10 best Nintendo 3DS games to get before the eShop closes

Nintendo announced it will be shutting down the 3DS eShop in March 2023. This is a huge blow to game preservation, especially since certain physical copies have gone up in value.

The 3DS has a plethora of outstanding games, some of which will be hard to find at retail after the eShop closes. Others won’t be available physically at all.

10. Shovel Knight

Physical copies of Shovel Knight on 3DS are selling for upwards of $50, whereas the eShop version is only $30.

9. Metroid: Samus Returns

Serving as the definitive way to play Samus’ second adventure, Metroid: Samus Returns has already gone up in value at retail. You’re better off buying the digital version while you still can.

8. Pokémon X and Y

While it’s not hard to find copies of Pokémon X and Y in the wild for $40, the value will almost certainly increase leading up to the closure of the eShop.

6. Pushmo

Sadly, Pushmo isn’t available at retail, meaning you’ll need to buy the digital version. It’s only $7, but it won’t be available after the eShop goes down.

4. Mario Kart 7

Mario Kart 7 is an essential 3DS game and currently, it’s valued at around $10 to $20 for a physical copy. Given Mario Kart’s history on other platforms, we expect it to become much more expensive soon.

3. Super Mario 3D Land

Super Mario 3D Land is yet another inexpensive game right now, with a value of around $15 at retail.

2. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

It’s likely Animal Crossing: New Leaf will cost way more than $20 following the eShop closure in March 2023.

1. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon

Considering just how good Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is, we’re glad you can currently grab a copy for around $20. Though don’t expect that price to stay the same by 2023.