The Nintendo 3DS was an awesome device, with many arguing it was the last “pure” handheld from this company. Now that Nintendo is focused on hybrid consoles like the Switch 2, we won’t see specific games made for handheld devices anymore. It’s an understandable move, but a bit sad since playing indies in this device was pretty fun.
Despite “only” being a handheld, the 3DS was home to a lot of great ports that still aren’t available on Nintendo Switch. In fact, some of these ports are the definitive editions of these games, which is why fans were upset when this system’s eShop closed. Some of these games have been ported to other consoles, but many are still stuck in last-gen limbo.
Here are only some of the great 3DS ports that are stuck on this handheld. With the second-hand price of this system rising, we could use some of these ports in modern consoles sooner rather than later.
Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King
Readers of this website are already aware of how much we love Dragon Quest 8 on PS2. The 3DS version is just as good, and some have argued that its better thanks to some great QOL improvements. While fans often argue about which port is better, the 3DS port is still a good way to experience this legendary RPG.
QOL improvements exclusive to this port include roaming enemies in the world map and dungeons, so no more random battles. Battles can also be sped up, making grinding less of a drag. In fact, grinding is less of a drag in general, because enemies give more EXP and money. Players can also see what skills they can get when distributing attributes, something the PS2 version could have used.
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+ 2A remaster of Dragon Quest 8 with features from the PS2 and 3DS ports would hit the spot. This is definitely a game that deserves to be free from last-gen purgatory.
Luigi’s Mansion
We’re still mystified how Luigi’s Mansion 2 got a Switch port without the first game bundled. Even though the second game is solid, the original Luigi’s Mansion is much better and should have been ported to Switch. Moreover, the 3DS version has some features that make it better than the GameCube original.
Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS keeps that slightly creepy atmosphere that’s missed on the second and third games. It also introduced the co-op mode with Gooigi, though his “canon” first appearance was in Luigi’s Mansion 3. This version of the game also expanded on the lab, letting players replay boss fights through the gallery.
Considering all of the improvements made here, we’re surprised Nintendo hasn’t re-released this port on Switch. It would have completed the series on Nintendo’s first hybrid console, so we are pretty confused. Maybe it’ll come to Switch 2, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Star Fox 64 3D
There was barely any Star Fox representation on Switch. After Star Fox Zero bombed on the Wii U, fans were hoping a new Switch game would bring Fox McCloud back to the limelight. Sadly, that didn’t happen, but we think Nintendo could have tried harder by bringing this 3DS port over to Switch.
Fans who pick up Star Fox 64 3D will see how much better it looks compared to the original. Better textures for ships and more vibrant-looking levels easily make this the definitive version of Nintendo’s space shooter. This version also has improved audio over the crunchy N64 original and adds more replayability via an unlockable Score Attack mode.
We know Star Fox fans are sick of this specific retelling of Fox McCloud’s story, but this would be one hell of a version to have on Switch. If it were paired with the more ambitious GameCube games, we would consider that a huge bonus.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask 3D
You can’t have one without the other. Both of these Zelda remakes were stellar on 3DS, and playing one after the other is a nice treat. Ocarina of Time set the blueprint for classic 3D Zelda, making the world of Hyrule feel bigger than ever. Majora’s Mask flips the Zelda formula on its head, forcing players to complete tasks quickly before everything is reset.
Like Star Fox 3D, both Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask benefit greatly from having improved visuals. Characters like Link and Zelda look so much better in these versions of the N64 classic. Both Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask add some replayability via unlockable Master Modes and a Boss Rush.
click to enlarge + 2Simply put, having these 3DS ports on Switch or Switch 2 would be magical.
Those are some of the best 3DS ports stuck on last-gen purgatory. We hope to see these versions re-released in the near future. Bravely Default is already getting a Switch 2 port, so these other games should follow.
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