Best 3DS games to play online before servers shut in April 2024
The Nintendo 3DS is one of the best-selling handhelds of all time, in my humble opinion, has one of the best game libraries of any Nintendo console. Honestly, just take a look through the library – very few misses, plenty of blockbuster hits, both from Nintendo’s own studios, and a huge range of third-party publishers.
Nintendo has confirmed that online servers for the entire range of Nintendo 3DS games will be shutting off in April 2024, which will come as a massive disappointment to those 3DS faithful players out there.
If you have a large 3DS game library, or you’re happy to pick up a few physical copies, then make sure to enjoy the online multiplayer games and modes you have available while you can. In this list we’re going through ten of the best Nintendo 3DS games to play online, some with unique experiences you may never be able to have again.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo
Believe it or not, the 3DS version of the game usually referred to as “Smash 4” actually released on Nintendo 3DS first, giving players their first taste of online combat and Smash 4’s brand new mechanics. Still, this version meant we couldn’t play as Ice Climbers until Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, so who’s to say if it was truly a good thing.
Mario Kart 7
Nintendo
Each Mario Kart game is distinct and unique – you can go back to any with a group of friends and find a slightly unique way to approach each course and vehicle set up. Mario Kart 7 is quite possibly the best handheld Mario Kart – until Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch, at least – and is worth playing online with pals even today. While you can, anyway.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Nintendo
Just like Mario Kart, each Animal Crossing is distinct, and New Leaf is still considered by many fans to be the series’ peak, despite the variety of new additions in the latest entry, New Horizons. If you want to experience Animal Crossing: New Leaf as it is meant to be played, you should jump in before the servers shut down officially.
Luigi’s Mansion 2: Dark Moon
Nintendo
Luigi’s Mansion is always a good time, but the 3DS entry has one of the best online multiplayer modes we’ve ever seen from Nintendo, full-stop. We can hope that the upcoming Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD does that original mode justice, but until then, make sure you play the original.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Nintendo
Kid Icarus: Uprising has a great Light vs. Dark online mode where players are split into two teams of three, and a Free-for-All mode where up to six players can duke it out. This is one of the 3DS’ most unique games, and has one of the most unique multiplayer experiences as a result.
Resident Evil: Revelations
Capcom
Resident Evil: Revelations had a great co-op multiplayer mode with unique missions set in the campaign’s maps. It’s still playable on the platforms it was ported to, mind – save for the Wii U, of course.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Nintendo
Tri Force Heroes can be played solo, but the definitive experience involves three people, minimum. Luckily you can play the full game online with friends, which is by far the most convenient way to play Tri Force Heroes “properly.”
Fantasy Life
Nintendo
Fantasy Life is a lot like Animal Crossing with an RPG-like gameplay loop, and like Animal Crossing, you can invite your friends to visit your world and help out. Lovely!
Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Nintendo
Federation Force isn’t what anyone wanted at the time, but it’s a solid little multiplayer adventure, and worth playing before the servers go offline.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Nintendo
Yeah sure, we can play Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate on Nintendo Switch now, but 4 Ultimate has its own unique flavor and appeal, making it well worth playing. Just make sure you have a full party to go hunting with.
