Must Buy 3ds Games -

A reimagining of the Game Boy's Metroid II , this title brought Samus back to her 2D roots with modern enhancements. Players on Nintendo Life frequently list it as a "must-finish" for its polished gameplay and atmospheric exploration. Essential Hidden Gems and RPGs Nintendo World Report's Top 20 3DS Games (So Far)

A perfect showcase for the console's autostereoscopic 3D, this game blends traditional 2D side-scrolling precision with 3D exploration. GameFAQs notes its creative level design and the return of the fan-favorite Tanooki suit as standout features.

Often cited as one of the best in the series, this game is a direct spiritual successor to the SNES classic A Link to the Past . Reviewers from Metacritic highlight its innovative "merging" mechanic, which allows Link to move across walls as a 2D painting, breathing new life into the traditional top-down formula.

Before New Horizons took over, New Leaf was the definitive cozy life simulator. Polygon describes it as the "blueprint" for the modern franchise, offering a level of village customization that was revolutionary for the time.