9 Rarest 3DS Games Ever Released

Nintendo released the 3DS in 2011, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable handheld game consoles. Sadly, Nintendo ended the production of the 3DS in 2020. However, the Nintendo eShop remained operational until March 27, 2023.

The Nintendo 3DS had a good run. Throughout its more than nine years of production, developers have released almost 1,500 3DS games. That’s a huge library that most gamers would like to have. 

Of course, not all 3DS games are easy to obtain. There are rare 3DS games that are just difficult to find. With increased demand and low supply, rare 3DS games have become an obsession among die-hard gamers.

You might be one of those people who want to collect rare 3DS games. Or perhaps, you want to know more about them. Whatever the reason, you’ll surely love our list of the 8 rarest 3DS games in the world.

8. Heavy Fire: The Chosen Few

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Heavy Fire: The Chosen Few is a great game many players love. This game is rare because it is primarily available in eShop for the Nintendo 3DS. It took a few years for it to be available in physical copies. As a result, it is highly sought by die-hard fans and gamers.

Did you know?

Heavy Fire first appeared in WiiWare. The publisher then made the game available on Nintendo 3DS, Heavy Fire: Black Arms 3D. The Publisher retitled the 3DS version to Heavy Fire: The Chosen Few.

7. Metal Gear Solid 3D

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You probably have played or heard about Metal Gear. It has a lot of different versions on various platforms. Metal Gear Solid 3D is one specifically made for the Nintendo 3DS.

The publisher released the game in 2004; thus, it is no wonder it is difficult to find today. Twenty years ago, this game captivated thousands of players, and now, some might want to relive the action and adventure of Snake, the protagonist. Unfortunately, the game is hard to come by. With increased demand and less supply, you would not commonly find it in stores.

6. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

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The Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King came out in 2004, after about three years of 3DS lifespan. As you can imagine, this is truly an old game already. The age of the game contributed to its rarity.

It is now challenging to find Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. They are no longer available in physical stores, and you would need help finding them online, such as Amazon or eBay.

Dragon Quest VIII is the first game in the series to feature 3D graphics. The game is about you as the player as you quest to defeat the evil Dhoulmagus.

5. Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

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There were six Shin Megami games published for the 3DS console. The Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse has become the rarest among these six.

Most players might have yet to hear about Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse. It is a spin-off game of the original. Since it’s a spin-off, most people might not have given it much attention. As a result, there was no substantial demand for the game during its release.

Nevertheless, the game has impressed many people who have played it. The game has received a lot of positive reviews. This has led many to look for Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse. The game became rare and expensive since a few copies remained in stores.

Did you know?

During the game, the player controls Nanashi, a demon hunter. The game’s setting is post-apocalyptic Tokyo combined with the Kingdom Mikado.

4. Guide Louver

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Guide Louver is technically not a game, but rather it’s a Nintendo 3DS application. The developer created the app as a virtual guide for people visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Initially, Guide Louvre was released via the Nintendo eShop. Later, the developer released a European version that comes with physical copies.

The game or app became rare because the publisher didn’t widely promote it. Since the game is focused on guiding people through the Louvre Museum, there wasn’t a huge market.

The Guide Louvre promises its users they can experience the Louvre Museum from the comfort of their homes. The tour within the app comes in 3D, so it is dramatically immersive and intuitive.

3. Alien Chaos 3D

Image source: Nintendo Life

Coming into the number 3 spot is the Alien Chaos 3D. The overall gameplay is like that of the game Metal Slug.

There are different reasons the game became rare. For one, there was low demand and limited physical release. Critics gave mixed reviews. Some people love how the game is full of action, while others criticize the game’s repetitive gameplay and uninspiring graphics. Consequently, Alien Chaos 3D did not sell well.

Alien Chaos 3D is one of the cheaper titles on the eShop, but you can’t deny that it’s packed with action. During the game, you take on the role of Really Shooter. He is a guy who fights evil aliens with his Mama.

Did you know?

Despite having “3D” in its title, Alien Chaos 3D is a 2D shooting game. The game was primarily released through Nintendo’s eShop since it was developed independently.

2. Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups

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Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups is one of the rarest games in 3DS, not because it is popular. Quite the opposite, the game had low demand and was immediately pulled out from store shelves.

Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups is rare due to its limited release and low demand. Critics generally criticized its simplistic gameplay and lack of depth, leading to few copies being produced and limited distribution.

Additionally, it was released early in the 3DS console’s lifespan before widespread popularity had emerged, thus further restricting production and making this game hard to come by for collectors.

In the game, players take on the role of Barbie and run their own grooming business, taking care of various breeds of puppies. Players must bathe, groom and train the puppies to compete in multiple dog shows. Furthermore, there are various customization options to create unique salons and outfits.

1. Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: Red Cat Corps and Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: White Dog Squad

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Yo-Kai Watch Blasters is the rarest 3DS game in the world. Level-5, the developer of this game, created two versions: the Red Cat Corps and the White Dog Squad.

What’s interesting about the game is that there are no human characters. Instead, players control yokai, a Japanese term referring to supernatural entities and spirits.

The Yo-kai Watch Blasters game wasn’t that popular during its release. As a result, there was a low demand for the game, leading to the low production of its copies. Aside from that, Nintendo released the game in 2018, just a few years before Nintendo discontinued 3DS.

All of these contributed to the rarity of Yo-Kai Watch Blasters. Today, the price range of this game may be around $130 to $160.

Did you know?

Yo-Kai Watch Blasters is a spin-off series within the Yo-kai Watch franchise, which began as a role-playing game for the Nintendo 3DS.