The Nintendo Switch 2 is almost here, and fans are excited for the new console. However, for some Nintendo collectors, the hottest Nintendo console to buy right now is the last-generation Nintendo 3DS and its XL and 2DS variants. Less than a year ago, Nintendo announced they wouldn’t longer offer repair services for the 3DS family, as the pieces are now out of stock. This development has piqued interest in a console already popular in the homebrew/modding scene.
Nowadays, buying a Nintendo 3DS system won’t be cheap, and in some cases, it might even be more expensive than a brand-new OLED Switch system. But why is that? And if you’re trying to get your hands on a 3DS, where can you find one in good condition?
DEPTH AND DELIGHT
When the Nintendo 3DS came out, I wasn’t a fan. I remember how delighted one of my friends was because he bought one. He showed me the system, but to me, it just looked like a regular DS with an annoying gimmick. And to be fair, it kind of was. The 3D mania of the early 2010s has not aged well (when was the last time you saw a 3D TV?). It turns out it wasn’t just me thinking this. The Nintendo 3DS had a rocky start, and Nintendo eventually released the Nintendo 2DS—a version of the handheld without that annoying stereoscopic effect.
Looking back, I think I was too harsh on the 3DS. Yes, it was gimmicky—but so is every Nintendo console. Even the Switch has a (practical) gimmick, being a hybrid between a handheld and a home console. And to be fair, some games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds used the 3D effect to its maximum in creative ways. Nowadays, I think the 3D effect is charming, even if I prefer the 2DS and its clunky design.
Ironically, the 3D gimmick’s current outdated feeling is what makes the 3DS so desirable. Even though it’s only a decade old, it now feels retro and is a concept that Nintendo—or any other major console manufacturer—won’t be likely to explore again, meaning we probably won’t see another console like the 3DS manufactured ever again.
3-DEMAND
Nintendo 3DS prices are all over the place. You’re more likely to get a good deal at garage sales or on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. But on online market places, listings might be much higher. A Nintendo 3DS XL—the more high-end version of the console—has a very good resale value, especially if it is in mint condition. This might be good news if you own an old 3DS system and wish to get rid of it. The waning offer and increase in demand might mean that your console could be very valuable, depending on its state.
Since around 2020, Nintendo fans on online forums have recommended buying Japanese 3DS consoles, as they were often more affordable than the American consoles. However, these consoles come with a huge caveat—they’re region locked, meaning you can only load Japanese cartridges into the console unless hacked.
However, the rising demand for 3DS models has also increased prices for Japanese models. For example, in June 2023, a used, untested Japanese 3DS—meaning the seller had not verified whether the console still worked—sold for $100, while a brand-new Japanese 3DS XL (known as LL in Japan) fetched $504 in October 2023.
Special editions of the 3DS can go for even higher. In December 2024, this unopened 3DS LL, Pikachu edition, sold for $1,062.50. As a reference, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to retail for $449.99. The Pikachu edition of the 3DS LL was still sold in stores in 2018, so this is a tremendous markup for a console less than a decade old.
Used or brand-new, you’ll want to make sure that whatever Nintendo 3DS you buy remains in good condition. Luckily, there’s no shortage of brand-new 3DS accessories. Things like pouches are essential when you plan on transporting your handheld consoles. Similarly, cartridge storage cases are a must if you buy physical copies of the games.
In my experience, many Nintendo 3DSs in the second-hand market are sold without a charger. And in some cases, they’re severely beaten, which can also make them a little bit cheaper. For this reason, you’ll likely need a replacement. Nintendo still offers AC adapters for the 3DS family for now. You might still find some in your local video game store. However, third-party chargers might be required in the future once the current Nintendo stock is sold.
The Nintendo 3DS is a wonderful console that took some time for many (including me) to truly appreciate. The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t been without controversy, especially as the new video game prices have been criticized as anti-consumer. The Nintendo 3DS brings us back to a simpler era where Nintendo focused on backwards compatibility and affordable games. It’s an excellent choice for casual gamers and a perfect addition to any Nintendo collection while they’re still available.
David Espino-Lozada is a writer and editor with a passion for literature and poetry. He has published numerous articles and is also involved in writing sci-fi for video games. An avid collector, David has an extensive collection of books, music, and vintage male clothing. When he’s not writing, he enjoys diving into the depths of the internet and libraries, indulging his fascination with the world of collectibles and heirlooms.
WorthPoint—Discover. Value. Preserve.
Credit: Source link
