Engadget Weighs Whether the Nintendo 3DS Is Still Worth Buying in 2026

For existing Nintendo fans who were thinking about a Switch 2, viewing the 3DS as a possible alternative makes sense, according to Engadget. The outlet's writer recently picked up an old 3DS XL again and found a range of value years after the device's lifespan. For first-time buyers, however, there are clear drawbacks.

The biggest drawback is price. Engadget reported that the 3DS line now sells for significantly more than at launch. A used 3DS used to be findable for around $100; now a refurbished unit at GameStop commonly sells for $250, and an XL costs even more. By comparison, a refurbished original Nintendo Switch currently sells for about $180, making the newer console the better deal depending on what a buyer wants. Some 3DS titles are also available on Switch through ports or remakes, so the right choice partly depends on which games the buyer wants to play. For the absolute lowest cost, Engadget noted alternatives from companies such as Anbernic, which makes DS-esque portable emulators for $95. Those are limited to DS and earlier emulation, not 3DS, but are a good option for catching up on older portable libraries.

The 2023 shutdown of the 3DS eShop and the 2024 closure of its online servers have left the device in a rough spot, Engadget reported. Players lose multiplayer sessions and Miiverse. StreetPass still works because it does not rely on Nintendo servers, but it is not much use without other 3DS users nearby. Buyers are also largely relegated to physical copies. Some 3DS games can still be found at reasonable prices, but others, including the Yokai Watch series and Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, sell for significantly more than at launch.

The 3DS remains arguably the most portable mainstream gaming device since the original DS, according to Engadget. The Nintendo Switch line and newcomers such as the Xbox ROG Ally are portable, but they are not compact enough to slide into a pocket or purse. Engadget's writer, who travels a lot on the subway, said being able to put the 3DS into a jacket pocket instead of needing a tote or backpack has helped. The device is also durable. Its clamshell design works like built-in armor, and basic repairs such as replacing the circle pad or shell can be done easily.

Although the eShop and online services are gone, Engadget pointed to community-driven fixes. Pretendo is a long-standing project that aims to replace the servers for both the Wii U and 3DS; not all games are up and running with the service yet, but it is a promising alternative. It requires modding to use, and the 3DS is one of the most easily moddable consoles, requiring nothing more than an SD card. Modding can also allow access to a load of games, 3DS or otherwise, through emulation software, which makes the lack of an eShop much less pressing.

That does not mean the latest Switch games will run on a 3DS, Engadget said. For anyone looking for a nostalgic catalog, however, it can be a solid option. The emulated library and the 3DS interface are a blast from the past. Unlike current-day consoles, the 3DS is solely designed for gaming and has classic Nintendo charm. It has no distracting notifications or ads, making it suitable for anyone who wants to unplug from everything but the game itself.

Editor's Summary Engadget's October 3, 2026, report says the Nintendo 3DS remains a strong portable option for fans because of its compact design, durability, modding community and game catalog. First-time buyers face higher used prices, closed online services and costly physical games, while a refurbished Switch or cheaper emulation devices may offer better value. The 3DS is therefore best suited to players seeking a nostalgic, focused gaming device rather than the latest titles.