Engadget's October 2026 assessment of the Nintendo 3DS finds a market where nostalgia and Switch 2 pricing have pushed used handheld prices up sharply. A refurbished 3DS at GameStop now commonly sells for $250, and XL models cost more, while a refurbished original Switch goes for about $180. That makes the newer console the better deal on price alone, according to the report.
The source notes that the 3DS line also lost its eShop in 2023 and its online servers in 2024, so buyers are limited to physical games and lose multiplayer and Miiverse. Some titles are still cheap, but others, including the Yokai Watch series and Dragon Quest VIII, sell for well above launch prices.
Still, Engadget argues the 3DS has genuine strengths: pocket-sized portability, a durable clamshell design, and a library of games that can be expanded through easy modding. Community projects like Pretendo aim to restore online functionality, and emulation software can replace the closed eShop for older titles. The article ultimately frames the 3DS as a niche pick for nostalgic players, not a practical alternative for most buyers.