The 3DS released in 2011, but even 10 years later, games like Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire and Animal Crossing: New Leaf are still talked about in the Nintendo community to this day.
Although some fantastic games were released for the system over its lifetime, is the Nintendo 3DS worth buying?
Though you may be feeling left out in the cold for missing out on this great console during its heyday, there are a few of the things to look out for before buying a 3DS now.
Nintendo 3DS Pricing and Where to Buy One
When the 3DS first released in March, 2011, Nintendo set the price at $249. After the system had a slow start in sales due to a lack of compelling games available at launch, Nintendo then slashed the price to $169 after only five months on the market.
Nintendo even gave early adopters of the system some virtual console NES and GBA titles to make the higher price they paid for the console feel more worth it.
Due to the 3DS being much more difficult to find from reputable retailers 10 years after its release, a wide range of prices can be found online.
Nintendo 3DS Models Available to Buy
The Nintendo 3DS has had multiple models released in its lifetime, with some being more sought after than others due to having a nicer color or being a special edition version. Here is a quick rundown of the models that have been released, as well as the average price they're going for as of the writing of this article.
- Original Nintendo 3DS (2011): $200
- Nintendo 3DS XL (2012): $230
- Nintendo 2DS (2013): $160
- New Nintendo 3DS (2015): $250
- New Nintendo 3DS XL (2015): $300
- New Nintendo 2DS XL (2017): $260
Due to the manufacturing of all 3DS models having been discontinued in September, 2020, their prices will vary based on which editions are more sought after and the condition of each individual console. When looking for your 3DS online, make sure to search the exact model to get a better rundown of prices.
Usually, the best place to buy a preowned console is at a major retailer, such as Best Buy or GameStop; however, at the time of writing, 3DS consoles listed on the GameStop website are available based on individual stores only and cannot be bought online.
Gamers looking to get their hands on the last generation Nintendo console may have to settle for purchasing it with a third-party seller on eBay or Amazon, or through a retro game store like DK Oldies.
The Nintendo 3DS Boasts an Amazing Selection of Games
The best part of owning a 3DS now is still being able to play a wide range of fantastic, exclusive games that have been released in its 10-year lifespan.
Pokemon fans will find hours of enjoyment in X & Y as well as Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. Those who love Japanese role-playing games will fall in love with adventures in the Bravely Default series, as well as a wide range of Legend of Zelda titles. Single-player platformers have always been a big part of Nintendo's handheld console's line of games, and that's no exception for the 3DS with titles like Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Metroid: Samus Returns.
The 3DS eShop, which consists of many of the most popular games, as well as virtual console titles for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and NES, is also still online.
Popular Pokemon titles from generations one and two are available which still provide hours of enjoyment. Playing virtual console games also saves on battery life due to the 3D effect not being on and the touchscreen not being in use for the majority of your playtime.
Does Nintendo Still Support the 3DS?
Although the Nintendo 3DS was discontinued in 2020, many parts of the system still remain online.
The 3DS eShop
The eShop will remain online until further notice, but Nintendo has announced that payments through credit cards and other electronic payments will no longer be accepted on the system itself as of January 22, 2022. This does not mean, however, that players will not be able to purchase games for their 3DS through the eShop in the future.
Instead, Nintendo has stated that prepaid, credit, and debit cards through Nintendo's website, as well as adding balances to your Nintendo account through the Switch eShop, will still be accepted. This will allow 3DS owners to continue to browse and purchase games on the eShop.
Online Multiplayer
Although it may be surprising, people are still playing online games on the 3DS! There were plenty of games for the 3DS that specialized in online play, such as Super Smash Bros. and Super Street Fighter IV.
In September, 2020, after Nintendo announced the end of manufacturing of the 3DS, Nintendo also wanted to assure current 3DS owners that they "currently have no plans to end any existing online services for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Online play and Nintendo eShop will continue to be available and it will be possible to access and re-download all previously purchased content in the foreseeable future."
This is great news for those of us who still want to battle it out with players around the world in Mario Kart 7 and the like.
Warranty and Repairs
Nintendo gives most of its consoles, including the Switch and 3DS, a limited warranty of 12 months. Its warranty covers manufacturer defects that affect the hardware and does not cover accidental damage such as drops, water damage, and similar damages caused by the user.
However, if your 3DS is out of warranty, you can still request a repair through Nintendo Support. According to the support page, this applies to everything from the current Switch models, the entire 3DS and 2DS family, Wii U, Wii, NES Mini Classic Edition, and the Nintendo DS family.
Should You Buy a Nintendo 3DS in 2021?
It's no surprise that over this Nintendo handheld's 10-year life, many incredible, exclusive games have been released. No matter what type of games you enjoy, there's one to fall in love with on the Nintendo 3DS. However, the handheld will no longer have new games released for it due to the Nintendo Switch being an incredibly popular console.
Online multiplayer, as well as Nintendo's eShop, will remain online, and though the price of the console has increased since its initial release, the 3DS is still able to be found for under $300. Another pro of buying the Nintendo 3DS over the Switch is its portability. In 2021, it's a rarity to be able to carry around a console in your pocket with games that can provide hours of enjoyment.
However, buying any discontinued console comes with the risk of online features being removed and hardware issues that may be difficult to repair. Nintendo consoles and games are known for being extremely reliable, but it's something to keep in mind.
Nintendo seems to be very good about having official repair support available for its discontinued consoles going all the way back to the Wii and DS. This is a good sign that getting a repair done if needed, will be possible well into the future.
If you already own a Switch and want to finally get to play the fantastic games you missed out on that are exclusive to the 3DS, now is as good a time as any to pick up Nintendo's last-generation handheld.
The Nintendo 3DS Will Never Be Forgotten
Although it's sad to see the story of the Nintendo 3DS come to a close, it will live on and be remembered as another chapter in Nintendo's history.
If we're completely honest, in 2021, the Nintendo Switch is a better buy if you don't already own one. However, if you're dying to try out a brilliant Nintendo handheld that you missed out on, the 3DS is still a fantastic addition to your console collection.