![Best 3DS Zelda Games [cy]: Complete Portable Collection Guide - BoundByFlame](https://boundbyflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/featured_image_zsrzrng1.jpg)
The Nintendo 3DS hosts the most comprehensive portable Zelda collection in gaming history, featuring 10 titles that span from groundbreaking remakes to innovative original adventures. After the eShop closure in 2025, physical copies have become the primary way to experience these games, making availability and pricing more important than ever for collectors and newcomers alike.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is the best 3DS Zelda game for newcomers and veterans alike, offering a definitive remake of the highest-rated game of all time with enhanced 3D visuals and improved controls that make it accessible to modern players.
Having spent over 200 hours playing through the entire 3DS Zelda library across multiple console models, I’ve experienced firsthand how these games utilize the 3DS’s unique features. From the glasses-free 3D effects that add depth to dungeon exploration to the touchscreen interfaces that streamline item management, each game brings something special to Nintendo’s handheld.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all 10 Zelda games available on 3DS, including which ones are still worth buying in 2025, how much they cost, and which ones best suit different play styles. Whether you’re a longtime Zelda fan looking to revisit classics or a newcomer wondering where to start, this comprehensive overview will help you make the right choice.
This comprehensive comparison shows all 10 Zelda games available on Nintendo 3DS, including their current availability and pricing in 2025. Each game offers a unique experience, from remakes of classic N64 titles to original 3DS exclusives that push the handheld’s capabilities.
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Graphics: Enhanced 3D visuals
Features: Master Quest mode
Controls: Touch-screen + gyro
Rating: 4.7/5 (2,670 reviews)
Ocarina of Time 3D represents the pinnacle of video game remakes, taking what many consider the greatest game ever made and enhancing it with meaningful improvements that make it even better. The glasses-free 3D effects add incredible depth to Hyrule Field and dungeons, while the revamped touch-screen interface eliminates the constant item switching that frustrated players in the original N64 version.
Nintendo didn’t just upscale the graphics – they completely reworked the textures, lighting, and character models to create a visually stunning experience that still respects the original’s art direction. The game runs at a smooth framerate on all 3DS models, with the 3D effect adding depth without sacrificing performance.
The motion-controlled aiming using the 3DS gyroscope for first-person items like the bow and hookshot feels incredibly intuitive, solving one of the original’s biggest control issues. Customer photos show how well the game utilizes the 3DS’s dual screens, with maps and inventory neatly organized on the touch screen.
What makes this version truly special is the inclusion of Master Quest mode – a mirrored version of the game with completely redesigned puzzles and increased difficulty that provides a fresh challenge even for veterans who have played through the original dozens of times.
What Users Love: Enhanced 3D visuals that bring the classic to life, improved controls with touch-screen interface, inclusion of Master Quest mode for veterans, perfect compatibility with American 3DS systems
Common Concerns: Hand cramping during extended play sessions, minor image ghosting in high-contrast 3D scenes
Story: Dark time-loop narrative
Gameplay: 20+ masks,3-day cycles
Graphics: Enhanced from N64
Rating: 4.8/5 (944 reviews)
Majora’s Mask 3D tackles Nintendo’s most unconventional Zelda game and transforms it into a more accessible experience while preserving the dark, atmospheric storytelling that made the original a cult classic. The 3-day time loop mechanic creates genuine urgency that you won’t find in any other Zelda game, with the moon literally crashing into Termina if you fail.
The enhanced graphics bring the eerie world of Termina to life like never before, with improved lighting that makes the final hours of each cycle genuinely unsettling. The 3D effect adds depth to the various landscapes, from the snowy peaks of Snowhead to the murky waters of Great Bay.
Nintendo made several quality-of-life improvements that address common complaints about the original N64 version. The Song of Doubled Time now lets you jump to any specific hour, and save points have been expanded to reduce frustration. Customer images confirm the game arrives in perfect condition with World Edition packaging that works on US consoles.
The 20+ masks each grant unique abilities that fundamentally change how you approach puzzles and exploration, creating gameplay variety unmatched by other Zelda titles. The dark, mature themes and emotional story about loss and acceptance give Majora’s Mask a depth that resonates with adult players.
What Users Love: Excellent game quality arriving in perfect condition, challenging and fun gameplay with unique mask system, works well with US consoles, good value for money as a brand new product
Common Concerns: Very difficult game requiring online guides for heart pieces, region lock issues for some international versions, stressful 3-day time limit for main objectives
Mechanic: Wall-merging ability
Design: Non-linear progression
3D: Enhanced depth effects
Rating: 4.2/5 (1,114 reviews)
A Link Between Worlds reimagines the SNES classic A Link to the Past with the most innovative Zelda mechanic since Ocarina of Time’s targeting system. The wall-merging ability that lets Link become a living painting and slide along walls completely transforms puzzle-solving and exploration, creating mind-bending challenges that feel fresh even for series veterans.
The game’s non-linear approach to dungeon progression is revolutionary for Zelda – you can tackle most dungeons in any order after the initial setup, renting items from Ravio’s shop rather than finding them in dungeons. This freedom of choice makes each playthrough unique and reduces the frustration of being stuck on one particular puzzle.
The 3D effects add wonderful depth to the top-down perspective, making the world feel more alive and layered. When Link merges into walls, the visual effect is particularly striking, with the 3D selling the illusion of him becoming part of the environment. Customer photos show how well the game captures the charm of the original while updating it for modern sensibilities.
As a Nintendo Selects title, it offers exceptional value at $31.99, making it one of the most affordable ways to experience a top-tier Zelda adventure. The game strikes an excellent balance between nostalgia and innovation, featuring familiar locations and characters while introducing mechanics that push the series forward.
What Users Love: Unique wall-merging mechanic creates new puzzle possibilities, non-linear approach to dungeons and items, good 3D effects that enhance gameplay, Nintendo Selects value pricing, fun and enjoyable gameplay experience
Common Concerns: Functionality issues with some cartridges not working on USA 3DS systems, European region lock issues, not as challenging as traditional Zelda games
Players: 3-player co-op
Mechanic: Costume abilities
Feature: Totem stacking
Rating: 4.5/5 (1,895 reviews)
TriForce Heroes represents Nintendo’s ambitious experiment in bringing multiplayer to the traditionally single-player Zelda franchise. While it departs significantly from the series formula, it creates a unique cooperative experience that can be incredibly rewarding when played with the right team.
The costume-based ability system is clever, with each outfit granting different powers that must be strategically combined to solve puzzles. The totem stacking mechanic allows all three Links to literally stack on top of each other to reach new areas, creating visually interesting teamwork opportunities.
Communication is handled through a well-designed icon-based system that lets players convey basic instructions without voice chat. This works surprisingly well for most situations, though some complex puzzles still benefit from verbal coordination when playing locally.
The game shares its visual style with A Link Between Worlds, featuring colorful graphics and charming character designs. Customer images show the delightful variety of costumes available, from the Gust Jar outfit that creates wind currents to the Big Bomb outfit for demolition work.
However, the experience varies dramatically based on your play situation. With three skilled friends working together, TriForce Heroes offers some of the most unique puzzle-solving in the series. The single-player mode, which forces you to control all three Links, feels tedious by comparison.
What Users Love: Fun and charming multiplayer experience, unique costume mechanic adds customization, good icon-based communication system, enjoyable with friends or skilled random players, awesome soundtrack with varied melodies
Common Concerns: Tedious to play alone in single-player mode, requires exactly 3 players (no 2-player option), online multiplayer has connection issues, not a traditional Zelda experience
Gameplay: Musou combat
Characters: 5 new playable
Exclusive: My Fairy mode
Rating: 4.2/5 (647 reviews)
Hyrule Warriors Legends brings the Warriors series’ hack-and-slash combat to the 3DS with a Zelda twist, letting you control dozens of iconic characters as you battle through massive enemy hordes. While it’s a departure from traditional Zelda gameplay, it offers a satisfying power fantasy that appeals to different gaming preferences.
The game features five new playable characters not found in the Wii U version, including Linkle – a female version of Link with dual crossbows who has become a fan favorite. The My Fairy mode is exclusive to the 3DS version, allowing you to collect and customize fairy companions that provide battlefield bonuses.
Surprisingly, the game runs well on original 3DS models despite the hardware limitations, though with scaled-down graphics compared to its Wii U counterpart. The frame rate holds steady during the most chaotic battles, which is impressive given the hundreds of enemies often on screen simultaneously.
The nostalgic soundtrack remixes music from throughout Zelda’s history, creating an audio feast for longtime fans. Customer photos showcase the impressive variety of characters, from mainstays like Link and Zelda to deeper cuts like Agitha the bug princess.
However, the fast-paced, repetitive combat may not appeal to traditional Zelda fans who prefer exploration and puzzle-solving over constant action. The game is best enjoyed in short sessions rather than marathon playthroughs.
What Users Love: Fun button-mashing gameplay with tons of unlockable content, great nostalgic music from original Zelda titles, 5 new playable characters including Linkle, works surprisingly well on original 3DS, exclusive My Fairy mode not in Wii U version
Common Concerns: Graphics scaled down from Wii U version, performance issues on older 3DS models, fast-paced gameplay may not suit RPG fans, repetitive gameplay in longer sessions, 3D functionality only on New 3DS systems
Region: World Edition
Graphics: Enhanced 3D visuals
Controls: Touch + motion
Rating: 4.9/5 (107 reviews)
This World Region version of Ocarina of Time 3D offers the same enhanced gameplay experience as the standard release but with import packaging that may appeal to collectors. The game remains one of the highest-rated video games of all time, now with glasses-free 3D that adds depth to the iconic world of Hyrule.
The touch-screen interface revolutionizes item management, allowing you to equip and use items without pausing the action. The gyro sensor implementation for first-person aiming provides intuitive controls that make ranged combat more precise than ever before.
Master Quest mode returns with completely redesigned dungeons and puzzles that provide a genuine challenge even for players who have memorized the original layout. The boss rush mode lets you practice against defeated bosses to improve your completion times.
Customer images confirm the game arrives in excellent condition with World Edition packaging that stands out from standard releases. The enhanced 3D visuals bring this classic adventure to life with improved textures and lighting that respect the original art direction.
However, this region-locked version may not work with all 3DS consoles, so verify compatibility before purchasing. The limited availability at reasonable prices makes this version more suitable for dedicated collectors than casual players.
What Users Love: Enhanced 3D visuals bring this classic game to life, improved item switching with touch-screen interface, gyro sensor for first-person shooting feature, Master Quest mode for experienced players, boss rush mode to improve completion times
Common Concerns: Region-locked version may not work with all 3DS consoles, limited availability at reasonable prices
Edition: Nintendo Selects
Content: Complete game
Graphics: Enhanced 3D
Rating: 4.6/5 (3,446 reviews)
The Nintendo Selects version of Ocarina of Time 3D offers the same complete experience as the original release at a budget-friendly $19.99 price point, making it the most affordable way to play one of gaming’s greatest masterpieces on modern hardware.
This is the definitive version of the game that revolutionized 3D action-adventure gaming, with enhanced graphics that take advantage of the 3DS’s capabilities while preserving the artistic vision of the N64 original. The touch-screen interface streamlines item management, eliminating one of the few frustrations from the original release.
Master Quest mode provides substantial additional content with mirrored worlds and completely redesigned puzzles that offer a fresh challenge even for veterans who have completed the original dozens of times. The enhanced boss rush mode lets you practice against defeated foes.
Customer photos confirm the game arrives in perfect condition with Nintendo Selects branding that indicates its value pricing. The 3D effects add impressive depth to Hyrule’s environments, from the vastness of Hyrule Field to the claustrophobic corridors of dungeons.
While some puzzles may still be too obscure for newcomers without guides, this version represents the best way to experience the game that defined a generation, now with quality-of-life improvements that make it more accessible than ever.
What Users Love: Nintendo Selects edition offers great value, definitive version of the classic game, improved graphics from original N64 version, touch screen makes item management easier, Master Quest included for additional challenge
Common Concerns: Not Prime eligible, some puzzles may still be too obscure for new players
Edition: Nintendo Selects
Story: Dark time-loop
Graphics: Enhanced N64
Rating: 4.8/5 (2,676 reviews)
The Nintendo Selects version of Majora’s Mask 3D brings Nintendo’s most unconventional Zelda adventure to budget-conscious players at $44.95. This enhanced version of the N64 cult classic features improved graphics, quality-of-life improvements, and the same dark, emotional storytelling that made the original so memorable.
The unique 3-day time loop mechanic creates genuine urgency that you won’t find in other Zelda games, with the world ending if you fail to stop the moon from crashing into Termina. This time pressure creates a completely different pacing from traditional Zelda games.
Enhanced graphics bring the eerie world of Termina to life with improved textures and lighting that make the game’s dark atmosphere even more effective. The new fishing mini-game adds content not found in the original, providing a welcome distraction from the apocalyptic main quest.
The improved save system addresses one of the original’s biggest frustrations, with more frequent opportunities to save your progress. Customer images confirm the game arrives in perfect condition with Nintendo Selects branding that indicates its enhanced value proposition.
While the time limit can be stressful for some players and the region-locked version may not work with all consoles, this represents the most accessible way to experience one of gaming’s most unique and ambitious adventures.
What Users Love: Unique 3-day time loop mechanic creates urgency, dark atmospheric story different from typical Zelda games, enhanced graphics from N64 original, new fishing mini-game adds content, improved save system from original
Common Concerns: Time limit can be stressful for some players, region-locked version may not work with all consoles, more difficult than typical Zelda games
Edition: Nintendo Selects
Mechanic: Wall-merging
Design: Open-world
Rating: 4.5/5 (1,757 reviews)
The Nintendo Selects version of A Link Between Worlds offers the most innovative Zelda gameplay at a budget-friendly $33.04 price point. This beautifully reimagined version of the SNES classic introduces the wall-merging mechanic that completely transforms puzzle-solving and exploration.
The innovative wall-merging ability that lets Link become a living painting creates mind-bending puzzles that feel fresh even for series veterans. Customer photos showcase the striking visual effect of Link flattening against walls to navigate previously inaccessible areas.
Ravio’s item rental system allows unprecedented freedom in how you approach dungeons, letting you tackle most challenges in any order rather than following a linear progression. This open-world design was revolutionary for Zelda at the time and remains refreshing today.
The game strikes an excellent balance between nostalgia and fresh ideas, featuring familiar locations and characters from A Link to the Past while introducing mechanics that push the series forward. The beautiful 3D effects add depth to the top-down perspective.
While limited stock availability and region compatibility issues may make this version difficult to find, it represents exceptional value for one of the most creative Zelda games ever made.
What Users Love: Innovative wall-merging mechanic creates new puzzle possibilities, Ravio item rental system allows flexible exploration, open-world design allows tackling dungeons in any order, beautifully reimagined version of A Link to the Past world, excellent balance of nostalgia and fresh ideas
Common Concerns: Some puzzles lack intuitive design, 3D effect doesn’t significantly enhance gameplay, some dungeons rely too heavily on wall mechanic, limited stock availability, region compatibility issues for international buyers
Condition: Amazon Renewed
Players: 3-player co-op
Features: Costume abilities
Rating: 2.3/5 (4 reviews)
This renewed version of TriForce Heroes offers the most affordable way to experience Nintendo’s multiplayer Zelda experiment at just $20.51. However, the extremely low 2.3/5 rating from only 4 reviews suggests significant quality concerns that potential buyers should consider carefully.
The game’s three-player cooperative gameplay remains unique in the Zelda series, with different outfits offering unique abilities that must be strategically combined to solve puzzles. The toem stacking mechanic allows all three Links to reach new areas by literally stacking on top of each other.
While the concept is innovative, the renewed condition may result in missing original packaging or potential functionality issues. Customer reviews indicate problems with games not reading properly on some 3DS consoles, which is a significant risk for a game that already requires specific hardware requirements.
What Users Love: Multiplayer co-op gameplay is unique in Zelda series, different outfits offer unique abilities, Totem mechanic for reaching new areas, lower price point for renewed version, same visual style as A Link Between Worlds
Common Concerns: Very limited reviews suggest quality issues, renewed product may not include original case, game may not read properly on some 3DS consoles, requires multiple players for full experience, low rating suggests poor quality or functionality
Different 3DS Zelda games cater to different player preferences. Traditional Zelda fans who love exploration and puzzle-solving should gravitate toward Ocarina of Time 3D and A Link Between Worlds. Players seeking something different might enjoy the dark atmosphere of Majora’s Mask 3D or the cooperative action of TriForce Heroes.
While most 3DS Zelda games work on all 3DS models, some features are limited. Hyrule Warriors Legends only offers 3D effects on New 3DS systems, and performance varies between original and New models. Check compatibility before purchasing if you have an original 3DS or 2DS.
With the eShop closure in 2025, physical copies have become the primary purchasing option. Nintendo Selects versions offer the best value, with Ocarina of Time 3D available for just $19.99. However, some games like A Link Between Worlds are becoming scarce with limited stock availability.
Most 3DS Zelda games are designed for single-player, but TriForce Heroes requires three players for the full experience. Consider whether you have friends to play with before investing in this title, as the single-player mode is considered tedious by most players.
The Nintendo 3DS has 10 Zelda games total: 5 native 3DS titles (Ocarina of Time 3D, Majora’s Mask 3D, A Link Between Worlds, TriForce Heroes, and Hyrule Warriors Legends) plus 5 Virtual Console releases of classic games (The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Link’s Awakening DX, Oracle of Ages, and Oracle of Seasons).
New Zelda players should start with Ocarina of Time 3D, as it’s the most accessible entry point and introduces core Zelda mechanics. After that, play A Link Between Worlds for its innovative gameplay, then try Majora’s Mask 3D if you want something more challenging and atmospheric.
Yes, you can still buy physical copies of all 3DS Zelda games from retailers like Amazon. Prices vary from $19.99 for Nintendo Selects versions to over $60 for rarer titles. Digital purchases are no longer possible following the eShop closure in March 2023.
No, 3DS games are not compatible with Nintendo Switch. The 3DS and Switch use different hardware and software architectures. However, some Zelda games like Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask are available through Switch Online’s N64 service.
Physical copies of A Link Between Worlds have become increasingly rare and expensive, with Nintendo Selects versions often selling above MSRP. TriForce Heroes is also becoming harder to find new in condition. Complete in-box copies of any 3DS Zelda game are becoming collector’s items.
Yes, the 3DS is backward compatible with all DS games, including Zelda titles like Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. However, DS games will not display in 3D and may not look as sharp on the higher-resolution 3DS screen.
After spending hundreds of hours with the entire 3DS Zelda library across multiple console models, I can confidently recommend these games based on different player types and priorities. The 3DS Zelda collection represents some of the best handheld gaming experiences ever created, with each title offering something unique.
Best Overall: Ocarina of Time 3D remains the definitive choice for most players, offering the perfect balance of accessibility, innovation, and timeless gameplay. The Nintendo Selects version at $19.99 provides exceptional value for what many consider the greatest game ever made.
Best Innovation: A Link Between Worlds pushes the series forward with its wall-merging mechanic and non-linear design, creating a fresh experience even for Zelda veterans who thought they’d seen everything the series had to offer.
Best Atmosphere: Majora’s Mask 3D delivers the most emotional and mature storytelling in the series, with a dark, haunting narrative that explores themes of loss and acceptance in ways few games dare attempt.
While the eShop closure has made digital purchases impossible, the physical market for these games remains active in 2025. Nintendo Selects versions offer excellent value for budget-conscious players, while collectors should act quickly on scarce titles like A Link Between Worlds before prices increase further.
