Prices Nintendo 3DS consoles have skyrocketed in 2025, with some versions of the popular handheld going for less than $400. The going rates of some pre-owned 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 extensive 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 featured a new Circle Pad that functioned as an analog joystick in most games. The 3DS was originally priced at $250, though poor sales and initial criticism of its features led Nintendo to lower the MSRP to $170. The 3DS received several revisions, including the $199 New Nintendo 3DS XL, throughout its lifespan. The 3DS ultimately sold around 75.9 million units worldwide in its various iterations.
Used Nintendo 3DS prices are rising rapidly
Although the 3DS was discontinued in 2021 after ten years of support, the resale market for Nintendo's handheld quickly surpassed its initial MSRP. Twitter user Pirat Nation reported that prices for New Nintendo 3DS XL consoles in particular can range between $200 and $350 depending on system condition. While this puts the 3DS system line within striking distance of the Switch 2, the 3DS is still a cheaper console overall. Access to the Nintendo eShop and other online features was removed from the 3DS in April 2024, but it can still play physical games and maintains backward compatibility with Nintendo DS titles.
To put the 3DS price increase into perspective, the current price of the 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 US government tariffs on various goods from countries such as China and Vietnam. At the time of writing, stock of refurbished New Nintendo 3DS XL systems from GameStop will cost $379. The price also applies to special New 3DS XL bundles that were sold with special exterior designs, with games like Pokemon Sun and Moon, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3Dand Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate everyone will receive a console skin. While that makes some versions of the 3DS cost more than the new Nintendo Switch system, it still falls short of the Switch's $2,450 price tag.
Why is the Nintendo 3DS so popular with fans?
The main reason why the 3DS is still popular is probably its extensive library of high-quality exclusive games, but there are other reasons as well. Although Nintendo has long since withdrawn support for the 3DS, the system remains a popular device for modders looking to get some extra use out of it. For example, modified 3DS consoles can be used to run games and applications that would not normally be possible. Earlier in 2025, a player showed how the Moonlight game streaming app can be used to play Assassin's Creed Shadows on the 3DS, although the game itself is controlled via a separate console or PC. While this comes with some trade-offs, the potential of modified 3DS consoles continues to grow over time.
Additionally, some 3DS titles have gained value over time due to their rarity, thanks to double-packs Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire an estimated price of $1,169, triple the current price of the New Nintendo 3DS XL system. While the Switch 2 still remains Nintendo's hottest commodity until 2026, the 3DS still holds a lot in the hearts and wallets of many gamers.
Sources: Time Extension, Tom's Hardware
