Unearthing the Best RPGs on 3DS: Our Top Picks for 2025

The Nintendo 3DS might be a bit older now, but it’s still got a ton of great games that hold up. If you’re looking for some awesome role-playing adventures or just something fun to play, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the best RPGs on 3DS that are totally worth checking out, even in 2025. Get ready to dust off that console!

Key Takeaways

• Pokémon X & Y offers a colorful adventure with fun social features.
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a classic adventure many remember fondly.
• Animal Crossing: New Leaf lets you build your own town and live a simple life.
• Cooking Mama: Bon Appetit! is a super chill game for when you just want to relax.
• Mario Kart 7 is always a blast, especially when playing with friends.

1. Pokémon X & Y

Stepping into the Kalos region with Pokémon X & Y felt like a breath of fresh air for the franchise when it first arrived on the Nintendo 3DS. This generation introduced a whole new world to explore, complete with a vibrant aesthetic and a story that, while familiar in its core Pokémon journey, offered some interesting twists. The introduction of Mega Evolutions was a game-changer, adding a new layer of strategy to battles and making your favorite Pokémon even more formidable. It was pretty neat to see Pokémon in full 3D, a big leap from previous handheld entries.

One of the standout features was the introduction of the ‘Pokémon-Amie’ mode. This allowed players to interact with their Pokémon in a more personal way, feeding them, playing with them, and even petting them. Building a stronger bond with your Pokémon not only made battles more engaging but also provided tangible gameplay benefits, like increased critical hit rates or the ability to dodge attacks. It really made you feel more connected to your team.

Beyond the core catching and battling, X & Y offered a good amount of content. You had your standard gym challenges, the Elite Four, and the post-game content that kept you busy. The game also made it easier to train and manage your team with features like the Super Training system, which helped with Effort Values. It was a solid entry that really showed off what the 3DS could do for the series.

Here’s a quick look at some of the new additions:

• New Pokémon: Introduced 72 new Pokémon, bringing the total count significantly higher.
• Mega Evolutions: A temporary, powerful transformation for certain Pokémon during battle.
• Fairy-type Pokémon: A new type that offered advantages against Dragon-type Pokémon, shaking up the established type matchups.
• Player Customization: For the first time, players could change their character’s clothing and hairstyle, adding a personal touch to their trainer.

The transition to full 3D graphics and the expanded gameplay mechanics in Pokémon X & Y made it a memorable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. It set a high bar for future Pokémon titles on the platform.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

It’s hard to overstate the impact of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time when it first arrived. For many, it wasn’t just a game; it was a revelation. This 3DS version brought that groundbreaking experience to a new generation, and for those who played it back on the Nintendo 64, it was a chance to revisit a beloved adventure with some welcome modern touches. The game follows the familiar Zelda formula: a young hero, Link, must journey across the land of Hyrule to stop the evil Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce, a powerful artifact. What sets it apart, however, is its sense of scale and the depth of its world.

When you first step into Hyrule Field as Young Link, the sheer openness of it all was astonishing for its time. The ability to lock onto enemies, a feature that seems standard now, was revolutionary. You’ll explore iconic locations like Kokiri Forest, Death Mountain, and Zora’s Domain, each filled with its own secrets and challenges. The puzzles within the dungeons are cleverly designed, requiring you to think creatively and often use the items you’ve collected in unexpected ways. The transition between Young Link and Adult Link fundamentally changes the world, opening up new areas and presenting new problems to solve.

This remake also includes some quality-of-life improvements. The touch screen is used for inventory management and quick item selection, which makes gameplay smoother. The graphics were updated to look sharper and more vibrant on the 3DS, and the addition of stereoscopic 3D adds a new layer of immersion, making Hyrule feel more tangible.

The game masterfully blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat into an unforgettable journey. Its narrative, while seemingly simple on the surface, carries themes of destiny, courage, and the passage of time that still resonate today. The music, too, is legendary, with each ocarina melody serving a purpose beyond just being a catchy tune.

Here are some of the key elements that make this version a must-play:

• Exploration: Hyrule is a vast world filled with hidden secrets, side quests, and memorable characters. Discovering everything it has to offer is a rewarding experience.
• Dungeon Design: Each dungeon presents unique environmental puzzles and challenging boss battles that test your problem-solving skills.
• Musical Magic: Learning and playing different ocarina songs is integral to progressing through the story and interacting with the world.
• Timeless Story: The tale of Link’s quest to save Hyrule from darkness remains compelling, with a narrative that has stood the test of time.

3. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Before the global phenomenon that is Animal Crossing: New Horizons took over, Animal Crossing: New Leaf offered a charming and deeply engaging experience on the Nintendo 3DS. This installment allowed players to step into the role of mayor of their very own town, giving them unprecedented control over its development and the lives of its quirky animal residents. The freedom to shape your town, from the placement of public works projects to the very layout of the streets, was a significant step forward for the series.

New Leaf introduced a wealth of activities that kept players coming back. You could customize your house extensively, collect furniture and clothing, fish, catch bugs, and interact with a diverse cast of villagers, each with their own personalities and routines. The game also featured a dynamic economy, with the ability to sell goods and invest in the local shops. The addition of the Main Street area, where you could visit various retail establishments and even start your own businesses, added another layer of depth.

Here are some of the key activities you could engage in:

• Town Development: As mayor, you could approve or deny ordinances, plan public works projects like bridges and benches, and influence the overall aesthetic of your town.
• Villager Interaction: Building relationships with your animal neighbors was a core part of the experience. You could chat with them, fulfill requests, and even invite them to live in your town.
• Collection and Customization: From rare fish and insects to unique furniture sets and fashionable outfits, there was always something new to discover and collect. Your home and character could be personalized to an incredible degree.
• Island Excursions: A special island off the coast offered unique tropical fruits, diving opportunities, and late-night entertainment, providing a change of pace from your home town.

The sense of accomplishment in Animal Crossing: New Leaf came from the slow, steady progress of building your ideal community. It was a game that rewarded patience and creativity, offering a peaceful escape from the everyday.

While New Horizons has since expanded on many of these ideas, New Leaf remains a beloved entry for its focused gameplay and the unique charm it brought to the 3DS. It’s a testament to the series’ ability to create a relaxing and rewarding virtual life.

4. Cooking Mama: Bon Appetit!

For those who enjoy a more relaxed, yet engaging, gaming experience, Cooking Mama: Bon Appetit! on the 3DS is a delightful choice. This title brings the joy of cooking right to your fingertips, offering a series of mini-games that simulate the process of preparing various dishes. It’s a game that doesn’t demand intense strategy or quick reflexes, but rather a steady hand and a bit of patience, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

The core gameplay loop involves following on-screen instructions to chop, stir, fry, and plate your culinary creations. The use of the 3DS stylus is particularly well-integrated, allowing for intuitive interactions that mimic real-world cooking actions. Each recipe is broken down into distinct steps, turning the act of cooking into a fun, bite-sized challenge.

Here’s a look at what you can expect:

• Variety of Recipes: From simple snacks to more elaborate meals, the game offers a good selection of dishes to master.
• Interactive Mini-Games: Each cooking action, like flipping a pancake or whisking eggs, is a unique mini-game that tests your timing and precision.
• Stylus-Based Controls: The touch screen and stylus are used effectively to replicate the tactile nature of cooking.
• Charming Presentation: The game features bright, cheerful graphics and upbeat music that contribute to its lighthearted atmosphere.

While not a deep RPG in the traditional sense, Cooking Mama: Bon Appetit! offers a unique form of progression. As you successfully complete recipes, you unlock new ones and earn ratings, encouraging you to refine your skills and aim for perfect scores. It’s a satisfying loop that rewards consistent play and attention to detail, providing a sense of accomplishment with every dish served.

It’s the kind of game you can pick up for a few minutes or play for an extended session, making it a perfect fit for the 3DS’s portable nature. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn, enjoyable to play, and offers a charming, low-stress experience, Cooking Mama: Bon Appetit! is definitely worth considering.

5. Mario Kart 7

Mario Kart 7 brought the beloved kart racing series to the Nintendo 3DS with a bang, offering a fresh take on the familiar formula. This installment introduced several key features that made it stand out, including the much-anticipated return of the hang glider and the ability to drive underwater. These additions significantly changed track dynamics, adding new layers of strategy and excitement to races.

The game also featured a robust kart customization system, allowing players to tinker with different chassis, wheels, and gliders to fine-tune their vehicle’s performance. This level of personalization meant that no two karts had to be the same, and players could experiment to find the perfect setup for their racing style.

Mario Kart 7 boasts a solid lineup of tracks, many of which are considered classics within the series. From the tropical shores of "Wuhu Island" to the icy peaks of "Mount Wario," each course is designed with unique challenges and visual flair. The inclusion of retro tracks alongside new ones provided a good mix for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Here’s a look at some of the new features introduced:

• Hang Gliders: Added a vertical dimension to races, allowing for aerial shortcuts and new ways to navigate tracks.
• Underwater Driving: Expanded racing possibilities by enabling players to drive beneath the surface, introducing new obstacles and racing lines.
• Kart Customization: Players could assemble their karts from three distinct parts – body, wheels, and glider – to affect speed, acceleration, handling, and weight.

Beyond the single-player Grand Prix and Time Trials, Mario Kart 7 truly shined in its multiplayer offerings. It supported both local wireless play, allowing friends to race together on their own 3DS systems, and online multiplayer, connecting players from around the globe. This made it incredibly easy to jump into a race with friends or compete against a wider pool of players, solidifying its place as a go-to multiplayer title on the 3DS.

While Mario Kart 7 might not have the sheer volume of content found in some later entries, its focused design and innovative additions made it a highly polished and incredibly fun racing experience. It successfully translated the core Mario Kart magic to a portable format, offering countless hours of competitive fun.

6. Style Savvy

When you think about the Nintendo 3DS, you might picture grand adventures or intense races, but there’s a whole other side to its library that’s just as engaging. Style Savvy, known in some regions as Style Boutique, offers a different kind of challenge: running your own fashion store. It’s not just about picking out clothes; it’s about understanding trends, managing inventory, and making your customers happy. This game lets you step into the shoes of a boutique owner, making all the big decisions.

You start with a small shop and a limited budget, but with smart choices, you can grow your business into a fashion empire. The game involves a lot more than just selling clothes. You’ll be tasked with:

• Styling customers: Figuring out what outfits suit their needs and personal style.
• Managing stock: Deciding which new items to order and which ones to put on sale.
• Decorating your store: Creating an inviting atmosphere that draws shoppers in.
• Expanding your business: Opening new branches or upgrading your current location.

It’s a surprisingly deep simulation that rewards attention to detail and a good eye for fashion. You learn to balance customer requests with what’s currently popular, all while keeping your finances in check. It’s a satisfying loop that can easily eat up hours without you even noticing.

The core appeal of Style Savvy lies in its accessible yet detailed approach to business management and fashion. It provides a creative outlet for players who enjoy planning, organizing, and seeing their efforts directly impact the success of their virtual enterprise. The game manages to make the often-complex world of retail feel approachable and fun for a wide audience.

If you ever found yourself daydreaming about owning a shop or just enjoy games where you build something up from the ground, Style Savvy is definitely worth checking out on the 3DS. It’s a charming and rewarding experience that stands out in the handheld’s diverse lineup.

7. Nintendogs

Remember when everyone was obsessed with virtual pets? Nintendogs was a huge part of that phenomenon on the Nintendo DS, and its 3DS iteration, while not a brand new game, still holds a special place for many. It’s a simple, charming experience focused on raising and caring for a digital canine companion. You’ll groom them, train them, play fetch, and even enter them into competitions.

The core appeal of Nintendogs lies in its straightforward pet simulation and the emotional connection you can build with your virtual dog. It’s a game that doesn’t demand complex strategies or intense reflexes, making it accessible to almost anyone.

Here’s a quick look at what you can do:

• Care for your dog: Feed, bathe, and groom your chosen breed.
• Train your dog: Teach them tricks and commands using voice recognition.
• Play and interact: Engage in activities like fetch and tug-of-war.
• Compete: Enter your dog in agility or obedience trials.

While it might seem basic by today’s standards, Nintendogs offers a relaxing and rewarding experience. It’s a great way to enjoy some lighthearted fun and companionship without the real-world mess.

Nintendogs taps into a universal desire to nurture and connect, offering a digital pet that responds to your attention and care. It’s a testament to how simple mechanics can create engaging gameplay.

It’s a game that’s easy to pick up and play for short bursts, perfect for when you just want to unwind and enjoy some uncomplicated virtual pet ownership.

8. Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Professor Layton and the Curious Village was one of the first puzzle-adventure games to really capture the attention of a wide audience on the Nintendo 3DS. It’s the game that introduces players to the charming Professor Hershel Layton and his eager apprentice, Luke Triton, as they travel to the mysterious village of St. Mystere to investigate the disappearance of the Baroness. The game masterfully blends a compelling narrative with a vast array of brain-teasing puzzles, making it a standout title for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

What sets this game apart is its unique atmosphere. The village itself feels like a character, full of quirky inhabitants and hidden secrets. As you explore, you’ll encounter a variety of characters, each with their own stories and, more importantly, their own puzzles. These aren’t just random brain teasers; they’re often integrated into the story, requiring you to solve them to progress.

Here’s a look at what makes the Professor Layton experience so engaging:

• Engaging Storyline: The central mystery of the Baroness’s disappearance is intriguing and keeps you guessing until the very end.
• Diverse Puzzles: From logic problems and math challenges to visual riddles and wordplay, the game offers a wide range of puzzle types to test your intellect.
• Charming Characters: Professor Layton and Luke are a delightful duo, and the supporting cast of villagers adds a lot of personality to the game.
• Exploration and Discovery: The act of exploring St. Mystere, talking to residents, and uncovering clues is as much a part of the fun as solving the puzzles themselves.

The true magic of Professor Layton and the Curious Village lies in its ability to make you feel like a detective. You’re not just passively playing; you’re actively thinking, deducing, and piecing together information. It’s a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity.

The game’s presentation is also noteworthy. The hand-drawn art style gives it a timeless quality, and the orchestral score perfectly complements the mood, shifting from whimsical to suspenseful as the story unfolds. It’s a polished experience that feels both classic and modern.

While the puzzles can sometimes be challenging, the game provides hints to help you along, and you can always revisit them later. It’s a journey that’s as much about the process of solving as it is about the final answer. If you’re looking for a game that will make you think and keep you entertained for hours, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is an excellent choice for your 3DS library.

9. Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning

Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning was a significant entry in the long-running farming simulation series, offering players a chance to build their own farm from the ground up on the Nintendo 3DS. This installment really let you get your hands dirty, from tilling the soil and planting crops to raising livestock and interacting with the townsfolk. It was one of those games that felt like a genuine escape, letting you create your own little rural paradise.

What set A New Beginning apart was the freedom it gave you. You weren’t just following a set path; you were actively shaping the town and your farm’s destiny. The game encouraged a long-term investment, rewarding patience and dedication with a thriving homestead and a close-knit community.

Here are some of the core activities you could get into:

• Farming: Plant a variety of crops, manage watering schedules, and harvest your produce. Different seasons bring different opportunities.
• Animal Husbandry: Raise chickens, cows, sheep, and other animals. Keep them happy and healthy to get the best products.
• Town Development: You had a hand in rebuilding and expanding the town. This involved constructing new buildings and attracting new residents.
• Relationships: Befriend the villagers, give them gifts, and even get married and start a family. Building these connections was a big part of the experience.

The game really captured that satisfying loop of hard work paying off. Seeing your farm grow from a small patch of land into a bustling operation was incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the journey of creation and nurturing.

While it might seem simple compared to today’s farming sims, Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning was a solid foundation for the genre on the 3DS, providing hours of relaxing, engaging gameplay for anyone who dreamed of a life in the country.

10. Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a fantastic entry in the long-running series, and it really shines on the 3DS. It takes the familiar top-down perspective that fans know and love, but adds some really interesting new mechanics that shake things up. The ability to merge into walls as a painting is a game-changer, letting you explore Hyrule in ways you never could before.

This game really feels like a love letter to the classic Zelda titles, especially A Link to the Past, but it’s not just a rehash. It introduces a fresh story and a whole new world to discover, called Lorule. The way the game handles its dungeons is also pretty neat. Instead of finding keys in dungeons, you rent or buy items from a shop run by a character named Ravio. This means you can tackle dungeons in a more open order, which is a nice change of pace.

Here’s a quick look at some of the new mechanics:

• Wall Merging: Link can transform into a 2D painting and travel along the surfaces of buildings and dungeons. This opens up new paths and puzzle-solving opportunities.
• Item Rental/Purchase System: Players can rent or buy a wide variety of items from Ravio’s shop. This allows for more freedom in how you approach dungeons and challenges.
• Two Worlds: The game features two distinct worlds, Hyrule and Lorule, each with its own unique challenges and secrets to uncover.

The game’s soundtrack is also worth mentioning. It’s a mix of new tunes and remixes of classic Zelda themes, all of which fit the mood of the game perfectly. It really adds to the overall atmosphere and makes exploring both Hyrule and Lorule even more enjoyable.

If you’re a fan of the Zelda series or just looking for a great adventure game on the 3DS, A Link Between Worlds is definitely one you shouldn’t miss.

A Lasting Legacy

The Nintendo 3DS, with its unique dual screens and portable nature, offered a fantastic platform for a wide variety of role-playing games. From the deep narratives of titles like ‘Pokémon X & Y’ and ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D’ to the charming life simulation of ‘Animal Crossing: New Leaf’ and the engaging challenges of ‘Cooking Mama: Bon Appetit!’, the console provided countless hours of entertainment. Even as newer systems emerge, these 3DS RPGs remain accessible and enjoyable, proving that great game design and compelling stories stand the test of time. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering hidden gems for the first time, the 3DS library continues to offer a rich experience for any RPG fan looking for that special blend of adventure and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pokémon X & Y special on the 3DS?

Pokémon X & Y really stand out because of the fun Aimee feature. It lets you interact with your Pokémon in new ways, making the whole experience feel more personal and engaging. Plus, the adventure itself is classic Pokémon fun!

Is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D worth playing again?

Absolutely! Ocarina of Time 3D is a fantastic way to revisit a beloved classic. The updated graphics and controls make it feel fresh, and the story and puzzles are just as magical as you remember, if not better.

Why is Animal Crossing: New Leaf considered one of the best in the series?

Many players feel New Leaf is the top Animal Crossing game because it offers so much freedom to create your own town and connect with charming animal neighbors. It really captures that cozy, life-simulation feel perfectly.

Can you recommend a relaxing game on the 3DS?

For a super relaxing time, ‘Cooking Mama: Bon Appetit!’ is a great choice. It’s all about fun, simple cooking mini-games that are perfect for unwinding, maybe even while watching your favorite show.

Are there any good racing games on the 3DS?

Mario Kart 7 is a must-play if you enjoy racing! It’s incredibly fun, especially when playing with friends. The tracks are exciting, and the racing action is always thrilling.

What kind of game is Style Savvy?

Style Savvy is a unique game where you get to run your own fashion boutique! You can pick out clothes, style outfits, and make your customers happy. It’s a really creative and fun experience for anyone who likes fashion.