Initially, the Nintendo 3DS faced a rocky debut, but over time it evolved into one of the company’s most adored gaming platforms. A dismal launch with mediocre games set the stage, but as Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, and other significant titles emerged, things began to improve. Though the system’s support has ended, remasters like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster demonstrate that this handheld device was truly exceptional.
The Switch or potentially its successor, the Switch 2, could mark the end of traditional handheld gaming devices. Since they function both as a portable device and a home console, they effectively phased out the classic era of dedicated handheld gaming systems.
Before the concept of hybrid consoles even crossed Nintendo’s mind, portable devices such as the 3DS were primarily known for hosting smaller-scale games. Titles like Super Mario 3D Land, Kirby Planet Robobot, and Fire Emblem: Awakening were designed for brief gaming sessions that players could easily pick up and put down whenever they wished. These games might not have boasted the same power as those on Nintendo’s primary console, but they compensated with captivating graphics and engaging gameplay.
The course of events shifted dramatically when the Wii U failed, prompting Nintendo to recognize its unique strength in portable gaming. Observing how crucial the 3DS was during that era, Nintendo decided to develop their subsequent system as a hybrid console – the one we previously discussed. This led to the advent of the Switch, which brought console-quality gaming on-the-go and quickly gained popularity.
The remarkable transformation occurred when high-end console games ran smoothly on a portable device. Quickly, Valve and other firms leveraged the popularity of that system’s success by introducing their own portable PC devices such as the Steam Deck. However, this advancement also seemed to reshape traditional handheld gaming experiences.
On one side, it’s fantastic to have a 100-hour Zelda game that performs beautifully on the Nintendo Switch. Yet, this also implies fewer compact Zelda games similar to Link Between Worlds, which were ideal for journeys. Although not all Switch games are lengthy, each one seems to demand a console-like experience now, either enhancing or hindering the pace of gameplay.
Platform games such as Super Mario 3D Land dive you right into the gameplay following a brief cutscene. On the other hand, while Super Mario Odyssey is an outstanding game, it begins with a tutorial level that’s somewhat slow-paced, which seems to lack the rapid tempo found in earlier handheld titles. We do miss the swift pace those games used to offer.
Many independent games continue to preserve the quick-tempo spirit of the 3DS, with titles like Hollow Knight, Hades, Stardew Valley, and others providing immediate action for players. Some games initially on the 3DS have been adapted for the Switch and other platforms, ensuring that there’s still a chance to enjoy them.
Still, we can’t help but miss some of these bite-sized Nintendo experiences that were on the 3DS.
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2025-04-19 16:42