price Nintendo 3DS Consoles are skyrocketing in 2025, with some versions of the popular handheld gaming console selling for less than $400. The sales pace of some used Nintendo 3DS consoles has surpassed that of the Nintendo Switch.
Originally released in early 2011, the Nintendo 3DS was the successor to the Nintendo DS family of systems and included backwards compatibility with most of the latter's extensive game library. True to its name, one of the key features of the 3DS was stereoscopic 3D, which could be adjusted to varying depths using a slider on the right side of the top screen. The 3DS also includes a new Circle Pad that acts like an analog joystick in most games. The 3DS was initially priced at $250, but poor sales and initial criticism of its features led Nintendo to lower the MSRP to $170. The 3DS received several revisions throughout its lifespan, including the $199 New Nintendo 3DS XL. The 3DS eventually sold approximately 75.9 million units worldwide in various iterations.
Used Nintendo 3DS prices are rising fast
Although the 3DS was discontinued in 2021 after a decade of support, the Nintendo handheld resale market quickly surged past its initial MSRP. Twitter user Pirat Nation specifically stated that the New Nintendo 3DS XL console costs between $200 and $350, depending on the condition of the system. This puts the 3DS system lineup within striking distance of the Switch 2, but the 3DS is still the cheaper console overall. Access to the Nintendo eShop and other online features will be removed from the 3DS in April 2024, but you can still play physical games and maintain backward compatibility with Nintendo DS titles.
Taking into account the 3DS price surge, the new Nintendo Switch console is currently priced at $340. In August 2025, Nintendo raised the MSRP of the original Switch console from $299 to $340 due to the U.S. government's tariffs on various goods from countries such as China and Vietnam. As of this writing, GameStop has a refurbished New Nintendo 3DS XL system in stock for $379. Price also applies to special New 3DS XL kits sold with special external patterns along with the following games: Pokemon Sun and Moon, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3Dand Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Each receives a console skin. This makes some 3DS versions more expensive than the new Nintendo Switch system, but still falls short of the Switch 2's $450 price tag.
Why is Nintendo 3DS so popular among fans?
The main reason the 3DS remains popular is likely due to its extensive library of high-quality exclusive games, but there are other reasons as well. Although Nintendo has long since discontinued support for the 3DS, the system continues to be a popular device for modders looking for additional leverage. For example, you can utilize a modified 3DS console to run games and apps that normally wouldn't be possible. In early 2025, a gamer demonstrated how to play using the Moonlight game streaming app. Assassin's Creed Shadow On the 3DS, the actual game itself is handled via a separate console or PC. This comes with some compromises, but the potential of the revised 3DS console continues to grow over time.
Additionally, some 3DS titles have gained value over time due to their rarity due to dual packs. Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire The expected price is $1,169, which is more than three times the current price of the New Nintendo 3DS XL system. The Switch 2 remains Nintendo's hottest product in 2026, but the 3DS still holds a lot of sway over the hearts and wallets of many gamers.
Source: Extended Hours, Tom's Hardware
