The prices of Nintendo 3DS consoles have skyrocketed by 2025, with some versions of the popular handheld costing just under $400. Going prices for some used Nintendo 3DS consoles have surpassed the Nintendo Switch.
Originally released in early 2011, the Nintendo 3DS was the successor to the Nintendo DS family of systems and included backward compatibility with most of the latter's vast game library. True to its name, the 3DS had stereoscopic 3D as one of its core features, which could be adjusted to different depths using a slider on the right side of the top screen. The 3DS also included a new Circle Pad that functioned as an analog joystick in most games. The 3DS was initially priced at $250, although poor sales and initial criticism about its features prompted Nintendo to lower its MSRP to $170. The 3DS received a few changes, including the $199 New Nintendo 3DS XL, throughout its lifespan. The 3DS eventually went on to sell around 75.9 million units worldwide across its various iterations.
Used Nintendo 3DS prices are rising fast
Although the 3DS was discontinued in 2021 after a decade of support, the resale market for Nintendo's handheld has quickly soared past its original MSRP. Twitter user Pirat Nation stated that prices for new Nintendo 3DS XL consoles in particular can vary between $200 and $350 depending on system condition. While this puts the 3DS system lineup within striking distance of the Switch 2, the 3DS is still a cheaper console overall. Access to the Nintendo eShop and other online features were removed from the 3DS in April 2024, but it can still play physical games and retains its backwards compatibility with Nintendo DS titles.
To put the 3DS price increase into perspective, the current price of a new Nintendo Switch console is currently $340. In August 2025, Nintendo raised the MSRP of the original Switch console from $299 to $340 due to the US government's tariffs on various goods from countries such as China and Vietnam. As of this writing, GameStop's inventory of refurbished New Nintendo 3DS XL systems is $379. The price also applies to special New 3DS XL kits that were sold with special exterior designs, with games such as Pokemon sun and moon, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3Dand Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate each gets a console shell. While this makes some versions of the 3DS cost more than a new Nintendo Switch system, it still falls below the Switch 2's $450 price tag.
What makes the Nintendo 3DS so popular with fans?
The main reason the 3DS is still popular is probably because of its extensive library of high-quality exclusive games, but there are other reasons as well. Although Nintendo has long since pulled support for the 3DS, the system continues to be a popular device for modders looking to get some extra use out of it. For example, modded 3DS consoles can be used to run games and apps that wouldn't normally be possible. Earlier in 2025, a player showed how the Moonlight game streaming app could be used to play Assassin's Creed Shadows on a 3DS, even if the game itself is managed via a separate console or a PC. While this comes with some compromises, the potential of modified 3DS consoles continues to grow over time.
Also, some 3DS titles have gained value over time due to their rarity, with the double pack included Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire brings an estimated price of $1,169, more than three times the current price of a new Nintendo 3DS XL system. While the Switch 2 still remains Nintendo's hottest commodity in 2026, the 3DS still holds a lot of power in many gamers' hearts and wallets.
Sources: Time Extension, Tom's Hardware
