Between its stellar library of original titles, ports and backwards compatibility the Nintendo 3DS gives players access to one of the largest and richest catalogues in gaming history. Though its since been replaced by the Nintendo Switch, the handheld is still worth hanging onto and revisiting every now and then.
Nintendo continued to support the 3DS with new games well into the Switch's life. However, though some major titles like Pokémon Sun and Moon were able to still attract a lot of attention, other games went overlooked, as players had already moved on. Here are some great 3DS games that released after the Switch launched that deserve more attention (and perhaps a port).
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Announced during the same Fire Emblem Direct that teased what would eventually become Three Houses, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a remake of the series' second game, Fire Emblem Gaiden. Since the original never released outside of Japan, Echoes is most fans' first introduction to the continent of Valentia and protagonists Alm and Celica.
As the name Gaiden suggests, the original was a departure from the very first Fire Emblem game. While new mechanics like character class changes and promotions would return, Gaiden's dungeon crawling aspects were abandoned. However, Echoes brings back the features that made Gaiden stand out, updating them for a new generation of gamers.
The game also tells a compelling story with dual protagonists on opposite sides of a war, improving upon Gaiden's weaknesses and introducing new characters to emphasize the game's themes. The 3DS is the system that saved Fire Emblem, and while Echoes served as a last-hurrah for the console, it would be great to see it come to Switch for newer fans introduced through Three Houses to enjoy.
Metroid: Samus Returns
Announced during the first E3 following the Switch's launch, Metroid: Samus Returns was first non-spin-off Metroid game in seven years after the controversial Other M. Like Fire Emblem Echoes, Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus for the GameBoy that updates the visuals and mechanics for modern audiences, including allowing Samus to fire freely instead of being locked to set angles.
While the game received positive reviews, Samus Returns was at a disadvantage from the start. Not only did it have to compete with the Switch, but the game's announcement itself was overshadowed by a tease of Metroid Prime 4, a game many fans at the time had given up hope of ever seeing. In the years since, that game has gone through some hardships, famously changing developers in early 2019. Still, the logo alone was enough to get fans hyped for a time, and that, combined with the Switch and its many 2D Metroidvanias, contributed to Samus Returns going largely overlooked.
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
While main series Persona games have, with one exception, been PlayStation exclusives, Nintendo systems have received spin-off titles. One of these is the 3DS-exclusive Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth, a dungeon-crawling RPG starring characters from Persona 3, Persona 4 and Persona 5. In it, the characters are trapped in a movie theater and have to travel through several films, each of which has its own lessons to teach.
Persona Q2 provides fans with more adventures starring their favorite Persona characters. However, the game didn't attract a lot of attention, as it launched well into the Switch's lifespan when gamers were more likely to be playing as Joker in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate than jumping into a new 3DS game.
WarioWare Gold
The microgame series focusing on Mario's nemesis thrived on the DS, taking full advantage of consoles' unique design and using the touch screen in creative ways. And while fans are still hoping for a new WarioWare that does the same for the Switch, the series' 3DS entry is a colorful and entertaining game that combines new and returning content.
WarioWare Gold is packed with over 300 microgames, including new ones that take advantage of 3DS features like gyro controls. There's also a story mode that involves Wario setting up a gaming tournament with a scheme to take the ten million coin prize for himself, as well as side stories focusing on his friends. It's just as absurd, chaotic and hilarious as you'd expect from a Wario game, and all of this is only heightened by the fact that the cutscenes are fully voiced, a first for the series.
Ever Oasis
Developed by Grezzo and published by Nintendo, this smaller original IP is perhaps the game that suffered most from its summer 2017 release on 3DS. Ever Oasis is an action-RPG directed by Koichi Ishii, who is best known for creating the Mana series. While not connected to those games, Ever Oasis functions as a spiritual successor to Ishii's previous work. It tells the story of Tethu (Tethi if the player chooses to play as a female character), who has to build an oasis and battle monsters in dungeons. It combines elements of town building games and dungeon crawling RPGs in a way that makes you want to grow your oasis as much as you want to protect it from threats.
While Ever Oasis received mostly positive reviews, the fact that it wasn't released for Switch has definitely hurt it, along with the fact that it released between games like ARMS and Splatoon 2. Aside from a couple of songs and spirits in Smash Ultimate, Ever Oasis has barely been acknowledged since it launched. While its relatively low-profile makes a Switch port seem unlikely, it's something that this game definitely deserves.