The 28 best Nintendo 3DS games of all time, according to our reviews (2014)
Essential games for your new console
There are so many games on the Nintendo 3DS, it can be a struggle to know where to start. And if you just got the console now, for Christmas or some other winter-based holiday, there are more games to sift through than ever.
To help you out, we've used our handy Buyer's Guide to pick out the best reviewed 3DS games in Pocket Gamer - from the console's launch in March 2011 to today, in December 2014.
Buy any of these games for your new console and you're guaranteed a good time.
Pokemon X and Y - Retail and eShop
"A true evolution of the series, Pokemon X and Y is the most important, expansive, exciting monster-battling title since the earlier days of the franchise."
Pullblox - eShop
"Move over Minesweeper, ta ta Tetris, leave it out Lemmings - Pullblox is the new puzzling gaming god in town."
Fire Emblem: Awakening - Retail and eShop
"Strategy role-playing at its finest, Fire Emblem: Awakening marries sophistication and character development in a way rarely found in the genre."
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - Retail and eShop
"Ocarina of Time 3D is, and forever will be, pure unadulterated bliss, taking the original title and making it essential gaming all over again."
SteamWorld Dig - eShop
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you SteamWorld Dig: Your new favourite Nintendo 3DS game."
Fallblox - eShop
"If Pullblox was the game that pulled you into the series, Fallblox is the game to make you fall in love with it. Awe-inspiring."
Scribblenauts Unlimited - Retail and eShop
"Scribblenauts Unlimited hones the original's open creativity concept, and comes away with a fine-tuned must-have experience."
Heroes of Ruin - Retail and eShop
"Heroes of Ruin is a landmark 3DS release, providing true online gaming that will keep you entertained from start to finish."
Luigi's Mansion 2: Dark Moon - Retail and eShop
"Mario could learn a trick or two from his brother, as Luigi's Mansion 2: Dark Moon stakes its claim as one of the most essential titles available for Nintendo 3DS."
Hydroventure: Spin Cycle - eShop
"A slick physics-based puzzler and gorgeous to boot, Hydroventure: Spin Cycle needs a spot on your Nintendo 3DS."
Art of Balance Touch! - eShop
"The 3DS eShop scores another whopper, as Art of Balance Touch! is essential puzzle gaming."
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call - Retail and eShop
"If you are a Final Fantasy or rhythm game fan don't even hesitate to pick up Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call."
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask - Retail and eShop
"Professor Layton's move to Nintendo 3DS is a hugely successful one, as Miracle Mask is one of the best Layton games to date."
Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire - Retail and eShop
"Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire brings back and adds some great features, but not without cutting out some of the standards set in Pokémon X and Y."
Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Retail and eShop
"This is quite simply the best Animal Crossing has ever been. Fans of the series are in for an expanded treat, and newcomers will find fresh delights in its relaxed gameplay."
Mario Kart 7 - Retail and eShop
"The 3DS gains itself another must-have title – a solid combination of timeless racing and robust online multiplayer that will be enjoyed for years to come."
Super Smash Bros for 3DS - Retail and eShop
"Super Smash Bros is as fast, frenetic, and wonderfully satisfying on handheld. And this pint size version has more of everything - including fighters, trophies, and modes."
VVVVVV - eShop
"Got a 3DS? Get VVVVVV. Essential indie gaming, now on the go."
Kirby: Triple Deluxe - Retail and eShop
"Completely wonderful in every way, Kirby: Triple Deluxe is a must for fans of the franchise, and anyone who enjoys the platforming genre."
Gunman Clive - eShop
"A great mobile offering just got even better, as Gunman Clive emerges as one of the best platformers on the 3DS."
Weapon Shop de Omasse - eShop
"Between its nods to the RPGs with which we grew up, memorable characters, and moreish gameplay components, Weapon Shop de Omasse is the shining gem of the Guild series."
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team Bros - Retail and eShop
"Mario & Luigi: Dream Team Bros. is a welcoming, massive, varied, and superbly executed RPG for all to enjoy."
Shin Megami Tensei IV - Retail and eShop
"Like a bottle of fine scotch, SMT IV won't be for everyone - but those RPG enthusiasts who can appreciate its subtlety and challenge will cherish it for years to come."
StarFox 64 3D - Retail
"StarFox 64 3D reminds us why we've been begging Nintendo for a proper sequel for nearly 15 years."
Shovel Knight - eShop
"Dig out some eShop credits: you're not going to want to miss ye olde Shovel Knight."
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward - Retail and eShop
"Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is a mature, sophisticated, and delightfully dark whodunnit adventure."
Super Mario 3D Land - Retail and eShop
"Time to dust off that 3DS and let Mario do what he does best - Super Mario 3D Land is pure entertainment from start to finish."
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse - eShop (US only)
"Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is packed full of good times guaranteed to please fans of platforming games."
