Best Nintendo 3DS Games to Collect in Canada
The Nintendo 3DS is no longer just a recent handheld. It is becoming one of Nintendo’s most important modern-retro systems to collect, especially now that the eShop is closed to new purchases and physical games matter more than ever.
Summary
The Nintendo 3DS is one of the best handheld systems to collect in Canada because it has Pokémon, Zelda, Mario, Kirby, Fire Emblem, Atlus RPGs, hidden gems, family games, and a strong connection to the Nintendo DS library.
Some of the most important 3DS games to watch include Pokémon 3DS games, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Majora’s Mask 3D, A Link Between Worlds, Fire Emblem Awakening, Fire Emblem Fates, Fire Emblem Echoes, Bravely Default, Dragon Quest VII, Dragon Quest VIII, Shin Megami Tensei IV, Persona Q, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Ever Oasis, and Fantasy Life.
For collectors, condition, completeness, region compatibility, original cases, and whether a game is loose or complete can make a major difference.
The Nintendo 3DS is in a very interesting place right now.
It is not as old as the Game Boy Advance or Nintendo DS, but it is no longer a current system either. A lot of players still remember it as modern. Collectors are already treating it as modern-retro. Parents are still buying games for kids. Pokémon fans are still hunting for 3DS entries. RPG collectors are watching certain titles closely.
That makes the 3DS one of the strongest handheld systems to pay attention to in 2026.
The eShop being closed to new purchases also changes how people think about the system. Physical copies matter more now because buyers cannot simply assume every digital 3DS game will always be easy to buy later.
The short version: The Nintendo 3DS is becoming a major modern-retro handheld. Pokémon, Zelda, Fire Emblem, Atlus RPGs, and hidden gems are the categories collectors should watch closely.
Why Nintendo 3DS Games Are Becoming Collectible
The 3DS had a huge audience, a strong first-party library, and a long lifespan. Nintendo’s official sales data lists the Nintendo 3DS family at 75.94 million hardware units and 392.30 million software units worldwide.
That means there are millions of players with nostalgia for the system, and many of them are now old enough to start collecting the games they grew up with or missed the first time around.
The 3DS also has a strong collecting advantage because it sits between eras. It still feels modern enough to be playable and approachable, but it is old enough that physical games are starting to feel more important.
Pokémon 3DS Games
For many collectors, Pokémon 3DS games are the first place to look.
They are recognizable, easy to understand, and tied to one of the strongest collecting brands in gaming.
Main Pokémon 3DS Games
- Pokémon X
- Pokémon Y
- Pokémon Omega Ruby
- Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Sun
- Pokémon Moon
- Pokémon Ultra Sun
- Pokémon Ultra Moon
X and Y are important because they brought the mainline Pokémon series into the 3DS era. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire matter because they connect back to the Game Boy Advance Hoenn games. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are especially worth watching because enhanced versions often attract collector interest over time.
Pokémon Spin-Offs Worth Watching
- Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
- Detective Pikachu
- Pokémon Rumble Blast
- Pokémon Art Academy
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity
Pokémon spin-offs are not always as obvious as the main games, but some can become more interesting as collectors look beyond the core RPGs.
Zelda 3DS Games
The 3DS has an excellent Zelda lineup. Some titles are remakes, while others were built specifically for the system.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Ocarina of Time 3D and Majora’s Mask 3D are important because they brought two Nintendo 64 classics to handheld. A Link Between Worlds is especially notable because it is one of the best original Zelda experiences on the system.
Tri Force Heroes is more niche, but Zelda collectors may still want it because it is part of the complete 3DS Zelda library.
Mario, Kirby, Luigi, and First-Party Nintendo Games
First-party Nintendo games are usually a safe place to start collecting because the franchises are recognizable and demand tends to remain steady.
Mario and Luigi Games
- Super Mario 3D Land
- Mario Kart 7
- New Super Mario Bros. 2
- Mario Party: Island Tour
- Mario Party: Star Rush
- Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
- Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey
- Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
- Luigi’s Mansion
Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, and New Super Mario Bros. 2 were huge 3DS titles. The Mario & Luigi games are also worth watching because RPG entries often become more interesting to collectors later.
Kirby and Other Nintendo Picks
- Kirby: Planet Robobot
- Kirby: Triple Deluxe
- Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- Metroid: Samus Returns
- Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
- Yoshi’s New Island
- WarioWare Gold
Kirby: Planet Robobot is one of the strongest Kirby titles to watch on 3DS. Metroid: Samus Returns is another major collector pick because Metroid games often hold strong long-term interest.
Fire Emblem and Atlus Collector Titles
If there is one area where 3DS collecting can get serious, it is RPGs and strategy games.
Fire Emblem and Atlus titles are especially important because they appeal to collectors who are often willing to hunt for complete copies, special editions, and harder-to-find releases.
Fire Emblem Games
- Fire Emblem Awakening
- Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright
- Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
- Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition
- Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
- Fire Emblem Warriors
Fire Emblem Awakening helped bring new attention to the series in North America. Fire Emblem Fates is important because of its multiple versions, and the Special Edition is especially notable from a collector standpoint.
Atlus and RPG Collector Games
- Shin Megami Tensei IV
- Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
- Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
- Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
- Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
- Etrian Odyssey IV
- Etrian Odyssey Untold
- Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold
- Etrian Odyssey V
- Etrian Odyssey Nexus
- Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
Atlus games are often worth watching because they tend to appeal to dedicated RPG collectors. Persona Q2, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, and certain Etrian Odyssey titles are good examples of 3DS games collectors may pay attention to more closely over time.
Other 3DS RPGs Worth Watching
The 3DS has more RPG strength beyond Fire Emblem and Atlus.
- Bravely Default
- Bravely Second: End Layer
- Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
- Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
- Stella Glow
- Fantasy Life
- Ever Oasis
- Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Monster Hunter Generations
Bravely Default, Dragon Quest VII, Dragon Quest VIII, Stella Glow, Fantasy Life, and Ever Oasis are especially worth watching because they appeal to RPG and hidden-gem collectors.
Hidden Gems and Niche 3DS Games
The 3DS has plenty of games that are not always obvious to casual buyers but are interesting to collectors.
- Kid Icarus: Uprising
- Ever Oasis
- Fantasy Life
- Yo-kai Watch
- Yo-kai Watch 2
- Yo-kai Watch 3
- Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
- Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy
- Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice
- Rhythm Heaven Megamix
- Project X Zone
- Project X Zone 2
- Code of Princess
These are the kinds of games that make 3DS collecting interesting beyond the big names. Some are niche, some are odd, some are harder to find, and some have fan bases that keep demand alive.
Most Important Nintendo 3DS Games to Watch
If you are not trying to collect everything, these are some of the 3DS games and categories we would pay extra attention to:
| Game or Series | Category | Why Collectors Watch It |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon | Pokémon | Enhanced Pokémon versions often attract stronger long-term collector interest. |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire | Pokémon | Hoenn remakes that connect the GBA and 3DS eras. |
| Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D / Majora’s Mask 3D | Zelda | Handheld remakes of two Nintendo 64 classics. |
| Zelda: A Link Between Worlds | Zelda | One of the strongest original Zelda experiences on 3DS. |
| Fire Emblem Awakening / Fates / Echoes | Strategy RPG | Important 3DS strategy RPG titles with strong collector demand. |
| Persona Q / Persona Q2 | Atlus RPG | Niche RPG collector titles with dedicated fan bases. |
| Dragon Quest VII / VIII | RPG | Major RPG releases that collectors often watch closely. |
| Kid Icarus: Uprising | Nintendo / Hidden Gem | Unique 3DS title with strong identity and fan interest. |
| Yo-kai Watch 3 | Niche / Collector | A later and more interesting title for collectors watching the 3DS library. |
Loose vs Complete Nintendo 3DS Games
For players, a loose 3DS cartridge may be perfectly fine. It plays the game and usually costs less than a complete copy.
For collectors, complete copies are usually more desirable. Original case, cover art, inserts, manual-style inserts where applicable, and overall condition can all matter.
As the 3DS gets older, complete copies may become more important because loose cartridges are easy to lose and harder to display. If you care about collector value, do not ignore packaging.
Region Compatibility Matters
Unlike the original Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS family is region locked for 3DS software.
That means buyers should pay attention to region when buying games and systems. A North American 3DS system is meant for North American 3DS games. Imported copies may not work on your system without specific modifications, which most regular buyers should not assume.
If you are buying in Canada, make sure the game is compatible with your system before purchasing.
Buyer warning: Always check region compatibility before buying 3DS games, especially if purchasing online or from international sellers.
What to Check Before Buying Nintendo 3DS Games
Before buying 3DS games, think about whether you are buying to play, collect, gift, or resell later. Your priorities may change depending on your goal.
3DS Game Buying Checklist
- Is the game compatible with your region/system?
- Is the game loose or complete?
- Are the photos of the actual item?
- Is the label clean and readable?
- Is the cartridge damaged, dirty, or worn?
- Does the game include the original case and cover art?
- Are inserts included when expected?
- Is the price realistic compared with demand and condition?
- Is this a player copy or collector copy?
- Does the seller stand behind the item?
Should You Collect Every Nintendo 3DS Game?
You can, but most collectors are better off choosing a focus.
The 3DS library is large enough that collecting everything can become expensive and unfocused. Instead, choose the type of collection that actually matters to you.
- Pokémon 3DS games
- Zelda 3DS games
- First-party Nintendo titles
- Fire Emblem games
- Atlus RPGs
- Hidden gems
- Complete-in-box games
- Loose player copies
- Games from your own childhood or favourite era
There is no wrong way to collect, but having a focus helps you avoid spending money on games you do not actually care about.
A Retro Game Store Owner’s Perspective
The 3DS Is Moving Into Its Collector Era
At Power Up Gaming, the 3DS is one of those systems that still feels recent to a lot of people, but the market is already treating it differently.
The eShop is closed to new purchases, physical copies are becoming more important, and collectors are starting to pay closer attention to Pokémon, Zelda, Fire Emblem, Atlus, RPGs, and harder-to-find titles.
The 3DS is not just a used handheld anymore. It is becoming a modern-retro collecting category.
Our Take
The Nintendo 3DS is absolutely worth collecting in Canada.
It has the right mix of nostalgia, availability, strong franchises, RPG depth, physical games, and modern-retro appeal. It is still approachable enough for players, but old enough that collectors should be paying attention.
If you want the obvious collector categories, start with Pokémon, Zelda, Fire Emblem, Atlus, Dragon Quest, Kirby, Metroid, and hidden gems like Kid Icarus: Uprising, Fantasy Life, Ever Oasis, and Yo-kai Watch 3.
If you are buying to play, loose copies can be fine. If you are collecting, complete copies in good condition are usually the better target.
The 3DS is no longer just the handheld people had before the Switch. It is one of Nintendo’s most important modern-retro systems.
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Are Nintendo 3DS games worth collecting?
Yes. Nintendo 3DS games are worth collecting because the system has strong Pokémon, Zelda, Mario, Kirby, Fire Emblem, RPG, Atlus, and hidden gem libraries. The eShop being closed to new purchases also makes physical copies more important.
What are the best Nintendo 3DS games to collect?
Some of the best 3DS games to watch include Pokémon Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Majora’s Mask 3D, A Link Between Worlds, Fire Emblem Awakening, Fire Emblem Fates, Dragon Quest VII, Dragon Quest VIII, Persona Q2, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Yo-kai Watch 3.
Are Pokémon 3DS games collectible?
Yes. Pokémon 3DS games are collectible, especially Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. X, Y, Sun, and Moon are also important parts of the 3DS Pokémon library.
Are 3DS games region locked?
Yes. Nintendo 3DS software is region locked, so buyers should make sure a game is compatible with their system before purchasing, especially when buying online or importing games.
Should I buy loose or complete 3DS games?
If you mainly want to play, loose cartridges can be fine. If you are collecting, complete copies with original cases, cover art, inserts, and strong condition are usually more desirable.
What 3DS RPGs are worth collecting?
Fire Emblem Awakening, Fire Emblem Fates, Fire Emblem Echoes, Bravely Default, Bravely Second, Dragon Quest VII, Dragon Quest VIII, Shin Megami Tensei IV, Persona Q, Persona Q2, Etrian Odyssey titles, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, Stella Glow, Fantasy Life, and Ever Oasis are all worth watching.
Are common 3DS games still worth owning?
Yes. Common games like Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, New Super Mario Bros. 2, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and Pokémon X/Y can still be worth owning because they are fun, recognizable, and important to the system.
Can I still buy digital 3DS games?
New Nintendo 3DS eShop purchases ended on March 27, 2023. That makes physical games more important for collectors and buyers who want to build a 3DS library now.
Is the Nintendo 3DS better to collect than the DS?
Both are worth collecting. The DS has a larger and older library, while the 3DS is newer but already moving into its collector era. Many handheld collectors eventually collect both.
Where can I buy Nintendo 3DS games in Canada?
You can buy Nintendo 3DS games from private sellers, online marketplaces, or trusted retro game stores. Buying from a store can reduce risk because the games are checked, described, and supported more clearly.
Source note: This article is a collector guide from Power Up Gaming based on our experience selling Nintendo 3DS games, DS games, Pokémon games, handheld games, retro games, and complete-in-box titles in Canada. Nintendo’s official investor data lists the Nintendo 3DS family at 75.94 million hardware units and 392.30 million software units worldwide. Nintendo also ended new Nintendo 3DS eShop purchases on March 27, 2023.
