Mar 17, 2023Feature
With Nintendo announcing a portable only Nintendo Switch that is now commonly seen as the successor to the much beloved but aged 3DS, we thought it would be a great idea to take a look at the Nintendo 3DS. This handheld console was first released in February of 2011. The console has since sold nearly 75 million units and features a library of more than 1297 games. We took 15 of the most popular and overall best received games and listed them right here for you! Join us on a journey through The 15 Best 3DS Games.
Nintendo recently announced that you will no longer be able to to purchase games from the Nintendo 3DS eShop beginning end of March, 2023.
As a tribute, I have collaborated a list of what I think were some of the 15 best games for Nintendo 3DS.
If you love your Nintendo Switch, or planning on getting one check out our Top 5 Game Ports and Wii U ports we would love to see on Nintendo Switch.
Of course this game was going to make the list. Animal Crossing: New Leaf is by far one of the most entertaining, family friendly, pick-up-able games of all time. Rated 88/100 by Metacritic, the game is even better than previous entries due to it’s improved characters, dialogue and game features. Oh, and also due to the fact that you can fire Resetti. That too.
As you attempt to discover what happened to your missing brother, you venture into the desert, make allies, and work together to create a perfect oasis. Rated 8.9/10 by IGN and described by them as “fun instead of tedious”, this action-adventure RPG was well-received despite it’s tardiness in joining the 3DS in 2017.
Fire Emblem awakening received widespread critical acclaim, and still holds a score of 92/100 on Metacritic. Shortly after it’s release, this tactical RPG earned a place on both GameSpot and IGN’s list of best 3DS games.
The English localisation of Kid Icarus: Uprising was highly anticipated after it’s announcement. Scoring 83/100 on Metacritic, Nintendo Power described the mythology themed third-person shooter game as “well worth the wait.”
Released in June 2014, Shovel Knight is an 8-bit 2D side-scrolling platform game. Winning numerous awards, the game is held in very high regard and is described as “a brilliant homage to a bygone era.” The game currently holds a rating of 90/100 on Metacritic and 9/10 on IGN.
Released in December 2011, Mario Kart 7 holds a rating of 85/100 and 9/10 by Metacritic and IGN respectively. The game honours traditional Mario Kart games, whilst also introducing new features such as characters, tracks and power-ups. I’m sorry to say that Rainbow Road is unfortunately still a thing. D̶i̶e̶ ̶a̶l̶r̶e̶a̶d̶y̶.
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Being the remake of a highly regarded game, upon its release in 2011 the game unsurprisingly received critical acclaim. The game was given a score of 94/100 on Metacritic, a 10/10 by Eurogamer and 98% by the Official Nintendo Magazine, who called it “a life-changing game”.
Majora’s Mask was also a remake of an original Zelda game. Like Ocarina of time 3D, the game features graphical improvements and new features to make gameplay smoother and richer. Released in 2015, the game was rated 89/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by GameSpot. Not too shabby.
Released in 2013, A Link Between Worlds is in some people’s opinion, the best Zelda game for 3DS. Scoring 91/100 on Metacritic and a 10/10 by Nintendo Life, a Polygon reviewer went as far as claiming it to be the “best Zelda game in past twenty years”.
Monster Hunter Generations is an action RPG released worldwide in 2016. Receiving a rating of 85/100 by Metacritic and 8/10 by IGN, many liked the continuity from previous entries, as well as new features, such as the ability to play as a felyne. A rise in the purchase of 3DS consoles occurred as a result.
This puzzle game is the last game in the Professor Layton prequel trilogy. It is also the last to feature Professor Layton as the Protagonist (sad reactz only). With over 500 new puzzles and a variety of environments to explore, the game was well received. It is currently rated 81/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by Eurogamer.
Super Mario 3D Land is a Mario platform game released in 2011. The game was well received, with gaming critics praising the game’s creativity and technical design. Game Informer liked the game so much they cited it as “easily the best reason to own a 3DS.” The game is currently rated 90/100 on Metacritic and 9.5/10 by IGN.
Bravely Default is an RPG published in 2012. Set in the fantasy world of Luxendarc, the game utilises a turn-based battle system and job system. Rated 85/100 by Metacritic and 8.5/10 by Gamespot, the game often features on lists of top 3DS games.
Super Smash Bros. 3DS is the latest entry to the popular crossover fighting series. Released in 2014, the game received critical praise and holds ratings of 85/100 on Metacritic and 8.8/10 by IGN. With Nintendo characters such as Kirby, Link and Mario, and new third party characters such as Pac-man and Bayonetta, the game caters for a wide audience.
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Released in 2016, many strongly believe Pokémon Sun and Moon are the best 3DS Pokémon games. Rated 87/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by IGN, critics praised the change from the formula used by previous Pokémon games. IGN praised the game for creating “an engaging adventure that improves on its predecessors.”
If you love your Nintendo Switch, or planning on getting one check out our Top 5 Game Ports and Wii U ports we would love to see on Nintendo Switch. As well as Hokko Life a game truly worth comparing to Animal Crossing.
Mar 27, 2021Animal Crossing
It has been exactly 10 years since Nintendo launched the 3DS in North America. The handheld console may have had a rough start with a price tag a little too high but once Nintendo listened to its fanbase the handheld quickly become a fans favorite gaming machine and has sold more than 75 million units since its original launch back in February 2011.
With the Nintendo Switch just recently celebrating its third birthday, I thought it would be a great idea to take a look at the Nintendo 3DS. This handheld console was first released in February of 2011. The 3DS features a library of more than 1297 games – I took 15 of the cutest ones and listed them right here for you! Join me on a journey through The 15 Best Cute 3DS Games.
I also compiled a list of my 15 favorite Nintendo 3DS games, so if case you missed that list, check it out! This time I am being a little more specific. Kawaii lovers rejoice! Here are some of the 15 cutest 3DS games.
Jul 4, 2020Mobile Game
Level-5 have recently announced that a HD version of Professor Layton and The Lost Future launches for mobile this month. Set to release on both iOS and Android devices on the 13th July, the game is an enhanced port of the Nintendo DS version, which released over a decade ago! As a HD port, the game will have significantly improved graphics and cutscenes in comparison to the 2008 original version.
Professor Layton and The Lost Future is the third game in the first Professor Layton game trilogy. However, the first trilogy chronologically takes place after the events of the three games in the second trilogy. A little confusing, but the puzzle games are enjoyable nonetheless.
Just like the chronology of the Professor Layton games series, the plots can also be slightly confusing initially, albeit very clever. However, the mystery of each game always becomes clear by the end of each game, owing to the sharp-witted Professor Layton.
In a nutshell, Professor Layton and the Lost Future starts with the professor receiving a letter from his apprentice, Luke. This may not seem strange, but the ‘Luke’ writing the letter claims to be from ten years in the future. He initially thinks that Luke is playing a trick on him, until he recalls the events of a week ago. At an unveiling ceremony of a supposedly fully-working time machine, a disaster occurs. The time machine explodes, and a number of people have disappeared, including the Prime Minister.
Deciding to follow the instructions of Future Luke, The Professor and Luke head to a clock shop on Midland Road. After a seemingly small earthquake-type experience whilst inside, the duo are dumbfounded upon exiting the shop. To their utter disbelief, their surroundings are entirely different, and they discover multiple things that suggest that they have travelled into the future.
Dubious as ever, the Professor is determined to uncover what exactly is going on. He’s certain that he is not in fact in a future version of London. However, he is not certain of who he can trust.
Whilst no price has yet been confirmed, the two previous games in the series to get HD mobile ports both cost £9.99 each.
In celebration of the HD remake of the game, Level-5 are hosting a competition. You can create a piece of artwork relating to Professor Layton and The Lost Future and then post it to Twitter with a short sentence on why you chose to create that specific piece of art. The winner will receive a diorama of Professor Layton’s office, alongside a pure gold Professor Layton art card. Five runners-up will also receive a pure gold art card. The competition closes on the 31st July. You can find out more about the art competition here.
Jun 27, 2020Animal Crossing
It is likely painfully obvious that MyPotatoGames adores Animal Crossing. Additionally, as a website that provides wholesome video game news, it seemed imperative to create the following article. An article that is a crossover between Animal Crossing: New Horizons and various games which get a thumbs up from MPG.
It is true that we have featured some video game design ID codes in previous articles. However, this crossover article features a huge variety of some seriously cool video game-themed Animal Crossing: New Horizons designs that you can use in the game.
Getting the custom designs app on your NookPhone will allow you to create your own designs and to scan QR codes created by others into your game. However, in regards to clothing with QR codes, you will only be able to place tiles, or wear designs as tank tops. However, you can use Nook Miles to purchase the Pro Design upgrade. The upgrade can be purchased from the Nook Stop terminal at Residents Services for a reasonable 800 Nook Miles.
This will allow you to create different items of clothing as ‘Pro Designs’. There are various types of clothing you can then choose from. Examples include balloon-hem dresses, hoodies, sweaters, coats and more. You can also scan QR codes of Pro Designs from New Leaf.
However, to do this, you need to unlock the Able Sisters clothing shop on your island. In New Horizons, the Able Sisters don’t just sell clothing. The prickly pair have a curious kiosk located at the back of their store. Here, you can save and share designs made in Animal Crossing: New Horizons via Creator ID codes, or Individual Design ID codes.
Providing you have a Switch Online Membership, (and have purchased the Pro Design upgrade), you can use this feature. And despite the game being just a few months old, there are already an astounding number of awesome fanmade designs via the kiosk’s portal. Here are just a few of the best gaming-themed ones:
And as the top potato of MyPotatoGames, Henry naturally had to have his very own t shirt as well 😆🥔
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out some awesome Pop Culture Design ID codes for New Horizons here.
Nov 8, 2019Quick Bits
Since the initial release of Professor Layton and The Curious Village for Nintendo DS back in 2007, Level 5’s Professor Layton crime-solving puzzle games have become a firm favourite with gamers worldwide. It’s therefore no surprise that Level-5 decided to port their most recent spinoff game, Layton’s Mystery Journey to the Nintendo Switch console.
First we received the beautiful box art and now to celebrate the release of LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch in North America today, Nintendo released the launch trailer for the popular mystery solving game.
Layton’s Mystery journey is now available on Nintendo Switch, you can secure your physical copy of the game right here it is currently on sale for only $32.88.
Check out my best picks for crime and mystery solving games right here.
Oct 11, 2019News
Since the initial release of Professor Layton and The Curious Village for Nintendo DS back in 2007, Level 5’s Professor Layton crime-solving puzzle games have become a firm favourite with gamers worldwide. It’s therefore no surprise that Level-5 decided to port their most recent spinoff game, Layton’s Mystery Journey to the Nintendo Switch console.
The game’s full name, Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition (what a mouhtful!) will be released on November 8th of this year; right in time for the magical holidays. It will be available to purchase both digitally and physically.
On October 9th, Nintendo revealed the following charming box-art for the Nintendo Switch deluxe version on Twitter.
In the 3DS version of the game, The notorious Professor Layton is absent. Layton’s Mystery Journey stars the Professor’s previously unmentioned daughter Katrielle as the Protagonist. Katrielle has undoubtedly inherited her father’s intelligence, but sometimes has people dubious due to her ‘gut feelings’. She is also a little more outspoken and disorganised than her gentlemanly father.
The Professor has been missing for quite some time, and Katrielle is starting to become worried. Nevertheless, she decides continue her father’s legacy and sets up the Layton Detective Agency. Alongside her talking dog (Sherl), her infatuated assistant (Ernest Greeves), and her rival (Emiliana Perfetti) she tackles various difficult cases presented to her by fellow Londoners. The mysteries are often odd, with unexpected culprits, which makes the game unpredictable and interesting.
The game is similar to previous games in the series due to the ability to find and solve puzzles, explore surroundings, collect items, and play minigames. It differs in that instead of having one main storyline with chapters.
The Deluxe version for the Switch however, has a few added features to enjoy. To read more about these, click here.
Oct 10, 2019Feature
If you live in Japan, you might have already seen the new Detective Pikachu movie in theaters last weekend. For those of us living in the US, Canada, or UK, we have to wait until May 10th, 2019. Some countries may have to wait a couple days sooner or even several days later.
The upcoming live-action Detective Pikachu movie is based off the 3DS game of the same name. Play as Tim Goodman and team up with a talking Pikachu to solve mysteries around Ryme City. Furthermore, these strange occurrences happening around the town may or may not be related to the sudden disappearance of Tim’s father.
If you love this movie as much as I do, check out my list below of our top recommended games (in no particular order) that include plenty of detective work in order to solve crimes. Perhaps these games will scratch your itch for the mystery genre until you can see Pikachu in all his “Sherlockian” glory. All games are available to play now so happy sleuthing everyone!
Layton’s Mystery Journey, developed by Level-5, follows Professor Hershel Layton’s daughter, Katrielle. Solve puzzles alongside her talking dog Sherl and her friends Emiliana Perfetti and Ernest Greeves. When her father vanishes, Katrielle goes off in search of him, coming across various puzzles and mysteries along the way. You can play this game on the Nintendo 3DS now. However, you may want to wait as the game was confirmed to be released to the West on the Nintendo Switch this year.
The trilogy combines all three original games including: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations. Although most of the action happens inside of a courtroom as you’re a defense attorney, you’re still tasked with investigating and finding evidence at the scene of the crime. You also have to discover who is innocent and who is guilty via cross-examinations. I’ve covered the game here and it’s available now on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Trüberbrook is set in rural Germany in the late 1960s. Play as an American physicist, Hans Tannhauser, on a vacation and discover why your notes of your dissertation on quantum physics have been stolen. As you begin to investigate this health resort and town you notice something odd is happening. Speak to villagers, travelers, and spa guests to get to the bottom of this mystery! Trüberbrook is available now for PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
L.A. Noire (Rockstar Games) blends the breathtaking action with true detective work for an unprecedented interactive experience. Solve brutal crimes, plots, and conspiracies inspired by real crimes from 1947 Los Angeles. This post-war boom of Hollywood’s Golden Age was one of the most corrupt and violent times in L.A. history. Search for clues as Cole Phelps, an LAPD detective, chase down suspects, and interrogate witnesses as you struggle to find the truth in a city where everyone has something to hide. If you want to watch the Nintendo Switch trailer, I’ve got that here for you.
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments is developed by Frogwares and published by Focus Home Interactive. It’s available for PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One since 2014. This game makes this the oldest one on our list but it is definitely still a must-play crime-solving game. Step into the role of the most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and use his amazing talent for deduction.
The setting is in London and its suburbs in 1894 and 1895. The gameplay is largely focused on finding the right culprit and making the moral choice of absolving or condemning them. Furthermore, Sherlock Holmes is split into six cases of murders, disappearances, and thefts, written in the tradition of Doyle novels. We’ve also listed this game under Most Calming Games to Cozy Up and Help You Relax.
An economy crisis has hit Thimbleweed Park as well as a murder. Two FBI agents, Ray and Reyes, have come to solve the case. Switch between five playable characters and discover the secrets hidden in this town with a creepy and dark atmosphere (but still with a sense of humor). Thimbleweed Park is a point-and-click adventure game developed by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick for PC, mobile devices, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. Find out more about this game with us here.
Oxenfree, developed by Night School Studio, is a story-driven, supernatural adventure where choices you make affect the outcome of the game and your relationship with other characters. You play as Alex, a young teenager, who brings her new stepbrother to an overnight party on an island. That island used to house a military base but it was decommissioned. When Alex tried to tune an old radio, she inadvertently opened a dimensional rift. While you’re all being haunted by ghosts, discover the secrets of the island and close the rift. This game might give you a bit of a “Blair Witch” vibe but is a lot less terrifying. See photos and more information about Oxenfree here.
The story follows Edith Finch as she makes her way through her family’s old house that her late mother Dawn would never let her explore. This is because her mother chose to seal up all the doors in an attempt to hide her family from a curse that has taken the lives of many other family members in strange and mysterious ways.
Make your way through the house and discover the stories of her family members and how each of them died. This game will seem like you are merely just watching a movie as there aren’t that many puzzles to solve but if you pay close attention, you may be able to piece together some clues yourself. We, myPotatoGames, have a review here for you in case you’re interested in taking a look before playing!
Firewatch is a first-person simulation and adventure game developed by Campo Santo. Set in 1989, you play as a man named Henry who is a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness. Something strange leads you to explore the nearby forest, forcing you to make decisions that can both build and destroy relationships. Talk on a walkie-talkie with your supervisor Delilah and stumble upon a conspiracy and mystery of years past. The visually beautiful game is available now for the PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Interested in simpler, more relaxing Facebook games that have puzzles and investigations? We’ve got you covered with our article of Most Popular Crime Investigation Games on Facebook.
Jul 13, 2019News
Layton’s Mysteries games have long been a fans favorite crime solving and puzzle game on the Nintendo 3DS, now that Level-5 announced the upcoming Switch port, we can finally take the game onto the big screen.
The Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition – yes that is the actual name – has gone up for pre-orders on Amazon. If you want to reserve one, to add it to your collection you can do so now for $39.99. Amazon lists the edition for a release date on November 8th of this year, just right in time for the magical holidays.
Check out our coverage from earlier, for more information on the upcoming deluxe edition. If you are looking for more games to carry you over, take a looksie at our top 10 favorite crime solving games.