Is the Nintendo 3DS Worth Buying in 2026? A Resounding Yes for Retro Gamers

The Nintendo 3DS is absolutely still worth buying and playing in 2022, despite being discontinued over 2 years ago. With its massive library of over 1,400 games filled with classics, yet being very affordable now, the 3DS provides tremendous value for gamers looking to enjoy its excellent selection of titles.

Let‘s take an in-depth look at why the 3DS remains a great system to pick up even in 2022.

Overview of the Hardware and Features

First, let‘s recap what exactly the Nintendo 3DS line of systems is. The 3DS is Nintendo‘s eighth generation handheld game console, originally released in February 2011. It utilized stereoscopic 3D visuals without needing any special glasses, which was a first for a video game console.

The 3DS featured some major improvements over the previous Nintendo DS line:

• Faster processing power
• Dual widescreens – one being a touchscreen
• Built-in cameras, gyroscope, microphone, motion control
• StreetPass allowed sharing data like Mii avatars when passing by other 3DS systems
• SpotPass received updates and digital content via internet connection
• Mii Maker to create personalized Mii avatars
• Virtual Console offered downloadable legacy games

Over the years, Nintendo released improved versions of the 3DS hardware:

The newer models fixed issues some had with the original like small screens and short battery life. Also the 2DS models gave a cheaper option by removing the 3D.

Overall the 3DS family of systems provided an excellent handheld gaming experience. The clamshell design with dual screens made gaming comfortable anywhere. The visuals and controls were a noticeable step above previous Nintendo handhelds.

Massive Game Library of Over 1,400 Titles

Now let‘s talk about the biggest reason why the Nintendo 3DS remains worth buying in 2022 – its gigantic game library. The 3DS can play:

• 3DS Games – The system saw over 1,000 games made exclusively for the 3DS, with many being truly must-play titles. Some highlights include:

  • Super Mario 3D Land – Excellent 3D Mario platforming
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – Arguably the best top-down Zelda game
  • Fire Emblem Awakening – Revived the Fire Emblem series with its fantastic strategy RPG gameplay
  • Pokemon X & Y – Big leap forward for Pokemon on 3D graphics
  • Animal Crossing: New Leaf – The best Animal Crossing game, perfect for relaxing gameplay
  • The Legend of Zelda: Majora‘s Mask 3D – Remake of the N64 classic Zelda
  • Mario Kart 7 – Mario Kart on the go with online multiplayer
  • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS – Huge roster of fighters to battle as on the go
  • Kirby: Planet Robobot – Creative Kirby title with robots and mechs
  • Bravely Default – Throwback JRPG lauded for its story and gameplay

• Nintendo DS Games – The 3DS is backward compatible with the entire Nintendo DS library of over 1,400 games. This includes phenomenal titles like:

  • New Super Mario Bros. – Excellent 2D Mario platforming
  • Mario Kart DS – The dual screen Mario Kart that you can now play online via 3DS
  • The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass – Cool stylus-controlled Zelda adventure
  • Animal Crossing: Wild World – Laidback life sim in a village of animals
  • Chrono Trigger DS – The legendary RPG re-released for DS with added content
  • 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors – Narrative focused puzzle/adventure game
  • Metroid Prime Hunters – Underrated first person adventure in the Metroid series
  • Advance Wars: Dual Strike – Strategic turn-based military game
  • Mario & Luigi: Bowser‘s Inside Story – Hilarious Mario RPG epic
  • Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver – Remakes of the beloved second generation of Pokemon games

• Virtual Console – Digital releases of classic games from Nintendo‘s past systems, like:

  • Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance games
  • NES and Super NES titles
  • Sega Game Gear games

Being able to experience so many legendary Nintendo games on one system for cheap is an absolute treat. Just the 3DS exclusive library alone is staggering. But having the entire DS and Virtual Console libraries on top of that is almost too good to be true!

To put into perspective how bountiful the 3DS game library is, there are over 4,000 games playable when accounting for all three categories. That amount of content would take years to play through.

Simply put, the 3DS gives access to the best and most diverse library a Nintendo handheld has ever seen.

Affordable Price Since Being Discontinued

Another great reason the 3DS is still worth getting in 2022 is its affordability. Since it was discontinued over 2 years ago in September 2020, prices for 3DS consoles and games have become very cheap.

Here are some average prices from eBay for 3DS hardware in good used condition:

Of course limited edition models can sell for more. But regular models can be bought for quite affordable rates. Considering brand new 3DS models used to cost $169.99 or more, being able to buy them at nearly half that price or less is a steal.

The games are likewise very cheap now. Lots of titles go for $20 or under, with some as low as $10 if you get a good deal. Even more rare games tend to stay under $60.

Given the large amount of gameplay they provide, 3DS games are an amazing value. As an example, you could spend a couple hundred dollars building a sizable library of 20+ quality 3DS games. That would provide hundreds of hours of entertainment for a very low cost-per-hour.

For gamers who may have missed out on the 3DS in its prime, now is the perfect time to build an affordable game collection.

Online Play Still Works in 2022

While the Nintendo 3DS is discontinued as far as new hardware production, Nintendo has stated they will keep online services running for the system until at least March of 2024. This means all the great online play functionality of the 3DS will continue to work flawlessly for at least another year.

The 3DS has some fun online features like:

• Battling and trading Pokemon with other players in X/Y, Sun/Moon, etc.
• Visiting dream versions of towns in Animal Crossing New Leaf
• Competing in races worldwide in Mario Kart 7
• Battling in Super Smash Bros. For 3DS
• Sharing Mii avatars via StreetPass
• Receiving game updates via SpotPass

So the unique social aspects and multiplayer of the 3DS will still be fully accessible going into 2023. Being able to experience these games the way they were meant to be played online is great.

Down the line, even when online play gets discontinued, local wireless functionality will continue working for games that support it. So you can still battle Pokemon and race in Mario Kart against friends nearby.

Of course single player games will be completely unaffected. But having online still fully working in 2022 is just an added benefit for the system‘s longevity.

Great Handheld Gaming Device for On the Go

The 3DS also remains a fantastic handheld gaming system you can take anywhere thanks to its portable design. The clamshell form factor with dual screens allows it to easily fit into a backpack, purse, or even large pocket.

Its battery lasts for around 3-6 hours of playtime depending on settings, with the newer models like New 3DS XL lasting the longest. So you can enjoy a good gaming session on the go before needing to recharge.

The top 3D screen is bright, sharp, and displays 16.7 million colors, making games look fantastic. The lower touchscreen lets you interact directly with the action in many titles. And the controls like the responsive buttons and analog Circle Pad provide smooth, precise control.

While you can play 3DS games on the Nintendo Switch via emulation, doing so loses the dual screen experience that makes many of the games work so well. The 3DS‘s unique hardware design truly enhances the handheld gameplay.

Having the ability to play such a deep library anywhere brings out the magic in many of the titles. Games like Animal Crossing, Pokemon, and Zelda feel remarkably immersive when you can take the experience everywhere you go. The real-world context makes memories with the games stronger and more special.

My Personal Experience and Recommendation

As an avid gamer and tech enthusiast who has owned every major Nintendo handheld, I can confidently say the 3DS has an exceptionally strong case for still being worth buying in 2022. Its stellar game library provides an unparalleled amount of amazing game experiences at this point.

The original model I bought on launch day back in 2011 for $249 ended up being an expensive paperweight at first. With the lack of games for several months, I heavily regretted buying it for so much. But once the masterpieces started rolling in, the system really hit its stride and impressed me.

Now over a decade later in 2022, seeing how my 3DS game collection and playtime on the system has grown to be my largest of any console, I absolutely recommend the system for today‘s gamers. Being able to acquire the 3DS and games for such reasonable prices these days makes its value almost unbeatable.

While the Nintendo Switch succeeds the 3DS as Nintendo‘s latest system, it‘s still early in its lifespan. The Switch has big shoes to fill if it wants to build a game library as massive and full of classics as the 3DS achieved. As of 2022, the 3DS still provides a bigger bang for your buck.

Sure, the 3DS lacks some modern features like HD graphics, apps, streaming services, and achievements. But as a dedicated gaming handheld that you can bring everywhere, it‘s hard to beat when it comes to pure fun.

If you appreciate Nintendo‘s first party franchises or enjoy AAA handheld gaming experiences the likes of which are rare to see today, the Nintendo 3DS is a no-brainer purchase for 2022. There are so many all-time greats demanding to be played. And the 3D visuals still manage to impress and enhance games in cool ways.

In summary:

Yes, absolutely 100% the Nintendo 3DS is still worth buying and playing in 2022. For gamers who want to enjoy the outstanding legacy of games the system offers for an affordable price, it‘s one of the best values in gaming.