Nintendo 3DS Is Becoming More Expensive Than Ever, But Why?

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If you’ve been looking to buy a Nintendo 3DS lately, you’ve probably noticed prices have gone up quite a bit on resale markets. Before the Switch, the 3DS was Nintendo’s main portable gaming system. Over the years, several versions were released, including the 3DS XL, New 3DS XL, and 2DS. Although Nintendo stopped making the 3DS in 2020, many people still remember it fondly, and that’s one reason why these handhelds are still relatively expensive.

The price of a used Nintendo 3DS varies quite a bit depending on the model. You can generally find an original 3DS for around $150, with the larger 3DS XL costing about $200. The New 3DS XL is typically between $250 and $300. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, the standard 2DS usually sells for around $120, while the 2DS XL is typically $200 or more.

The price of a 3DS can increase dramatically, especially if you’re looking for a special or limited edition version. Handhelds themed after popular franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, or Metroid often sell for between $400 and $1000. If you find one still in its original packaging, it can be worth even more.

These are the highest average prices for 3DS handhelds we’ve seen since 2023. Interest in the system increased when Nintendo closed its online store for the 3DS that year. While prices dipped for a while after that, they rose sharply again in late 2025.

Why Are Nintendo 3DS Prices So High?

Honestly, I think the reason Nintendo 3DS prices are going up is all about the homebrew scene. It’s become super common to hack your 3DS and customize it however you want. But the big draw for a lot of people, myself included, is being able to download and play almost any 3DS or DS game without actually buying it. There are so many amazing, and now really expensive, games on those systems, and a lot of them you just can’t find anywhere else. It’s become a really popular way to replay those classics, and I think that’s driving up the demand – and the prices!

A lot of used Nintendo 3DS consoles on sites like eBay and Mercari have already been modified with custom software. These pre-hacked systems are selling quickly, indicating a strong demand in the resale market. As more people discover what the 3DS can do when modified, they’re increasingly turning to online marketplaces to purchase one.

Honestly, one of the biggest reasons I’m still so into the 3DS is the amazing game library. Especially the Pokémon games! They’re seriously getting more and more popular, and you can find copies for anywhere from fifty to two hundred dollars – or even more, depending on the game. A lot of Pokémon fans, myself included, haven’t been super happy with the newest games like Scarlet/Violet and Legends Z-A, so it’s really fun to revisit the older titles we all loved.

Will Nintendo 3DS Prices Go Down?

It’s uncertain if the price of Nintendo 3DS consoles will go down anytime soon. With almost 76 million units sold worldwide during its lifespan, there are still plenty of 3DS systems available. This relative abundance means prices probably won’t increase dramatically, unlike more rare consoles like the PlayStation Vita.

Over time, the 3DS will become increasingly scarce. As people who enjoyed playing 3DS games as kids now have disposable income, many may want to buy one again to relive those experiences. This demand should help keep 3DS consoles valuable for quite a while, even if prices occasionally fall.

The price of 3DS systems and games could drop if Nintendo releases more of its older titles on the Switch 2. This could happen through new versions of the games, updated remasters, complete remakes, or even by adding 3DS games to the Nintendo Switch Online service. However, even with these options, the 3DS would remain the only way to experience these games with the original 3D effect. This means 3DS handhelds will likely continue to be quite valuable and sell for high prices for a long time to come.

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2026-01-10 02:15