you’re able to’t have a Nintendo console withoutMario, and the3DSis no exception. The plumber received a lot of representation on the 3D handheld, which played a large role in cementing the system as a must-buy. Everything from the mainline platformers to the RPGs are here, with some crossovers, remakes, and ports thrown in for good measure.
There are over 20 Mario games on the 3DS, spanning more than ten spin-off series. Needless to say, there is plenty of content if you’re itching for another trip to the Mushroom Kingdom. But with so many games to choose from, which ones are worth playing?
Only games where you play as some version of Mario qualify for this list. Sorry, Luigi’s Mansion. However, check out ourranking of every Luigi’s Mansion gameto learn more about its 3DS installments.
Launch Date
June 10, 2025
Minis on the Move puts a unique spin on the Mario vs. Donkey Kong formula with 3D puzzles featuring a new gameplay style. You must place tiles on a grid to guide the minis across levels, dodge spike pits, and collect coins before the timer runs out.
There are five playable minis - Mario, Donkey Kong, Peach, Toad, and Pauline - each with unique puzzles. For example, Mario’s stages incorporate Tetris elements by having tiles fall from the top of the touch screen that you must place on the group before they pile up. Overall, Minis on the Move is a delightful,hidden gem in the 3DS library.
Jun 05, 2025
In Mario & Luigi Dream Team, the brothers travel to the mysterious Pi’illo Island, which lets you enter people’s dreams. The gameplay is split between top-down sections in the real world and side-scrolling segments where Mario explores Luigi’s dreams.
As part of Nintendo’s Year of Luigi, the turn-based combat revolves heavily around the green plumber. Anything can happen in the dream world, including summoning an army of Luigis to pummel enemies or turning into a giant for Kaiju-style boss fights. The only issue is the game’s over-reliance on tutorials. If you can stomach that, Dream Team is a solid Mario RPG.
July 01, 2025
As the third New Super Mario Bros. game, the formula was becoming a bit stale at this point. However, if you look at it as a stand-alone title, this game is a solid 3DS platformer. The gimmick here is that each level is bursting with coins. Gold shoots out of warp pipes, left in trails by Koopa shells, etc. Does it add anything substantial? No. Is it fun? Absolutely.
If you’reitching for more 2D Mario, New Super Mario Bros. 2 delivers. It’s not the most original game in the series, but the controls and level design are as exceptional as ever. Plus, it’s great to see the Raccoon Suit return after 21 years.
July 15, 2025
For a stellar sports game on 3DS, Mario Golf World Tour is the way to go. This game takes you on a journey through the Mario universe, including courses based on Donkey Kong Country Returns, Yoshi’s Woolly World, and Super Mario Galaxy. The DLC even included stages from Mario Golf 64.
While the traditional RPG story mode is tragically missing, the Castle Club mode allows you to explore the Mushroom Kingdom and buy equipment that affects your stats. As the cherry on top, the controls have never felt tighter, and the animations perfectly showcase each character’s personality. World Tour is, by far, the best Mario Golf game.
Jul 09, 2025
Initially launching for the DS in 2009, Mario & Luigi Bowser’s Inside Story is widely considereda must-play Mario RPG. The remake on 3DS adds a fresh coat of paint with gorgeous, updated visuals and a new side mode starring Bowser Jr.
However, this remake feels a little puzzling, given that it launched two years into the Switch’s lifespan on a dead handheld that could already play the original version. Regardless, the story, humor, exploration, and turn-based combat are still top-notch. Essentially, it’s the best-looking version of a phenomenal RPG.
May 13, 2025
Mario Kart 7 was a massive turning point for the series. Many of the best aspects ofMario Kart 8 Deluxeoriginated here, including gliding segments, underwater racing, and customizable cars. Even some of the best courses in the series debuted here, like Music Park, Neo Bowser City, andan outstanding version of Rainbow Road.
The character roster is solid, despite the baffling omission of Waluigi, with delightfully bizarre inclusions like Honey Queen and Wiggler to give the game a unique flare. Add that to a fantastic lineup of tracks, and Mario Kart 7 is still fun to replay.
June 11, 2025
Originally debuting on the Game Boy Advance, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga feels more deserving of a 3DS remake than Bowser’s Inside Story since it wasn’t already playable on the handheld. The plot follows the Mario Bros. exploring the Beanbean Kingdom to defeat the wicked witch Cackletta and her mischievous minion Fawful.
Superstar Saga does justice to the foundation established bySuper Mario RPGwith plenty of humor, original characters, and action commands that constantly keep you involved during turn-based combat. In the remake, everything is enhanced with stunning visuals that make this already incredible adventure all the more worthwhile.
July 29, 2025
BeforeSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, there was Super Mario 3D Land. This game takes the traditional 2D course-clear format and beautifully translates it into a 3D environment, striking a balance between linear platforming and light exploration.
The Tanooki Suit triumphantly returns from Super Mario Bros. 3, with the new Boomerang Flower letting you grab hard-to-reach items. The controls and level designs are as phenomenal as you’d expect, with surprisingly expansive post-game content that provides eight additional worlds after you beat Bowser. If there’s one 3DS Mario game you should play, it’s this one.
