The Nintendo Switch's popularity has given many games the opportunity to shine in ways they would not have not otherwise. Many WiiU ports, like Super Mario 3D World, or Pikmin 3 Deluxe, have enjoyed newfound success on Nintendo's hybrid handheld.
Nintendo seems to hope that that success also translates to 3DS ports as well, as Miitopia has received an HD facelift for its Nintendo Switch debut. The goofy RPG arrived on the 3DS just a few short months before the release of the Switch and was quickly overshadowed by it.
Now, Miitopia has a chance to find a new audience on Nintendo's uber popular system, and that made us think — what other 3DS titles could benefit from a Nintendo Switch remaster? We dug up our 3DS library to bring you our list of 3DS games that deserve an HD remaster.
Switch 3DS games: Metroid: Samus Returns
Metroid: Samus Returns is an exceptional remake of Samus' 1991 GameBoy adventure that unfortunately came out a few months after the launch of the Nintendo Switch. Samus hasn't had a mainline entry since 2010's Other M (and no, Federation Force doesn't count), so starving Metroid fans finally had a reason to cheer. The game's updated visuals and gameplay were praised by fans and critics, most people saw the game and thought "why isn't this on the Nintendo Switch?"
And why wasn't it? It really doesn't utilize the 3DS 3D features or second screen, and the updated art and graphics are just begging for an HD facelift. Metroid: Samus Returns is an excellent update to a long-lost gem and deserves to be played by as many people as possible. It would also serve as an excellent appetizer to Metroid Prime 4 — you know, whenever that releases.
Switch 3DS games: The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time/ Majora's Mask
The N64 Zelda games are considered some of the best games in their class. Back at the time of release, both Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask stunned audiences with their 3D swordplay, gorgeous graphics, and intricate puzzles and dungeons. It was something that gamers had never seen before, and it established the blueprint for 3D adventure titles, one that is still followed today.
Years after those original releases, we received two updated remasters of the legendary games, with improved visuals and some gameplay tweaks, particularly for Majora's Mask case, which had its save system improved, among other QoL improvements. I might be cheating just a little bit listing both of the games together, but both of these games would only benefit from the added power of the Nintendo Switch — and we could always use another excuse to revisit these classics.
Switch 3DS games: Kid Icarus Uprising
A true darling of the Nintendo 3DS, Kid Icarus Uprising was Nintendo's reboot of the NES series, heralded by Masahiro Sakurai, father of the Kirby series as well as a little game called Super Smash Bros. Kid Icarus Uprising puts players in control of Pit, the flightless servant of Palutena who ventures out to do battle with the Goddess of Darkness Medusa, and the source of her return, Hades.
While critics and fans praised the game's gameplay, music, graphics, and unique difficulty slider, the controls were subject to scrutiny. It relied on a combination of the control stick and the touchscreen for movement, and while it did work, it didn't always work well. A Nintendo Switch remaster could give the game the second thumbstick it always deserved, and it would make the charming on-rails shooter so much more fun to play.
Switch 3DS games: Monster Hunter Stories
Mainline Monster Hunter games have always found success on Nintendo's handhelds, but its spinoffs, well, that's another story (no pun intended). Monster Hunter Stories was an RPG that featured more turn-based battles and monster collecting that was more in line with Pokémon than your traditional Monster Hunter game.
Still, the game offered a unique story, fun characters, and a battle system that was rich enough to warrant the price of entry. Unfortunately, like Samus Returns, Monster Hunter Stories came out a little late in the 3DS life (one week before Samus Returns in North America!) and was quickly forgotten in the wake of the Nintendo Switch. With Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin on the way, it would be great to revisit this hidden gem on the Switch.
Switch 3DS games: Tomodachi Life
Ok, so hear me out — Tomodachi Life is a life simulation game where you put together a virtual dollhouse of Miis created to look exactly like you, your friends, enemies, famous people, and everyone in between and watch them as they, well, live their life. On paper, this is nonsense, but in practice, the weird Mii ant-farm is engaging, ridiculous, and very funny, even if the game itself is pretty barebones.
With Miitopia reigniting interested in the Miis (just look at some of outrageously good designs already on the internet!), it might be a good time to refresh Tomodachi Life. Updated visuals are a given, but improvements to the mini-games, as well as more scripted events, could help Tomodachi Life charm a whole new generation of players.
Switch 3DS games: Shin Megami Tensai IV
The Shin Megami Tensai series is known for delivering dark and brooding stories that usually involve a lot of angels and demons, and Shin Megami Tensai IV delivers on that front. Taking the role of a Samurai named Flynn, you're tasked with capturing the mysterious Black Samurai, but the pursuit leads to some startling (and demonic) revelations for Flynn and his friends. With unique monster designs, a dark story, and solid RPG mechanics, Shin Megami Tensai IV is one of the most unique RPGs on the system.
With Shin Megami Tensai III: Nocturne coming to the Nintendo Switch this month and Shin Megami Tensai V coming sometime later this year, bringing Shin Megami Tensai IV over from the 3DS would be another great way to indoctrinate gamers into the series.
Everything old is new again
The 3DS was one of the last dedicated handheld consoles made, and it was one the best. Its initial lineup may have been a little weak, but the 3DS punched well above its weight class, and outlasted many of its technologically superior contemporaries. Any of these games would be an great addition to the Nintendo Switch's excellent library. These ports would be great way to reintroduce some classics to new fans.
Are there any Nintendo 3DS games you'd like to replay on your Nintendo Switch? Let us know in the comments!
