantasy that has been explored time and time again. For all the big names behind this title, Crimson Shroud has become a forgotten fragment of video game history, which is a downright shame.

20 Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends Of The Titan

A Great Entry In A Long-Running Dungeon-Crawling Series That Demands The Player's Attention

Pretty much every Etrian Odyssey title on the 3DS can be a solid candidate for being some of the most underrated games on the handheld. While it's true that these games can be pretty challenging at times, players who come to grips with the gameplay systems and how they synergize with each other are bound to love the hardcore dungeon-crawler gameplay of Etrian Odyssey 4.

The simple premise of this game may turn off many people from enjoying this experience, but it's the scintillating combat of the series that has served as the major draw. There's a ton of depth to this system, and players who may be struggling with the game's enemies need to do some research if they don't want to hit a brick wall over and over again during their playthrough.

19 Fantasy Life

A Unique Combination Of The Life Sim Genre With JRPG Gameplay

Another game by Level-5 that was lauded by fans and critics alike yet never attained the popularity it deserved, Fantasy Life is a unique gem of a title that combines simulation elements with the hallmarks of the JRPG genre. The end result is a game that is jam-packed with content and is pretty light-hearted to boot.

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Fantasy Life was a perfect game for a portable device like the 3DS, letting players whip out the console and do a quick job or two before putting it down again. Not all JRPGs need to feature world-ending stories with godlike beings pulling the strings — sometimes, most players just crave the simpler things in life, and Fantasy Life definitely fits the bill in this context.

18 Resident Evil Revelations

A Highly Underrated Chapter In The Resident Evil Series

The Nintendo 3DS featured a lot of great family-friendly games, but that doesn't mean the console was adverse to Teen titles or Mature offerings. A good example of this shift in tone was Resident Evil Revelations, a bit of a dark horse in the franchise. The release followed the iconic Jill Valentine as she and BSAA member Parker Luciani searched through an abandoned cruise ship for Chris Redfield.

It offers up the same classic Resident Evil-style gameplay that players had come to know and love, with a pretty unique backdrop in a sprawling cruise ship that's filled with an array of interesting locations and enemies.

17 Okami

A Beautiful Cel-Shaded Title With Zelda-esque Gameplay

Those looking for a 3D action platformer with some flair will definitely want to get their hands on Okami. It's easily one of the most beautiful games ever created, thanks to its overwhelmingly striking visual style that looks like a blend between cel-shading and a watercolor painting. Those who enjoy Japanese culture and are looking for something visually exciting to work their way through will find a lot to enjoy with Okami.

But the iconic title is much more than looks. Although it's a beautiful storybook-style adventure, there is a lot to enjoy about Okami's gameplay mechanics. This is one that should be experienced by all players.

16 The World Ends With You

A Stylistic Action-RPG With A Unique Story Set In Modern Tokyo

Those who enjoy the Kingdom Hearts series, specifically Chain of Memories, will likely be familiar with developer Jupiter. The team joined forces with Square Enix to craft their own series with The World Ends With You, an action RPG that brings fantastical elements and a very stylish flair to the modern age.

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The story follows a group of teens in Shibuya, toting an anime-style appearance and offering up fun combat elements and an array of other interesting mechanics that make it feel like its own adventure while simultaneously feeling "close" to other classic action RPG titles that 3DS owners may have played.

15 SteamWorld Dig 2

A Metroidvania Title Focused On A Large Underground Mine

Building on the sturdy foundation of their 2013 sleeper hit, Image & Form offers even more of the rewarding SteamWorld Dig gameplay to Nintendo's handheld, fleshing out the details and offering a more diverse, expansive world.

The experience can be described as a more accessible variant of Terraria sans the building - with its blend of platforming, combat, and resource-gathering. The game draws in players with its easy-to-learn mechanics and charming steampunk themes. Yet it keeps them hooked with its rewarding gameplay, along with a unique system of tools and steam-powered upgrades. SteamWorld Dig 2's pick-up-and-play sensibilities and interface prove a great match for the touch-enabled 3DS.

14 Project X Zone

A Crossover Tactical RPG Featuring Namco Bandai, Capcom, And Sega Characters

While Monolith Soft is known for crafting one of the most renowned RPG series on Nintendo platforms in Xenoblade, less known is this similarly fun tactical RPG from 2012. Project X Zone draws from a pool of properties from Namco Bandai, Capcom, and Sega - including Phoenix Wright and Legend of Valkyrie - and tosses them into a role-playing epic that spans 60 hours. Despite its vast scale, Project X Zone captivates the whole way with its amusing narrative, colorful characters, and fun combat which blends strategy and action.

Much like its Japanese-only predecessor from '05, Namco x Capcom, this romp serves as a memorable celebration of some of Japan's biggest gaming stars.

13 Tales Of The Abyss

An Excellent Tales Game With The Character Writing Being Its Biggest Highlight

Though it tends to be overlooked for being a port of a PS2 title, this Tales rendition on 3DS remains a fan-favorite, and arguably one of the best RPGs to grace the 3DS. As is typical in this beloved Namco series, Tales of the Abyss entices with its charming anime art style, along with a gripping story involving a downtrodden hero clashing with a nefarious power.

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The 3DS enhances the already fun, fast-paced combat of this ARPG with its solid use of touch controls, along with providing an easily viewable world map while traveling. This delightful adventure shines as one of the best hidden gems the handheld has to offer, as well as one of the longest, clocking in at 50 hours.

12 Heroes Of Ruin

A Classic Dungeon-Crawling Adventure

Those who have ever played a game in the Diablo series should get the base idea of Heroes of Ruin. Developed by n-Space and published by Square Enix, this isometric action RPG utilizes a lot of the 3DS' online capabilities like SpotPass and Street Pass, which allow players to trade items and complete daily challenges.

Taking place in a magical kingdom where a city's guardian has been cursed, players can customize their character and set out for some classic dungeon crawling either solo or with friends online. While Heroes of Ruin will never reach the heights of other Square Enix classics or the games it's been inspired by, it's a decent enough title to jump into and a solid entry on the 3DS.

11 Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

A Tactical Turn-Based RPG Set In The Ghost Recon Universe

Understandably, most gamers tend to have forgotten about a Ghost Recon game on the 3DS - if they knew it was there in the first place. But, that doesn't mean Ubisoft's turn-based tactical title should be overlooked. Taking notes from franchises like Fire Emblem, the Wars series, and even Final Fantasy Tactics, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars won't surprise in terms of basic gameplay, yet, the addition of cover mechanics makes the franchise feel fresh.

With multiple modes to play and a story that takes around 35 hours to complete, there's a lot to enjoy here. Somehow, despite all this, the game seems to have been overlooked.

10 Code Name: S.T.E.A.M

A Bizarre, Unique Tactical RPG That Deserves More Love

In many ways, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M feels like Nintendo's answer to Sega's Valkyria Chronicles series, but weirder. Named Lincoln vs Aliens in Japan, this title developed by Intelligent Systems mixes turn-based tactical gameplay with third-person action, as Abraham Lincoln takes on hordes of aliens in a steampunk-inspired adventure.

The game is equal parts bizarre and well-designed, being a truly perfect fit on the 3DS. Yet, for some reason, it seems like it's been ignored. Maybe it's because of its deep, more complex mechanics, or maybe there just isn't enough love for steampunk Abe Lincoln, but it's still a fantastic game.

9 Ever Oasis

A Fun Combination Of Town Management, Adventure Gameplay, And RPG Goodness

Inspired by the legendary Mana series, Grezzo's action RPG blends town management with classic adventure gameplay in a seamless way. With an overarching story of restoring a town, players must bring in new residents, help them out, and reap the rewards. They do so by taking on quests that require them to leave, meaning every decision made impacts one's little oasis.

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What makes this game so great, however, is that a player's progress isn't only seen through character stats. There is a real, tangible, visual development to see as a player's town moves from little sand dunes to a lush city full of life.

8 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked

An Excellent SMT Spinoff That Fans Of The Series Should Check Out

Shin Megami Tensei is one of the best RPG franchises around, and many of the series' best titles have a home on the 3DS. Now, the most popular may be Shin Megami Tensei 4 and its sequel, but Devil Survivor Overclocked is just as good.

As a remake of a fantastic 3DS title, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked takes the gameplay and plot — which sees modern-day Tokyo under attack by digital demons only our protagonist can stop, capture, and fuse — and extends it, updates the visuals, and provides more goodies from the original 2009 release.

7 Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy

A Fun Rhythm Game Covering Popular Final Fantasy Tunes

Final Fantasy is one of the longest-standing franchises in video game history, and its soundtrack is iconic. So, it's no surprise that Square-Enix tasked developer Indieszero with creating a title that celebrates a beloved part of the storied series.

Allowing players to develop a party of four consisting of characters from the first 13 games in the series, they will take on massive boss battles and play through entire stages all to the beats of some of the most iconic music in gaming. It's a celebration of Final Fantasy, and fans of the series need to play it.

6 Shinobi 3D

An Arcade-y Platformer That Makes For A Fun Time Indeed

At one point, before Sonic The Hedgehog, Shinobi's Joe Musashi was Sega's unofficial mascot. The 2D ninja platforming series may not have been the most popular franchise in the world, but there were some truly great games that are beloved to this day. Sega brought the franchise back on the 3DS with a fantastic side-scrolling adventure.

Putting players in the shoes of Joe's father, Jiro, who is transported 800 years into the future and even into outer space. While this game does retcon the long-time protagonist in the series' existence, it's a fantastic arcade-centric title on a system that doesn't have a lot of games like this in its library.