Over 100 Wii U and 3DS Games Worth Downloading Before the eShops Close – IGN

These are the big ones the games that are only available digitally, and will disappear forever once the eShops close. You’ll want to grab these games now, as there will be no other way to play them in the future, until Nintendo decides to rerelease them on newer hardware. There are some outstanding games in this section, and some fun little nuggets of Nintendo history that superfans will want to pick up.

Rhythm Heaven Megamix (3DS)

Rhythm Heaven Megamix is an all-star collection of the best games from across Nintendo’s wacky rhythm franchise. If you’re not familiar with the series, it’s got all of the quirky weirdness you’d expect from the WarioWare series, as it’s developed by the same team. The game received a physical launch in Japan, but only came to the West digitally, meaning it’s your last chance to pick up this outstanding game. Plus, as many 3DS games did back in the day, Rhythm Heaven Megamix has a multiplayer mode that supports multiple 3DS systems with only one cartridge.

Other games to check out:

• Rhythm Heaven Fever (Wii U)

Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation (3DS)

Revelations is the third campaign from 2016’s Fire Emblem Fates. Fates puts players in the middle of a conflict between two families: the Hoshido and Nohr. In the game’s two retail versions Birthright and Conquest players choose which family to fight alongside, resulting in two entirely unique campaigns. However, there’s a third campaign where players choose neither side: Revelation. This campaign is accessible as DLC for Fates, and only received a physical run as part of an extremely limited Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition. So, if you don’t buy it digitally now, an entire campaign’s-worth of Fire Emblem missions and story will be inaccessible for you.

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Pocket Card Jockey (3DS)

Game Freak rarely strays from the Pokemon series, but great things can happen when they do. The most notable example is Pocket Card Jockey, a wonderful combination of horse racing and solitaire. It’s a fan-favorite among 3DS owners, and it’s priced under $10, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.

HarmoKnight (3DS)

HarmoKnight is another game from the Pokemon developers that 3DS owners reflect on fondly. In this rhythm game, players work their way through 50 levels using drums and cymbals to defeat enemies. Plus, there are fun references to Pikachu and Pokemon throughout the game.

The 3D Classics Line (3DS)

3D Classics is a line of remakes exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS eShop. The games retain the look and feel of the originals, while adding updated accessibility features and stereoscopic 3D to the experience. The most notable example is 3D Classics: Kid Icarus, which gives Pit improved jumping and gliding abilities, making the game much easier to complete. Here’s the full list of 3D Classics titles on the 3DS eShop:

• 3D Classics: Kirby’s Adventure (3DS)
• 3D Classics: Excitebike (3DS)
• 3D Classics: Kid Icarus (3DS)
• 3D Classics: TwinBee (3DS)
• 3D Classics: Urban Champion (3DS)
• 3D Classics: Xevious (3DS)

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Dual Destinies + DLC (3DS)

The Ace Attorney series saw two new mainline entries on 3DS: Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice. The games continue the story of star lawyer Phoenix Wright, while also throwing new friends and foes into the mix. In addition to the main games, both Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice have a DLC case available in the in-game shop. These visual novel detective games are also available on iOS and Android, but this is the last chance to get them on their original 3DS hardware.

Also check out:

• Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Spirit of Justice + DLC (3DS)

My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (3DS)

This is a strange one that you have to jump through some extra hoops to get. As a My Nintendo reward, Zelda and Picross fans can redeem their platinum points for My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. This puzzle game has 45 puzzles based on Twilight Princess’ version of Hyrule. It’s not a standout Picross title, but it’s a fun novelty for Zelda and Picross fans alike. To get it, you’ll have to complete enough challenges to earn 1000 platinum points through Nintendo’s website.

Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale (3DS)

This niche title has become a favorite among 3DS owners. The game takes place in the small town of Fuji no Hana, where you interact with the townspeople to uncover the mystery of a giant Kaiju that appears every Friday.

Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball (3DS)

Nintendo experimented with microtransactions in a lot of ways during the 3DS and Wii U era, and Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball is one of its wildest experiments. In this game, you haggle with a dog named Rusty to lower the real-life Nintendo eShop price of baseball minigames. It’s a unique spin on DLC that Nintendo hasn’t really attempted again.

Badge Arcade (3DS)

Badge Arcade is the best way to customize your 3DS home screen, with fun badges to surround your games with. The badges are Nintendo-themed, meaning you can collect fun icons from Mario, Animal Crossing, and more. Plus, the game is free to start!

StreetPass DLC Games

StreetPass is one of the 3DS’ most unique features, where passing other 3DS owners in the real world would unlock in-game items. A handful of StreetPass games came preloaded on 3DS, but Nintendo eventually released additional titles for purchase. From raising a flower garden, to fishing, to taking your Mii characters through an RPG, here’s a complete list of StreetPass titles that will become inaccessible when the eShop shuts down:

• StreetPass Mii Force (3DS)
• StreetPass Flower Town
• StreetPass Warrior’s Way
• StreetPass Monster Manor
• StreetPass Ultimate Angler
• StreetPass Battleground Z
• StreetPass Slot Car Rivals
• StreetPass Market Crashers
• StreetPass Feed Mii
• StreetPass Mii Trek
• StreetPass Ninja Launcher

Pushmo (3DS)

The Pushmo series was a staple throughout the 3DS and Wii U era for Nintendo, with four total games in the series. If you’re unfamiliar with Pushmo, it’s a puzzle game where players push and pull puzzle blocks to create steps and platforms, eventually reaching the goal hidden within the giant puzzle structures. It’s a great, underrated series from Fire Emblem developer Intelligent Systems, and each game is pretty cheap, too.

Other games to check out:

• Crashmo (3DS)
• Stretchmo (3DS)
• Pushmo World (Wii U)

BOXBOY! (3DS)

Kirby developers HAL Laboratory has another adorable series on the 3DS: BOXBOY! This black and white puzzle game stars Qbby, a lovable square who can create a string of connected boxes to cross gaps, open gates, and solve puzzles. The series has made a return on Switch, but the original three games are stuck on the 3DS. They’re cheap and only take a few hours to complete, making them worth a look on the 3DS eShop.

Other games to check out:

• BOXBOXBOY! (3DS)
• Bye-Bye! BOXBOY! (3DS)

Every Nintendo Game in Development

The 3DS and Wii U eShops have stellar classic offerings thanks to Virtual Console. Unlike Nintendo Switch Online, where users pay a monthly or annual fee for unlimited access to classic game libraries, the Wii U and 3DS ecosystems still allowed users to buy and download individual retro games. The 3DS eShop has dozens of Game Boy, Game Boy Color, NES, and SNES games, while Wii U owners can grab classics from the N64, Wii, Game Boy Advance, and DS systems. Here are some Virtual Console titles you should definitely consider before it’s too late.

Duck Hunt (Wii U)

Duck Hunt is an essential NES classic, but it’s pretty tough to play the original today. You need an NES, a CRT television, and a Zapper peripheral. Fortunately, Nintendo updated the game for Wii U with Wii remote pointer controls, making a classic game playable once again.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Wii U)

The Wii U and 3DS are a paradise for Zelda fans. You can access virtually every mainline Legend of Zelda title if you have both systems. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is one of the most underrated Zelda adventures, and it can be pretty expensive to track down. You can grab this GBA classic on the Wii U virtual console. You should also check out other Zelda top-down games, like the touch screen-based Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, and the Game Boy Color Oracle duology.

Other games to check out:

• The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (3DS)
• The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (3DS)
• The Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks (Wii U)
• The Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass (Wii U)

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Metroid Zero Mission (Wii U)

2D Metroid has returned to relevancy thanks to last year’s outstanding Metroid Dread. If you were a fan of Samus’ adventure on ZDR, you should experience the remake of the original Metroid, the GBA’s Metroid: Zero Mission. And Metroid Fusion is the immediate precursor to Dread, where the X Parasite is first introduced.

Other games to check out:

• Metroid Fusion (Wii U)
• Metroid Other M (Wii U)
• Metroid Samus Returns (3DS)

Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii U)

The counterpart to the 2D Metroid games is the first-person Metroid Prime series. The original Metroid Prime trilogy is available on Wii physically, but it’s much easier to get digitally on the Wii U eShop. Containing Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the trilogy is the perfect way to pass the time while we wait for the highly-anticipated Metroid Prime 4.

Other games to check out:

• Metroid Prime Hunters (Wii U)

Golden Sun (Wii U)

Golden Sun is a beloved Nintendo franchise that’s been dormant since 2010. The series follows a group of magic-sensitive characters tasked with preventing the release of a mysterious power called « Alchemy ». The games star Isaac, who you may recognize from passionate Golden Sun fans requesting his admission to the Super Smash Bros. series. The series’ first two games are on the Wii U virtual console, and have received widespread praise.

Other games to check out:

• Golden Sun the Lost Age (Wii U)

Kirby and the Amazing Mirror (Wii U)

Kirby’s got a big year ahead with the upcoming release of Kirby and the Forgotten Land on Nintendo Switch, so now’s a great time to check out the pink puffball’s back catalog on Virtual Console. One of his most interesting adventures can be found in Kirby and the Amazing Mirror, a GBA-era metroidvania with a focus on exploration. There are also fascinating DS Kirby games still available, including the touch screen-based Kirby Canvas Curse.

Other games to check out:

• Kirby Return to Dreamland (Wii U)
• Kirby Squeak Squad (Wii U)
• Kirby Mass Attack (Wii U)
• Kirby Canvas Curse (Wii U)
• Kirby Planet Robobot (3DS)

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (Wii U)

Fire Emblem games are notoriously expensive to find secondhand. On Wii U Virtual Console, you can still get a trio of Fire Emblem games from the early days of the series. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon is a DS remake of the first entry in the series starring Marth. On eBay, it costs upwards of $60, and that’s surely going to go up even more as time goes on. You can also find the two GBA Fire Emblem games that tell the stories of fan favorites Lyn, Hector, Eirika, and Ephraim.
Other games to check out:

• Fire Emblem (Wii U)
• Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (Wii U)
• Fire Emblem Awakening (3DS)

Wario Land 4 (Wii U)

Wario Land 4 is a stellar platformer that can stand toe-to-toe with some of Mario’s best outings. With an abundance of charm, and a unique mechanic where you have to escape the level as a timer counts down, there’s plenty to do and see. The first three Wario Land games are also on 3DS Virtual Console, as well as Wario Land Shake It on Wii U, the last entry in the series before it went dormant.

Other games to check out:

• Wario Land 1 (3DS)
• Wario Land 2 (3DS)
• Wario Land 3 (3DS)
• Wario Master of Disguise (Wii U)
• Wario Land Shake It (Wii U)

DSi Ware like WarioWare: Snapped!

The DSi shop was the first online store Nintendo ever opened on one of its handhelds, and it’s filled with experimental games and applications. One such game is WarioWare: Snapped!, a bite-sized entry in the WarioWare microgame series that utilizes the DSi’s camera. It’s arguably the worst WarioWare game, but it’s a fun piece of Nintendo history that will soon be inaccessible. There are plenty of other DSi games to look through on the 3DS eShop, in addition to mainline WarioWare games available to buy on Wii U.

Other games to check out:

• WarioWare Inc (Wii U)
• WarioWare Touched (Wii U)
• WarioWare Smooth Moves (Wii U)
• WarioWare Gold (3DS)

Drill Dozer (Wii U)

Drill Dozer is a lesser-known game developed by Game Freak, the studio behind Pokemon. It’s an action platformer that was one of just a few Game Boy Advance games to include force feedback. Drill Dozer is one of the best Game Boy Advance games out there that you probably haven’t played, and it’s extraordinarily expensive to find secondhand.

F-Zero Maximum Velocity (Wii U)

There’s still nothing quite like the speed and momentum found in the F-Zero series. While the SNES original and the N64’s F-Zero X will live on through Nintendo Switch Online, the two GBA titles are about to go away. Maximum Velocity is a fantastic, original entry in the series, while GP Legend features characters from the F-Zero anime that never made it overseas.
Other games to check out:

Advance Wars Dual Strike (Wii U)

Advance Wars is coming back after more than a decade off with the upcoming Switch remake, Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp. However, the franchise’s DS entry, Dual Strike, is not a part of the upcoming collection. Dual Strike received high acclaim upon its release, and it’s a great pick for Fire Emblem fans who want to experience Nintendo’s other strategy RPG series.
Other games to check out:

• Advance Wars (Wii U)
• Advance Wars 2 Black Hole Rising (Wii U)

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (Wii U)

Despite its unwieldy title, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 is a must-buy for any Super Mario fan. Of course, you’ll get the main levels from Super Mario Bros. 3, which is one of the greatest platformers of all time. But the real reason to buy this version is the inclusion of the e-Reader levels. The e-Reader was a pretty rare peripheral for the GBA, and using the e-Cards in Mario 3 led to unlocking 38 bonus levels. Fortunately, Nintendo included all 38 e-Reader-exclusive levels in the Wii U Virtual Console release, meaning there’s a whole new set of 2D Mario levels out there just waiting for you to dive into.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii U)

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of the Wii’s best games, and Nintendo inexplicably left it out of 2020’s Super Mario 3D All-Stars, the collection that brought Galaxy 1, Super Mario 64, and Super Mario Sunshine to Switch. Once the eShop closes down, there will be no way to buy Galaxy 2, and the game’s cost is already rising on the secondhand market. This game adds new power-ups, Yoshi, and more to the proven Galaxy formula.

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Pokemon Red, Blue, Yellow (3DS)

Pokemon fans were thrilled when Nintendo brought the original games to 3DS Virtual Console, especially because of the added feature of wireless trading and battling. You can grab Red, Blue, and the expanded Yellow version from the first generation, as well as Gold, Silver, and Crystal from the second generation.

Other games to check out:

• Pokemon Gold, Silver, Crystal (3DS)
• Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (3DS)

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (Wii U)

The story in Explorers of Sky is a favorite among Pokemon fans. The gameplay takes place in massive dungeons, where the layout changes each time you visit. This is also a rare example of a Pokemon game where you actually get to control the Pokemon themselves. The game is incredibly expensive on eBay, so this is your best chance to experience it for yourself.

Other games to check out:

• Pokemon Ranger (Wii U)
• Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia (Wii U)
• Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs (Wii U)

Pikmin (Wii U)

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the latest game in Nintendo’s strategy and time management series, and there’s still time to see where it all started on the Wii U Virtual Console. The original Pikmin is known for its strict time limit, where you have a limited number of days to reconstruct Captain Olimar’s spaceship to return home. Pikmin 2 introduces complex, challenging caves to explore, adding another level of difficulty to the game. Both games are pretty tough to come by physically, making the Virtual Console versions your best bet.

Other games to check out:

Pandora’s Tower (Wii U)

Pandora’s Tower had a long road to localization. It was one of the three titles included in Operation Rainfall: a fan initiative to bring a trio of Japan-only RPGs to the West. Although the game finally did make its way over, it got a fairly limited release, leading to expensive second hand prices.

Beyond the digital-only and Virtual Console offerings, there are plenty of 3DS and Wii U games that got physical releases that are already very difficult to come by. These games will technically still be accessible after the closure, but at prices you probably wouldn’t be happy paying. So, it’s best to grab them digitally while you can instead of regretting it later.

Game and Wario (Wii U)

Game and Wario does some interesting things with the Wii U’s GamePad, but the title certainly isn’t worth the price it’s going for on the secondhand market. If you’re a Wario superfan, or love seeing Nintendo push its bizarre control schemes to the limits, it may be worth checking out on the Wii U eShop.

Devil’s Third (Wii U)

There’s no getting around it: Devil’s Third is awful. Still, some people are fascinated by terrible video games, and this is certainly one of the Wii U’s most notable failures. If you’re one of those curious gamers who wants to see just how rough something is to play, you’ll want to grab it digitally now. Soon, your only option will be the absurdly expensive physical copies, which are currently going for around $500!

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U)

Many Zelda fans are still waiting for Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD to make their way over from Wii U to Switch. Until that (hopefully) happens, the Wii U remasters are the best way to experience these classic 3D Zelda adventures. Twilight Princess is fairly expensive physically, going for around $100. Wind Waker HD is easier to find, but now is still the best time to grab it before prices go up.

Other games to check out:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Wii U)

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (3DS)

Majora’s Mask will be available through Nintendo Switch Online later this month, but the 3DS version is so different that it warrants a spot on this list. From revamped boss battles, to an overhauled side quest management system, Majora’s Mask 3D is a very different experience from the original. The fanbase is split on which version is better, so you may want to grab this to see for yourself. The other Zelda 3DS titles Ocarina of Time 3D, A Link Between Worlds, and TriForce Heroes aren’t all that hard to find, but they’re fantastic titles any 3DS owner should have.
Other games to check out:

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
• The Legend of Zelda: TriForce Heroes (3DS)

Wii Sports Club (Wii U)

Nintendo Switch Sports is coming to Switch this Spring, so the last entry in the series is probably about to become even more valuable than it already is. Wii Sports Club brings all five original Wii Sports games into HD for the Wii U. Physical copies are skyrocketing to near $100, but you can piece it together for much cheaper on the eShop.

NES Remix (3DS and Wii U)

NES Remix is available physically and digitally on both Wii U and 3DS. It’s not too expensive to get a physical copy, but it’s included in this list because it’s simply one of the best games on the systems. In NES Remix, Nintendo experimented with their most classic titles, giving a fresh spin to the original Mario, Metroid, Zelda, and more. The challenge-based gameplay gave even the most experienced Nintendo fans new things to accomplish in some of the company’s oldest games.

Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (3DS)

The Nintendo DS’ most iconic mystery solving characters come together in this 3DS crossover. Combining Ace Attorney’s iconic courtroom gameplay with Professor Layton’s brainteasers made for a very memorable experience that fans of either franchise should check out.

Other games to check out:

• Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (3DS)
• Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (3DS)

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology (3DS)

One of the most underrated JRPGs on the DS and 3DS, Radiant Historia is a classic that shouldn’t be missed. The story of Radiant Historia plays out across multiple timelines that players jump back and forth between, where information gathered in one version of events can help you progress through the other. The 3DS version also comes with additional content, making it worth a replay for fans who experienced the original DS release.

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (3DS)

Dragon Quest VII and VIII are both excellent on 3DS, but they’re unfortunately pretty rare. The remake of Dragon Quest VII makes the game much more accessible than the PlayStation original, while Dragon Quest VIII brings one of the series’ best games to 3DS.

Other games to check out:

• Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (3DS) ~$120 Buy It Now on eBay

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse (3DS)

The SMT series is full of high-quality, extremely difficult JRPGs. They’re also difficult to come by, with each entry costing upwards of $70 online. If you played Shin Megami Tensei V on Switch and want to experience more of the franchise, the Nintendo 3DS eShop is the best place to do it. And, while the mainline Persona games haven’t reached Nintendo consoles, Persona Q2 is a rare 3DS game that features Persona 5’s Joker.

Other games to check out:

• Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (3DS)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker (3DS)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (3DS)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux (3DS)
• Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (3DS)

Rhythm Thief and The Emperor’s Treasure (3DS)

Combining a mystery plot with rhythm gameplay, Rhythm Thief and The Emperor’s Treasure is an extremely unique 3DS title. It uses the touch screen to tap and swipe to the beat of the music. Professor Layton and Ace Attorney fans will feel right at home with the game’s wit and charm. There was a mobile version of the game released, but the microtransactions fundamentally changed the core experience.

Yo-kai Watch 3 (3DS)

• ~Nearly Impossible to Find on eBay

Initially poised as a competitor to Pokemon, Level 5’s Yo-kai Watch series never took off in the West like it did in Japan. The final mainline entry to make its way to America was 2019’s Yo-kai Watch 3, which launched two full years after the Switch was already out. That means it’s an incredible rarity to find physically. So, if you want a Pokemon-like adventure with 600 creatures to collect, check out Yo-kai Watch 3.

Other games to check out:

• Yo-kai Watch Blasters (3DS)

Ever Oasis (3DS)

Developed by Grezzo, the studio that made multiple Legend of Zelda titles for 3DS, Ever Oasis is an action RPG all about building up your oasis town. You choose which villagers you want to help, what shops you want to build, and the products that they’ll sell. And, you venture outside of town to engage in combat and puzzle solving.

Kid Icarus Uprising (3DS)

Created by Super Smash Bros. Director Masahiro Sakurai, Kid Icarus Uprising is truly one of the most ambitious Nintendo 3DS titles ever created. Beyond the incredible on-rails action sequences, Uprising also touts an incredible level of weapon customization and the most voice acting we’ve ever seen in a Nintendo game. The main drawback is the control scheme, which requires you to hold the 3DS at an awkward angle. Still, this is one game you’ll want to experience before the eBay price skyrockets.

…and much, much more!

This is just a handful of the excellent offerings available on the 3DS and Wii U eShop. Make sure to set aside some time to scroll through the stores in the coming weeks before these games are gone for good. To help you out, check out our lists of the best 3DS games and the best Wii U games.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.