Is a Nintendo 3DS still worth buying in 2026?
The Nintendo 3DS was Nintendo's last true portable console. While it stopped getting new games long ago, it can still be a great option.
The 3DS is arguably the most portable mainstream gaming device since the original DS. Yes, the Nintendo Switch line and newcomers like the Xbox ROG Ally are portable, but they're not "slide into a pocket or purse" levels of compact. As someone who travels a lot on the subway, being able to pop my 3DS into my jacket pocket instead of necessitating a tote or backpack has done wonders for my spine. It's not only hugely portable, but very durable as well. The clamshell design is like built-in armor, and if maintenance is required, basic fixes like replacing the circle pad or shell can be done easily.
Though the eShop and online services may be gone, there are promising community-driven fixes for both. Pretendo is a long-standing project that aims to replace the servers for both the Wii U and 3DS, and though not all games are up and running yet with the service, it's a promising alternative. It requires modding to use, but the 3DS is one of the most easily moddable consoles, requiring nothing more than an SD card to do so. In the same vein, modding can allow you to access a load of games — 3DS or otherwise — using emulation software. That makes the lack of an eShop much less pressing.
This doesn't mean you'll be able to get the latest Switch games to run on your 3DS, but if you're just looking for a nostalgic catalog, it can be a solid option. Not only is the emulated library a blast from the past, so is the interface of the 3DS itself. Unlike current-day consoles, it's solely designed for gaming, and has that classic Nintendo charm. There are no distracting notifications or ads, making the 3DS perfect for anyone who wants to unplug from everything but the game itself.
