Is a Nintendo 3DS still worth buying in 2026?
Following a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2, some gamers are reconsidering the older Nintendo 3DS, which comes with notable trade-offs. Whether it's worth it depends on whether a buyer wants nostalgia or modern online features.
Since early September, the Nintendo Switch 2 has risen in price from $450 to $500, prompting some shoppers to look back at older Nintendo hardware. The Nintendo 3DS, prized for its compact design and strong game library, is one option drawing renewed attention — though it comes with real drawbacks alongside its appeal.
The downsides
Price is the biggest issue. A used 3DS once cost around $100, but refurbished units at retailers like GameStop now commonly sell for $250, with XL models going for even more. By comparison, a refurbished original Nintendo Switch sells for about $180, making it the better value for many buyers.
The 3DS also suffers from Nintendo shutting down its eShop in 2023 and its online servers in 2024. That means no more online multiplayer, and players are left hunting for physical game copies — some of which, like the Yokai Watch series and Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, now sell for well above their original prices. StreetPass still functions since it doesn't rely on Nintendo's servers, but it's of limited use without other 3DS owners nearby.
The upsides
The 3DS remains one of the most portable mainstream gaming devices since the original DS, small enough to fit in a pocket, unlike the Switch lineup or devices such as the Xbox ROG Ally. Its clamshell design offers built-in durability, and simple repairs like replacing the circle pad can be done without much difficulty.
While official online services are gone, community projects are filling the gap. Pretendo, a long-running initiative, aims to restore server functionality for both the Wii U and 3DS, though not every game is fully supported yet. The 3DS is also one of the easiest consoles to mod, requiring only an SD card to unlock access to a large emulated game library. Its interface, focused purely on gaming without notifications or ads, remains appealing to players who want to disconnect from everything but the game itself.
