Discontinued 3DS offers portability, but used prices challenge its value
The Nintendo 3DS remains an option for portable gaming enthusiasts in 2026, despite being discontinued and losing online services. The Nintendo Switch 2's recent price increase to $500 has prompted some to reconsider older alternatives, and the 3DS offers exceptional portability that most modern handheld devices cannot match. However, the device comes with significant drawbacks that potential buyers should carefully weigh before purchasing.
Used 3DS prices have inflated dramatically from their original launch prices—refurbished models now sell for around $250 at retailers like GameStop, compared to just $100 for used units years ago. This makes it a poor value proposition compared to a refurbished original Nintendo Switch at around $180. The 2023 closure of the 3DS eShop and 2024 shutdown of its online servers mean multiplayer features are unavailable, though community projects like Pretendo offer promising alternatives for modded devices. The 3DS remains unmatched in true pocket portability and durability thanks to its clamshell design, but prospective buyers may find better value in alternative devices.
- 3DS prices have tripled since launch; original Switch offers better value at $180.
- eShop and online services shut down; multiplayer no longer available without mods.
- Exceptional pocket portability and durability with community-driven server alternatives emerging.
New here? Start with this
The Nintendo 3DS is a portable gaming handheld that Nintendo released in 2011 but has since discontinued. It was popular for over a decade but has been superseded by the Nintendo Switch as Nintendo's primary portable gaming device.
Used 3DS devices have become significantly more expensive, with refurbished models now selling for around $250 despite being several years old and no longer officially supported. The device's digital shop closed in 2023 and online services shut down in 2024, leaving players unable to access multiplayer features or download new games through official systems. In comparison, a refurbished original Switch costs substantially less at around $180.
What distinguishes the 3DS from newer devices is its clamshell design—the screen folds for compact storage and protection—which provides genuine pocket portability that few modern handheld gaming devices can match. For those considering a used 3DS, the key question becomes whether this distinctive advantage justifies the elevated secondhand prices and lack of official online features.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The 3DS's clamshell portability and durability remain genuinely unmatched in the modern gaming market, offering pocket-sized gaming that no current device truly replicates. The extensive existing library provides years of entertainment, and community projects like Pretendo restore online functionality for those willing to engage, making the premium price justifiable for players who prioritise authentic handheld gaming above all else.
The case against
At £250 refurbished, the 3DS represents poor value when a refurbished Switch costs only £180 and offers superior graphics, processing power, and ongoing game support. With online services permanently shut down and the eShop closed, the device is effectively a legacy system with no future path, making the expense difficult to justify when other portable gaming options provide better long-term viability and cost efficiency for consumers.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Engadget as “Is a Nintendo 3DS still worth buying in 2026?”.